Five-year Combined BA/MPP for TCNJ Students

What is an MPP and who is it for?

The Master of Public Policy provides specialized training in the policy-making process, specific policy areas (health, education, crime, energy, land use, the environment and sustainability, and social policy, among others), methodology and applied policy research, and public management. The MPP is designed for those interested in careers in policy research and management working in government, non-profit organizations, advocacy and lobbying groups, consulting, government relations, and management positions in the private sector.

What are the distinctive features of the TCNJ MPP program?

The mission of the TCNJ MPP program is to equip students to be effective policy analysts, researchers, advocates, and managers by providing high-quality methodological training, individualized and group research opportunities, and interdisciplinary public policy expertise. The MPP seeks to serve the public interest in the Trenton-Mercer area, the state of New Jersey, and the Mid-Atlantic region through its teaching and applied research. The program is designed to create flexible, well-trained, generalist public policy experts who can succeed in careers in a range of policy areas through universal, high-quality methodology and data analysis training and a required master’s thesis. Substantively, the program capitalizes on our proximity to Trenton, the New Jersey State Capitol, and numerous state agencies in the Ewing/Trenton area by focusing on state and local public policy and governance challenges facing NJ and the Mid-Atlantic region.

How long would it take to get an MPP?

The program is offered in three modes: a five-year accelerated combined BA/MPP program available for current students, a stand-alone (18-month to two-year) traditional master’s degree, and a flexible, part-time program for those working full-time while pursuing their graduate degree.

The five-year program is particularly attractive because current TCNJ students can double-count graduate courses toward their undergraduate degree, saving substantial money and time!

How do TCNJ students apply?

The application deadline for the 5-Year Combined BA/MPP and Public Policy certificate programs is April 1, 2023 for priority consideration. Online application and all supplemental documents must be submitted to the Admission Committee of the Political Science Department via the links below.

The 5-Year Combined BA/MPP application requires a resume or CV, unofficial transcript, the names of two TCNJ academic references, a personal essay, and writing sample. The one to two-page personal essay should describe your academic and career objectives and how participation in the TCNJ Master of Public Policy program will advance your personal and professional goals. The brief writing sample (3-5 pages) should give the admission committee a good sense of your academic and professional writing ability. The writing sample can be a from work you have submitted for a previous course or for a policy-related job or internship. Submitting a portion of a longer written work is acceptable.

The Public Policy certificate application requires an unofficial transcript, the names of two TCNJ academic references, and a one to two-page personal essay which should describe your academic and career objectives and how participation in the Public Policy Graduate Certificate program will advance your personal and professional goals.

Click here to apply for the 5 Year Combined BA/MPP.

Click here to apply for the Public Policy Graduate Certificate.

What courses are offered in Fall 2024?

Please see the list below for the fall 2024 course offerings. If you meet the course requirements (24 or more completed units and a 3.0 GPA or better) and would like to enroll in one or two courses, please complete this form. The Political Science Department will register you for the class.

Other questions?

Please contact Dr. Bowen to answer other questions about the TCNJ MPP and certificate programs.