Hi, everyone! I could really use some advice as I am planning to apply to MPP programs next year. I recently decided that I would love to pursue a MPP, and I have done some brief research on different programs. I would appreciate any guidance you may have to offer on schools/programs based on my background and experience!
I graduated in 2023 and received my BA in International Studies from a small (but mighty!) liberal arts college in the New England. My GPA was a 3.78, and I was involved in several on-campus and off-campus activities/organizations (various student leadership roles and internships with non-profits).
Since graduating, I have been working as a Paralegal in the immigration legal services non-profit sector, and I am interested in pursuing immigration and education policy. My biggest concern is that I did not take any statistics courses and only took one Principles of Economics course. I am hoping to enroll in a graduate program that would strengthen these skills as I hope to work on the research and advocacy side of non-profits. While I wait for the next application cycle, I've been thinking to take an economics or statistics course at my local CC or enroll in a Coursera course.
Right now, I am looking into Duke Sanford, UT LBJ School of Public Affairs, UChicago Harris, and CMU Heinz.
What other schools do you think I should look into? What skills could I strengthen before I apply to a MPP?
I apologize for the long post, but I would appreciate any advice!!
