Master of Science in Public Policy
The Master of Science in Public Policy is designed for students with strong analytical backgrounds, such as those received in engineering, natural science, or an analytically oriented social science or humanities curriculum. Graduate studies in public policy focus on areas in which either the consequences of scientific and technological activity have significant public policy implications, or technical and scientific information is a significant input to the policy-making process. Current areas of specialization for the School include science and technology policy, environmental and energy policy, information and telecommunication policy, and regional economic development policy.
The Master of Science in Public Policy program requires a core curriculum consisting of five substantive elements:
- policy and organizational analysis;
- ethics, philosophy, and public policy;
- economics and public finance;
- methods of analysis, including quantitative analysis and research design; and
- a capstone course in public policy analysis.
In addition to elective courses in the School of Public Policy, students may develop their own programs of study by taking courses in other Georgia Tech schools, including those in the Ivan Allen College and the Colleges of Architecture, Management, Sciences, and Engineering. A summer internship, work experience, or co-op assignment between the first and second years offers students insight into a research or professional setting related to their career interests.
In general, it is expected that students planning to enter employment upon completing the degree will choose the paper or project option, while students planning to continue their graduate work will choose the thesis option.
Non-thesis (Paper or Project) Option
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses 1 | ||
| PUBP 6001 | Introduction to Public Policy | 1 |
| PUBP 6010 | Ethics, Epistemology, and Public Policy | 3 |
| PUBP 6012 | Fundamentals of Policy Processes | 3 |
| PUBP 6112 | Research Design in Policy Science | 3 |
| PUBP 6114 | Applied Policy Methods and Data Analysis | 3 |
| PUBP 6116 | Microeconomics for Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PUBP 6118 | Public Finance Policy | 3 |
| PUBP 6201 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Organization Theory | ||
| Public Management | ||
| Policy Implementation and Administration | ||
| PUBP 6801 | Research Paper | 3 |
| Concentration (Advisor Approved) 2 | 18 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 46 | |
- 1
A grade of B or higher is required.
- 2
Students are encouraged to pursue one or more concentrations. A concentration consists of at least three 3-credit hour courses, of which at least one is the School of Public Policy. Students can pursue concentrations within groups already developed by the faculty (see above). Or, students can pursue an individualized concentration, with the written approval of the proposed concentration program of study by their advisor.
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses 1 | ||
| PUBP 6001 | Introduction to Public Policy | 1 |
| PUBP 6010 | Ethics, Epistemology, and Public Policy | 3 |
| PUBP 6012 | Fundamentals of Policy Processes | 3 |
| PUBP 6112 | Research Design in Policy Science | 3 |
| PUBP 6114 | Applied Policy Methods and Data Analysis | 3 |
| PUBP 6116 | Microeconomics for Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PUBP 6118 | Public Finance Policy | 3 |
| PUBP 6201 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Organization Theory | ||
| Public Management | ||
| Policy Implementation and Administration | ||
| Concentration (Advisor Approved) 2 | 12 | |
| Thesis Hours | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 46 | |
- 1
A grade of B or higher is required.
- 2
Students are encouraged to pursue one or more concentrations. A concentration consists of at least three 3-credit hour courses, of which at least one is the School of Public Policy. Students can pursue concentrations within groups already developed by the faculty (see above). Or, students can pursue an individualized concentration, with the written approval of the proposed concentration program of study by their advisor.
BS/MS Option (Public Policy)
Students completing both a bachelor’s and master’s in public policy at Georgia Tech may use up to six credit hours of graduate-level coursework in the major discipline for both degrees. Students still must complete all other course requirements for both degrees.
Students will work with advisors on selecting which 6 hours will share between the undergraduate and graduate degrees. These courses will be noted in DegreeWorks on the graduate record.
Master of City and Regional Planning and Master of Science in Public Policy
The degree programs in Public Policy and City and Regional Planning prepares students for policy analysis and planning work at the national, state, and local levels. Graduates work in public, private, and non-profit settings building on the complementary perspectives and skills of the two professions.
In addition to providing interdisciplinary professional training, the dual degree also provides the opportunity to step toward Ph.D. programs in either Public Policy or Planning with an emphasis on Urban, Environmental, or Economic Development Policy.
All students must complete a minimum combined requirement of 75 credit hours for the dual degree program. Students receive both degrees.
Click here for more information about the MCRP/MSPUBP Option