The Master of Arts in Public Policy (M.A.P.P.)
OVERVIEW
Stony Brook University's Master of Arts in Public Policy prepares students to take a wide variety of leadership roles in the growing field of public policy. Among the many opportunities that await graduates of this program are staff and managerial positions in executive, legislative, or judicial agencies at the local, state, national, and international levels; work on behalf of candidates for public office; positions in public policy journalism; work for private, non-profit and advocacy organizations; leadership roles in civic associations; or advanced graduate study. For students entering the public policy field for the first time, the program offers training and credentials to launch their careers; for those already working in the field, the program will enhance their skills and credentials. Graduates of the program will be joining alumni who have established highly successful careers in many public policy venues, and who are also available to assist them with employment and career counseling.
COURSE OF STUDY
The MAPP program combines rigorous instruction in key components of public policy development with detailed analysis of specific public policy issues and fieldwork. The program's core courses teach skills in political, economic, quantitative, and organizational analysis, with a practical focus on the solutions to complex public policy problems. With this foundation, students take one or more courses in a specialized concentration and a related internship or research assignment. The entire program of 31 credit hours can be completed in one calendar year by full-time students, and within two years by those attending part-time.
We also offer an accelerated BA/MA program that can be completed in five years, as well as specialized MAPP dual degrees in Public Health and Business administration.
THE STUDENTS
Students in the MAPP program come from numerous academic backgrounds including those with undergraduate majors in the arts and sciences, health professions, engineering, and architecture. Many students come to the program with extensive prior experience in government or the professions. The curriculum structure and scheduling of courses is designed to accommodate candidates with a broad range of interests and experiences and to permit those who are working to earn their degree while continuing to pursue their current career.
THE CURRICULUM
MAPP completion entails 31 credits with a satisfactory grade point average. Students often take courses in the following areas, but course plans may differ depending on course availability, scheduling, and the approval of the Director/Associate Director. A more detailed list of courses and requirements can be accessed in the Graduate Bulletin.
Core Courses (3 credits each)
Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation
Introduction to Statistics for Public Policy
Intermediate Statistics for Public Policy
Data Applications in Public Policy
Advanced Policy Courses (3 credits each)
Public Budgeting and Finance
Public Management and Organizational Behavior
Personnel Systems for Public Policy
Survey Research for Public Policy
Administrative Law for Policy Analysts
Policy Concentrations (3 credits each)
Regional Planning
Environmental Politics and Planning
Health Policy
* Other electives are available with program approval
Capstone Experience (6 credits)
Internship in Public Policy (Internship Guidelines)
Master's Paper
For a list of the POL501-543 courses in the Department of Political Science that may be taken toward the MAPP degree, click here.