Jayhawks135

I'm looking into starting a Master's or PhD in public policy and I want to know if I'm qualified, or what I might need to add to my academic resume to become more qualified. In particular I'm interested in going to Harvard's Kennedy School.

I'm currently completing a master's degree in economics at a mid-level school. My GPA is still a 4.0, and I would be done with it by the time I entered the PhD program.

My undergrad/other info (in case my screen name didn't give it away it was at the University of Kansas):
BA in Economics and Spanish Literature
GPA: 4.0 in economics, 3.8 overall
GRE score: 167 verbal, 160 quant

I've also taken a variety of math/economics classes that might be relevant:
Linear Algebra (A)
Statistics (A)
Calculus I, II and III (B, A, A)
Differential Equations (A)
Econometrics (economic statistical methods) (I, II, III) (A's)
Microeconomics (I, II, III, IV, V) (A's)
Macroeconomics (I, II, III, IV) (A's)
International Relations (A)
Game Theory (A)
I took a bunch of other somewhat less relevant econ classes too in a variety of subject areas like labor econ, African development, etc

I've also been a teaching assistant/taught Microeconomics for Business Majors.

I also was a pretty accomplished collegiate policy debater during my undergrad career if that seems relevant.

polarscribe

You're thinking about two very different degrees.

The MPA/MPP degree is a professional program designed to prepare students for careers in public service/political leadership.

The Ph.D degree is a research program designed to prepare students for careers in academia and research.

So you first need to decide which track you're interested in.

Collegejunkie15

So since PhD's in Public Policy rarely come up regularly, if anyone has any advice/thoughts/words about it. Please say so!

Jayhawks135

The MPA/MPP is what I'm currently focusing on, because that's where my interests presently align. I'd be interested in anyone's advice on that.

polarscribe

I don't think there's anything you need to add to your academic resume, but gaining professional experience in your career field of interest would be a significant plus - whether it's through entry-level jobs or internships.

Right now, based on what you've you said here, going straight into an MPP program will mean you have a whole bunch of education but no real-world experience, and that's not what recruiters are looking for in professional fields.

juillet

I was also going to suggest work experience. Even if you did get into Kennedy with no work experience, many employers will look askance at an applicant with two consecutive master's degrees and no work experience.

Your academic record is certainly competitive, but schools like Harvard can afford to be pretty selective on that note because they get the best applicants. They are going to be looking for students who can also compete with internships, work experience and the like.

Jayhawks135

Thanks for your help- any particular suggestions for what type of experience would be most helpful? I'm trying to get a feel for the most applicable kind of position. How long do people usually work before they start programs like that? I was previously thinking of taking a more academic route with my career, so I have limited knowledge about the professional/business world.

polarscribe

Well, it really depends on your career interests. What segment of public service are you interested in? Seek out internship opportunities with those organizations, be they governmental agencies or NGOs.