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The Thomas Jefferson Program in Public Policy (MPP)

Graduate Program

Our two-year master’s degree (MPP) program prepares students for career placement at the strategic levels of public policy – both in the public sector and in private-sector firms such as regulated industries and consulting firms with government clients.

Small Size, Generous Financial Assistance

The MPP is a full-time, residential program in Williamsburg, Virginia, with a required summer internship between the first and second academic years.

Limited to 25 new students each fall, our relatively small size allows unmatched access to faculty members and encourages a strong sense of community within the program. Most students receive merit-based assistantships (a mix of tuition credits and stipends) that help considerably to reduce the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Convenient Access to D.C.

Our proximity to Washington, D.C. (three hours by car) allows convenient access to major policymakers, lawmakers, and analysts. Through the program’s regular Friday Policy Dialogues in D.C., for example, students meet and engage directly with policymakers ands policy practitioners.

Where Theory Meets "Real World" Clients

The curriculum provides a rigorous training that is both theoretical and applied. Students study the institutions and processes of public policy, the economic foundations of policy analysis, quantitative and statistical methods for analyzing policy, and a variety of specialized policy topics. Through the summer internship and work with real-world clients, students apply their knowledge and help to develop policy solutions.

Focus Areas and Joint Degree Programs

In addition to the core studies, students are encouraged to develop a focused expertise through their elective courses. Areas of focus include social policy, health policy, environmental policy, and globalization and development. Each area has a designed series of courses leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the economics, governmental institutions, and legal aspects of the subject area. We also offer four joint degree programs.

Find Out More!

We invite you to learn more about the Jefferson Program’s MPP degree by following the links on this page and by consulting our Frequently Asked Questions.