Joint Master of Public Administration/Master of Arts in International Policy and Development

Our joint MPA/MA in International Policy and Development (MPA/IPD) is specifically designed to give you real-world experience before you graduate, culminating in a semesterlong practicum, which can be an internship or field-based research project.

Integrated Curriculum

Our integrated and interdisciplinary curriculum will prepare you to lead in local and global development. Build your expertise in:

• Data analytics and qualitative research methods
• Economics
• Global governance
• Making decisions informed by sound financial analysis
• Leading social change organizations
• Designing, managing, and evaluating programs
• International, regional, and local development theory and policy
• Local grassroots development and organizing
• Developing social change strategies
• Designing and implementing applied research projects
• Intercultural competence and a second language

Career-Related Modules

Through electives, you will have the opportunity to take additional courses grouped around specific, high-demand, and transferable career competencies.

Professional Practicum

In your final semester, you will put theory into practice through a semester-long practicum working in the field. On-the-job supervisors and faculty mentors will work closely with you to make the practicum a bridge to full-time employment.

Our Faculty

While other graduate schools rely on teaching assistants, our students collaborate closely with our faculty. They combine academic expertise with years of professional experience in major international organizations, including UNCHR (the UN Refugee Agency), USAID, the World Bank, and the U.S. State Department.

Meet our faculty.

Research and Practice

Build valuable professional experience while earning your degree through our research centers, labs, and initiatives:

• The Mixed-Methods Evaluation, Training, and Analysis (META) Lab addresses the growing need for data-savvy professionals across a broad range of fields.
• The Monterey Initiative in Russian Studies enables students with advanced Russian language skills to professionalize their interest in Russia and Eurasia.
• The Digital Learning Commons is your campus hub for technology, creative problem solving, exploration, and peer-to-peer teaching and learning.

Peace Corps Connections

• Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, earning yourself a guaranteed scholarship.

• You can integrate Peace Corps service into your degree through our Options for Peace Corps Service, earning yourself a 50 percent tuition scholarship for your final semester.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

More than 95 percent of students who request scholarship consideration receive institutional support. You may receive merit, need-based, partner, and external scholarships and financial aid, which are available to both U.S. and international students.

Your personal enrollment advisor can help you think through financing this important investment in your career development.

Earning two master’s degrees in just four semesters represents a significant return on your investment, setting you up for a unique career trajectory.

Review tuition costs.

How to Apply

We take a holistic approach when considering your application, looking at your academic background, international exposure, professional experience, and career goals. We welcome applicants with or without work experience, and our program has numerous opportunities for you to gain professional experience before you graduate. This approach aligns with the Institute’s core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We do not require GRE or GMAT scores for our master’s programs but competitive scores may strengthen your application and positively influence scholarship decisions.

Learn how to apply.