Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

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Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy / Gerald R. Ann Arbor, Michigan, a city, is home to the Ford School of Public Policy.

Funding and financial aid

• All Ford School applicants are given consideration for merit-based funding at the time of application, and roughly 60% of admitted students receive financial aid from the Ford School in the form of fellowships. Additionally, a variety of teaching and research opportunities are provided by the Ford School and the University of Michigan. In many different fields, including economics, political science, history, law, and others, our students have taught graduate students. Teaching assistantships come with a full tuition waiver, a stipend, and health insurance; the pay for research assistantships varies. Some departments also offer grader positions, and pay scales for these positions vary. The Rackham Graduate School provides incoming and continuing graduate students with a variety of fellowship opportunities. Need-based aid is available through the Office of Financial Aid. Every student is urged to submit a FAFSA and a funding application outside of the Ford School. The majority of Ford School students receive financial aid in the form of loans and fellowships. Funding is available from Graduate Career Services to assist students with some of the necessary expenses associated with participating in an unpaid or low-paid internship. The Ford School Unpaid Internship Fund will grant requests up to $3,000 each.

• As a public university, the University of Michigan has different tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students. Visit the Registrar’s Office website for current tuition rates. (Take note that these fees are listed by semester rather than by year. ) The Universitys residency requirements are complex. A student who relocates to Michigan solely to attend school typically won’t be given in-state classification after his or her first year. However, we firmly advise you to visit or contact the Residency Classification Office if you have any questions about your classification. You can find a list of graduate students’ health insurance options here.

• We provide six degree options: a BA in public policy (for advanced undergraduate students), a two-year MPP (48 credits), a one-year MPA (33 credits), and three joint PhD programs in public policy and economics, political science, or sociology. The largest of these is our MPP program, which accepts about 100 students annually. The MPA program has twenty students enrolled each year, while the PhD program has between four and six students enrolled each year. For mid-career professionals in the U.S. with at least five years of full-time work experience in government, the military, government affairs in the private sector, or the nonprofit sector, the MPA is a one-year degree. S. or abroad. Please be aware that Fall 2022 admissions to our MPA program have been suspended. At the Ford School, there are roughly 450 residents, including 250 MPP/MPA students, 150 BA students, and 50 PhD students. The majority of the seminar and elective courses have between 25 and 40 students, while some of the large core courses may have 80 to 85 students in the lecture. The larger courses typically have weekly office hours with both the faculty and GSI, two faculty-led lectures, and one GSI-led discussion section. The student body at the Ford School is a diverse mix of people from various societal backgrounds, geographical locations, and life experiences. One thing all of our students have in common is a strong desire to change the world and a dedication to acquiring the necessary skills. The degree of diversity among age groups, nations of origin, and racial/ethnic groups in the 2018 incoming MPP/MPA class was typical. 3 Age range: 21–53 Average work experience: 4 years Non-U. S. : 16. 2% Students of color (U. S. only): 35. 8% Female: 50. 4% Male: 49. 6% Countries of Origin: 10 The Ford School offers a balanced curriculum that exposes students to domestic and international policy, quantitative and qualitative policy analysis, management, and evaluation We provide training in the following disciplines: social welfare Additionally, we provide joint and dual degree programs with numerous other academic institutions on campus, such as the Schools of Business, Law, and Architecture. The Ford School provides instruction in both domestic and international policy to its students. Training in economic policy, program evaluation, management, and quantitative analysis is provided to students interested in international policy. Additionally, they have a variety of electives to choose from, both inside and outside the Ford School, that will advance their understanding of global politics. There is a vibrant student organization dedicated to international policy, as well as a core group of faculty members whose research focuses on this field. The excellent area studies programs at the University of Michigan—for example, Asian Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Russian and Eastern European Studies—as well as the university’s institutes and centers, which host academics, conferences, and initiatives that address a variety of global issues, are used by our students. While MPA students only have 12 elective credits, MPP students can take up to 25. Yes. MPP students must enroll in a minimum of 4 credits and a maximum of 12 in another department. Up to 9 credits can be taken outside of the Ford School by MPA students. A certificate in Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) is available from The Ford School. Here is a complete list of all certificate programs offered. Yes, through independent study, students can collaborate with faculty members directly. There are numerous chances to pursue academic or professional endeavors abroad, in Detroit, and elsewhere. The Program for Practical Policy Engagement, the International Policy Center, and the Weiser Diplomacy Center are excellent places to begin. It is challenging to pursue a degree while working because our classes are taught primarily during the day and both the MPP and MPA are intended to be full-time programs. Even though we occasionally have part-time students, it is unusual to enroll in the program in this manner. On a case-by-case basis, it is decided whether a student can enroll in the program part-time.

• We offer 14 formal dual and joint degree programs. In the event that there isn’t a program that matches a student’s interests, we also give them the option of pursuing a custom dual degree. Students applying to dual degree programs must submit separate applications and be admitted to each unit. As a result, those pursuing a dual degree must pay close attention to the deadlines and application processes for both programs, which will vary depending on the unit. You can choose to apply to the second program during your first semester at U-M, or you can do both at the same time. Roughly one-third of master’s students pursue a dual degree.

• Graduates have a lot of flexibility in choosing their career paths because a public policy degree offers a set of research, analytical, and management skills that are transferable across industries and frequently across issue areas. Graduates of public policy programs frequently switch between work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors as well as between jobs abroad and at home. Ford School alums work in a variety of industries both domestically and internationally. For examples, see: MPP internships Jobs in public policy To help first-year students find internships and second-year students find jobs after graduation, the Graduate Career Services Office maintains close contact with both groups of students. The office also offers workshops and presentations on job searching as it pertains specifically to the policy arena, as well as eRecruiting (an online resource for job information). Additionally, the office arranges for off-campus employer visits in Washington, DC, and other cities, as well as on-campus interviews with employers, career coaching and mentoring from alumni, instruction for students interested in programs like the Presidential Management Fellowship program, and off-campus employer visits in other cities. Graduate Career Services provides numerous options for investigating potential policy directions. Career workshops that are tailored to your unique strengths and interests, one-on-one advising, information sessions with employers, conversations with Ford School alumni about their careers, leadership discussions with eminent policy experts, career exploration trips to Detroit and Washington, DC, and more are all available. It is true that the Ford School regularly welcomes employers for informational meetings, interviews, and virtual meetings (for employers on the West Coast and abroad). Employers will also host resume collections for internships and full-time jobs specifically for Ford School students. Variety of ways to network with employers. Employers are regularly hosted on campus or virtually by The Ford School for networking opportunities through information sessions, office hours, and career discussions. Through career exploration trips to Detroit and Washington, DC, students can connect with alumni and employers. In addition to meeting with international students one-on-one for career-related guidance and internship/job opportunities, Graduate Career Services works with UM’s International Center on resources for international students. The Ford School is well known on a national and international level for producing competent policy analysts and public managers. The majority of our students depart from Ann Arbor in the summer to pursue opportunities in large cities and abroad. Our Graduate Career Services office has a national and international reach and has developed relationships with alumni and a significant number of agencies and institutions. Due to the school’s location, our graduates do not appear to experience any challenges in finding internships or full-time post-graduate employment. Alumni of the Ford School are actively involved with the institution and work on policy in the US and abroad. In addition to establishing informal connections through office hours and career conversations, many alumni actively hire current students for internships and full-time positions. See examples on the Ford School Alumni Career Map. You can ask many of your questions about public policy careers to our admissions staff. Please email Student Services or give us a call at 734-764-0453 to set up a meeting. You might want to send an email to our Graduate Career Services Office if you have more specific inquiries. Note that only accepted students will receive assistance from Graduate Career Services.

The Ford School and Ann Arbor

• The 28 square mile city of Ann Arbor is manageable by bicycle but diverse enough to draw top performers and other entertainment throughout the year. With its museums, theaters, restaurants, parks, and shopping, Ann Arbor combines the benefits of a large city with the accessibility and friendliness of a small town. Visit a museum or browse some of the best bookstores in the world are just two of the many ways to enjoy the area. Visit distinctive art galleries and boutiques or attend a spontaneous jazz performance. Recreational opportunities abound throughout the area. You can play golf, go on a hike, jog, canoe, kayak, or ride a bike if you enjoy physical activity. In July, more than 1,000 artists and craftspeople from across the country sell their wares at the four-day Ann Arbor Art Fair. Visit the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for more information. There are several student housing resources. Additionally, the current masters students are an excellent resource, so we urge you to get in touch with them. The Ford School faculty are very approachable to students, whether they want to discuss a class they are taking, learn more about the research the faculty is doing, or get advice on their professional and career paths. Many of the faculty members are also jointly appointed in other departments, making them excellent resources for students. Each MPP and MPA student works with a single master’s academic advisor. Although faculty advisors are not assigned to students, they are more than happy to serve as resources for them. If you have inquiries about pursuing a PhD, the Ford School faculty are excellent resources. Our PhD Coordinator would be pleased to speak with you if you are interested in learning more about the Ford School’s joint PhD and social science program.

• The deadline for all masters degree programs is January 15. (This includes dual degree applications. ) No, we do not. Early in January, we begin reviewing finished applications, and we keep going until the end of March. You may apply to the program again at any time for a subsequent year. One of our admissions staff members can make suggestions for you regarding how to improve your application. The second time around, applicants who reapply to the program are not in any way more or less advantageous. You will let the admissions committee know that you are reapplying for the course. Although we can use your test results and transcripts if they are no more than five years old, we urge you to submit updated versions of your personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation. No, we do not have rolling admissions. All applications must be submitted by January 15; by the end of March, we will notify applicants of their admission status. If there are openings in our incoming class, late applications will be taken into consideration. Please contact the Student Services office for information: fspp-admissions@umich. edu. Although there are no formal interviews conducted as part of the application process, a member of the admissions staff would be happy to meet with you to discuss any queries or worries you may have about enrolling in the course. Admission for winter term is extremely uncommon due to the sequential nature of the curriculum and the fact that the winter courses build on the fall courses. Yes. You will have the opportunity to speak with an admissions representative during your visit, and you may also meet with students and/or observe a class. Once a student has been admitted to the Ford School, our faculty prefers to meet with them. To schedule a visit, contact Student Services by email or at 734-764-0453. The best way to prepare is to have a broad undergraduate education with courses that emphasize writing, analysis, and critical thinking in addition to quantitative skills. The admissions process will benefit greatly from your post-graduate work experience.

• The Ford School places great value on a variety of applicant characteristics, and when deciding who to admit, it takes into account all candidate qualifications. We strongly encourage students to gain work experience before applying. Students tell us that when there is an exchange of examples from peers’ real-life experiences in addition to theoretical ideas, classroom discussions are more lively and productive. Additionally, having work experience makes it simpler to appreciate the value of your degree in public policy. We are always pleased to see applicants with work experience in policy. Nevertheless, we receive applications from students who engaged in a variety of fascinating activities prior to choosing to study policy. For instance, some of our students have worked as investment bankers, lawyers, and public school teachers. Others have served in the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. Others have worked on Capitol Hill as policy analysts or in development for big and small non-profit organizations. Even though the work you do before applying does not have to be in the area of public policy, we would still like to see some indication of your dedication to public service and policy. You can show this commitment by participating in extracurricular activities, volunteering, and summer internships. The admissions committee is interested in how your interest in policy has developed and how your prior employment experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a career in public service. Yes, even though one of the criteria considered for program admission is work experience. Although we don’t have a minimum work experience requirement, we’ve noticed that as our program has become more selective, fewer students are enrolling in the class without having any prior work experience. No, there isn’t a minimum or cutoff score for admission on the GRE. Instead, for a comprehensive review of the file, the scores are examined in relation to the applicant’s other materials, such as previous coursework, work experience, and letters of recommendation. We encourage applicants to use the optional GRE statement to explain if they believe that their scores do not accurately reflect their level of preparation or readiness for graduate study. All applicant scores will be provided to the admissions committee. We do not take the higher or lower scores, or average them. Improvement in scores will be taken into consideration. GRE scores should be submitted by the application deadline—January 15. You should request that the University of Michigan receive your scores electronically. The institution code number is 1839. For your official GRE scores to arrive by the application deadline (January 15), we strongly advise taking the test before January 1. For the incoming class of last year, the median GPA was a 3. 4. Nevertheless, we consider students with a range of GPAs. The majority of applicants to the Ford School have demonstrated academic excellence during their undergraduate studies. We also take into account whether an applicant’s grade point average was impacted by anything besides academics. Include a supplemental essay with your personal statement that details any unique circumstances affecting your undergraduate education if you believe your GPA does not accurately reflect your abilities. For applicants to the University of Michigan’s dual JD/MPP degree program or for students already enrolled in the Law School who are applying to the Ford School for consideration for a dual-degree, we will only accept the LSAT. However, keep in mind that the LSAT does not assess a candidate’s quantitative abilities. The Ford School’s admissions committee will be looking for proof that you can handle its demanding quantitative curriculum. The Admissions Committee will therefore carefully review your undergraduate transcripts or any other documentation of your enrollment in quantitative courses. Only applicants who are also applying to the University of Michigan Ross School of Business’ MBA program or applicants who are already enrolled in the MBA program and seeking consideration for a dual-degree at the Ford School will have their GMAT scores accepted. Despite the fact that you are not required to take these courses in order to be admitted, it would be beneficial for both you and our admissions committee if you did so. Take an introductory statistics and microeconomics course, which we highly recommend. Your transition to the quantitative curriculum at the Ford Schools will be made easier by exposure to these topics.

Welcome to the Ford School!

FAQ

Is Ford School of Public Policy Good?

In the latest U. S. News & World Report rankings, the Ford School was ranked #1 in social policy, #4 in health policy and management, and #5 in policy analysis.

How hard is it to get into MI?

Currently, MIT’s acceptance rate is 4. 1%, which means it only accepts around 4 applicants for every 100 people that apply A 4. 1% acceptance rate means that MIT is extremely competitive to get into To even be taken into consideration, you must have excellent grades, test results, essays, and recommendation letters.

Do I need a GRE for MPP?

The GRE is the only accepted test for the MPP. I received acceptance to or completed a master’s program without a GRE.