Higher Education & Public Policy (MA/MPP)

The Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE) and the Ford School of Public Policy (FSPP) offer a dual degree program, leading to a Master of Arts in Education (MA) and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree. This program is arranged so that requirements for both degrees can be completed in two and one half years (5 terms); however, some students may require more than 5 terms to complete the program.

Program Overview

A small number of qualified candidates pursue concurrent work in higher education and public policy. The program is designed for students interested in broad policy issues that affect higher and postsecondary education, such as state governance and coordination, financial aid funding, and affirmative action in admissions and hiring.

Course of Study

The typical sequence of study is to spend the first year in either the Ford School or the School of Education and the second year in the other program. Students may begin at either school.

Degree Requirements

Students must satisfy the degree requirements of each school and should consult with their advisor about graduation requirements for each degree. A total of 65 credit hours are required for the dual degree.

The MA degree requires that a minimum of 27 credit hours be taken in the School of Education, including the following:

• the core curriculum
• a one-semester administrative practicum

The MPP degree requires that a minimum of 32 credits be taken at the Ford School, including the following:

• the core curriculum
• participation in the Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE)
• a 10-week summer internship

Dual Degree Requirement

Once the 59 required minimum credit hours have been completed, the student must complete 6 credit hours of electives that are selected in consultation with the student’s advisor. Coursework in introductory research methodology, advance-level policy courses beyond the core, and cognates may satisfy requirements for both schools. When a core course is waived, the student is expected to take another course from the school that has waived the requirement.

Admission Requirements

Students must file separate applications to and be admitted by both schools. An application fee must accompany each application. Students currently enrolled in either program may apply to the dual program during the first year of study.

Contact Information

For more information or an application, please contact:

The School of Education
Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education
Office of Student Services
Phone: (734) 764-9472
Email: cshpe.info@umich.edu
Website: http://www.soe.umich.edu

The Ford School of Public Policy
Office of Admissions
2236 Weill Hall
Phone: (734) 764-0453
Click here to e-mail us.
Website: http://www.fordschool.umich.edu

Faculty Advisor to the MA/MPP Program:
Associate Professor Stephen L. DesJardins
Email: sdesj@umich.edu