Interdisciplinary Academics and Dual Degrees

A first-rate policy school, a world-class university

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is a top-ranked policy school located within one of the world’s premier research universities.

The University of Michigan is home to eighteen graduate schools and colleges; highly-ranked professional schools in Law, Business, Social Work, Public Health, Education, Urban Planning, and more; and world-class academic departments and international area studies centers.

Ford School students have easy access to the full range of the University of Michigan’s intellectual, cultural, and social resources. Low administrative boundaries between schools and units reflect the U-M’s longstanding commitment to interdisciplinary education and as a result, students can easily select coursework from across campus.

About 30% of Ford School master’s students pursue dual degrees while on campus. And even for non-dual degree MPP students, fully one-quarter of Ford School credits can be taken outside of the school.

Not sure whether a dual degree is in your future? No need to decide before coming to Michigan; our students can apply to other schools after enrollment at the Ford School. The application process is straightforward and our academic advisors are here to help.

Established dual degree programs

The following dual degree programs are established and recognized by Rackham Graduate School:

• Asian Studies: China and Public Policy (MPP/AM)
• Asian Studies: Southeast Asia and Public Policy (MPP/AM)
• Business Administration and Public Policy (MPP/MBA)
• Higher Education and Public Policy (MPP/MA)
• Information and Public Policy (MPP/MSI)
• Law and Public Policy (MPP/JD)
• Medicine and Public Policy (MPP/MD)
• Public Health and Public Policy (MPP/MPH or MPP/MHSA)
• Russian and East European Studies and Public Policy (MPP/MA)

Common student-initiated dual degrees

Student-initiated dual degree programs can be developed when that is the most appropriate way to prepare a student for his/her career. Some common student-initiated dual degrees include:

• Applied Economics (MPP/MAE)
• Modern Middle East and North African Studies (MPP/AM)
• Natural Resources and Environment (MPP/MS)
• Social Work (MPP/MSW)
• Urban and Regional Planning (MPP/MUP)

For more information about Rackham’s dual degree policies and required forms, please visit their website. 

Certificates

The U-M hosts a wide variety of non-degree certificate programs that can enhance a graduate degree. Among those our students have pursued in recent years:

• The Graduate Certificate in Science, Technology & Public Policy (STPP) (This innovative program is housed at the Ford School.)
• Real Estate Development
• Latin American and Caribbean Studies
• Women’s Studies
• Survey Methodology