Studying public policy in the USA will provide you with the needed knowledge to analyse economic and political issues, knowledge of organizations and how to lead them, and the foundations of policy making and implementation. You will be equipped with skills from multiple disciplines to analyze and evaluate contemporary public policy problems. Studying public policy in the USA will enable you to work in sectors such as education, government agencies, communications, policy analysis and even transportation.
Studying public policy in the USA will give you an opportunity to explore careers that will give you satisfaction and a good earning income. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to apply their academic skills in an applied setting through an internship or undergraduate research. However, you need to have the required documents needed before you can gain admission to study public policy in the USA.
In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements needed to study public policy in the USA. .
Requirements for Studying Public Policy in the USA
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Complete your Secondary Education
You must have completed your secondary education before you can study public policy in the USA. Additionally, you must have a minimum of credits in business related subjects such as Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, English Language and other subjects required from the university you are applying to.
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English Proficiency Test
You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. It can be tests such as IELTS, TOEFL. This test can vary based on the university you apply to. Additionally, each school will have the minimum score that you should have in the English test. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5.
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Have Academic Transcripts
You must submit an academic transcript of your previous education. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English.
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Have Reference Letters
You must submit at least two reference letters during your application. This reference letter should be from a teacher or an employer. Therefore, reference letters from friends or family will be rejected.
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Personal Statement
Some schools in the USA may require you to write a personal statement. This is an essay that explains why you want to study public policy in the USA and your career plans. Additionally, you should check the school’s website to know the amount of words that you are required to write in your personal statement.
Requirements to Obtain a Masters Degree in Public Policy in the USA
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Have a Bachelor’s Degree
You should have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Additionally, you must have a strong academic record. You must have at least 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA from a recognized university.
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Have Academic Transcripts
You must submit an academic transcript of your previous education. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English.
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Professional Experience
It is important that you have experience in this field. This may not be a compulsory requirement for all schools. However, it can make you stand out amongst other applicants.
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English Language Entry Requirement
You need to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0 with no sub-band lower than 6.5. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 80 to 100.
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Submit your GRE/GMAT scores
The GRE is usually the widely accepted test for Public policy. However, some schools accept GMAT as well. Therefore, you need to have an overall score of 320. You also need to verify the needed tests before you register for it and take the tests.
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Recommendation Letters
You need to have at least three recommendation letters. It should consist of 2 academic and 1 professional letters. Furthermore, these letters must be gotten from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected.
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Statement of Purpose
You must write a statement of purpose explaining your qualifications, your future plans as well as the reason why you are choosing to study public policy in the USA. Additionally, this essay must be 500-750 words or 1-2 pages long. This can vary depending on the university’s requirements.
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Resume/CV
You need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience. Additionally, you can add your professional certifications if you have any.
How to Apply
You can apply to the school of your choice through the school’s website. Most schools in the US will require you to pay for an application fee before submitting your application. The application fee varies between 50 -100USD. You can apply for an undergraduate program as well as a postgraduate program. Additionally, you need to verify each school’s requirement before filling the application form.
Duration
The duration for studying public policy in the USA varies based on the type of program and the University. A bachelor’s degree in public policy lasts for four years. However, a masters degree lasts for 1-2 years.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for studying public policy varies for international students as well as the particular university. The average amount for an undergraduate degree ranges from $9,000 to $35,000 annually. Additionally, the average amount for a postgraduate degree ranges from $15,000 to $42,000.
Universities in the USA that offer Public Policy
- University of California – Berkeley, California
- Stanford University, California
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Harvard University, Massachusetts
- Yale University, Connecticut
- Columbia University, New York State
- University of South Carolina – Columbia, South Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Washington University in St Louis, Missouri
- University of Washington – Seattle, Washington
- University of Chicago, Illinois
- Johns Hopkins University, Maryland
- University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin
- Cornell University, New York State
- Ohio State University, Ohio
- University of California – Los Angeles, California
- New York University, New York State
- University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
- University of Southern California, California
- George Washington University, District of Columbia
- Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina
- Michigan State University, Michigan
- Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
- University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, Minnesota
- Rutgers University – New Brunswick, New Jersey
- North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina
- University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- George Mason University, Virginia
- Duke University, North Carolina
- Georgetown University, District of Columbia
- Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana
- University of California-San Diego, California
- University of Maryland – College Park, Maryland
- Arizona State University – Tempe, Arizona
- University of Arizona, Arizona
- University of Virginia, Virginia
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
- University of Florida, Florida
- Florida State University, Florida
- Syracuse University, New York State
In Conclusion, studying public policy in the USA can come with effective screening procedures for most universities. As a result, you must make your plans ahead and prepare every necessary document that is required. Additionally, you must confirm via the school’s website before applying. Finally, if you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact us.
Good luck!
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