Six Reasons to Study a Master’s in Public Policy

If you aspire to a career that makes a difference to society, public sector work could be perfect for you. A Master’s in Public Policy is, therefore, a natural next step in your journey, so you’ll be thrilled to learn Pepperdine University in the US is offering a scholarship worth $20,000 for this course.

Two candidates who visit the QS World Grad School Tour will be awarded the scholarship, providing they fulfil the necessary criteria.

Interested? Read on for more of the benefits of studying public policy at Pepperdine.

1. You’ll get to study in a beautiful USA destination

Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You’ll be hard-pushed to find a more scenic location for your studies.

2. You can choose from four different public policy specializations

As part of the Master’s in Public Policy at Pepperdine University, you’ll study several different specialized areas, including:

Public Policy and American Politics

Learn about the dynamic nature of American society and consider the political, economic, and social implications of federal and local policies. This study area also includes the development of skills used when building consensus among a variety of constituents affected by new policy initiatives.

Public Policy and Economics

Examine such policies as urban and global issues, the evaluation of law and public policy, regional and metropolitan growth, and the role of government in a market economy.

Public Policy and International Relations

This traces a new role for U.S. leadership including studies in statesmanship, global alliances, and U.S. relations to areas including Latin America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

State and Local Policy

This specialization teaches students how regions grow, develop, and can be effectively governed. Today, governors, mayors, and other municipal and business leaders are creating many of the most innovative and effective policy initiatives at local levels.

3. You’ll be perfectly trained for both the public and private sectors

Graduates of Public Policy aren’t only well-placed to pursue a career in public sector work, whether that’s in local or central government, the civil service, justice services, police authorities or social research organizations. You’ll also have the skills and knowledge to thrive in private sector career paths, such as HR, education administration and public affairs consultancy.

4. You could end up with a job that lets you travel around the world

With a postgraduate degree in Public Policy, previous graduates have ended up working for the United States Agency of International Development, the United Nations and a range of globe-spanning NGOs.

5. You’ll learn how to be a good problem solver

Public policy students deal with a variety of problems, based on various real-life case studies. You’ll learn how to conduct research and come up with sustainable solutions to these global issues.

6. You’ll gain technical communication and negotiation skills

Work on case studies will also see you have to pick a side and defend the arguments of that position. This practice helps you enhance and improve your communication and negotiation skills.

Want to apply for the Pepperdine School of Public Policy Master’s program? Check you’re eligible for the scholarship.

Scholarship applicants are evaluated on their course work and GPA, accepted standardized test scores, essay, career interests, recommendations, and breadth of background and work experience.

Only applicants with a minimum score of 100 in the TOEL and/or band 7.0 band in the IELTS d: 7.0 will be considered for the scholarship.

Applicants must also write a short essay (no more than 700 words) on an ethical or moral dilemma of their choice.

Good luck!Pepperdine University