MA in Public Management
At a time when governments are faced with an array of unprecedented challenges, good management is essential. The Johns Hopkins MA in Public Management program empowers students to be strategic by teaching them the fundamentals of public management: policy analysis and evaluation, financial management, economics and fiscal policy, and public policy and administration. This innovative degree prepares emerging leaders to tackle complex public policy and management problems at all levels of government.
The schedule for completing this 12-course degree program is flexible. Many students work full time while attending the program on a part-time basis and complete their degree in two years. The MA in Public Management program is offered both online and onsite in Washington, D.C.
Electives are organized into three Focus Areas:
- Public Administration and Leadership
- Public Policy Evaluation
- Public Financial Management and Budgeting
Admissions Criteria for all Advanced Academic Programs
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the materials and credentials required for all programs, the Master of Arts in Public Management program requires:
- Resume
- Letters of Recommendation: Within your online application, identify two individuals, such as professors or supervisors, who can verify your professional and/or academic accomplishments.
- Statement of Purpose: In 400 words, please share with us why you are interested in pursuing the MA in Public Management program at JHU. How have your academic and professional experiences led to your decision to consider this degree and how will it help you succeed in your goals?
- Writing Sample: Submit a two- to five-page policy-oriented writing sample. Applicants who do not have a policy-oriented paper that they wish to submit may write a three-page, double-spaced essay on the following question:
“A memorandum is not written to inform the reader, but to protect the writer.” —Former Secretary of State Dean Acheson
Please discuss whether you think the quote from former Secretary Acheson is accurate. Explain your reasoning.
Applicants should be aware of the following:
- If English is your second language, you may be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination. Please note this program requires a minimum online TOEFL test score of 105 and an IELTS score of 7. The admissions committee carefully reviews each test subcategory or band (reading, writing, speaking, listening) to ensure candidates have the required language skills for the program.
- A solid foundation in American government and economics is strongly recommended for those applying to the MA in Public Management program.
Program Requirements
Students must complete:
- Six required core courses
- Six elective courses
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Courses - Required: | ||
AS.470.608 | Public Policy Evaluation & the Policy Process | 3 |
AS.470.631 | Economics for Public Decision-Making | 3 |
AS.470.627 | Financial Management & Analysis in the Public Sector | 3 |
AS.470.695 | Proseminar: Essentials of Public and Private Management | 3 |
AS.470.854 | Fundamentals of Quantitative Methods | 3 |
AS.470.860 | Capstone for Public Management | 3 |
Electives | ||
Select six electives 1 | 18 | |
Total Credits | 36 |
- 1
Electives need to be chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser and should accommodate professional and/or personal goals.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Electives | ||
AS.470.605 | Global Political Economy | 3 |
AS.470.609 | Leadership Skills in the 21st Century | 3 |
AS.470.624 | Healthcare Analytics and Policy | 3 |
AS.470.629 | Models of Democratic Leadership in America | 3 |
AS.470.638 | Negotiating as a Leadership Skill | 3 |
AS.470.645 | The Budgetary Process | 3 |
AS.470.660 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
AS.470.670 | The Practice & Politics of U.S. Tax Policy | 3 |
AS.470.684 | Legislative Language and Policymaking | 3 |
AS.470.688 | Political Institutions and the Policy Process | 3 |
AS.470.692 | Military Strategy & National Policy | 3 |
AS.470.728 | Fundamentals of Nonprofits and Nonprofit Management | 3 |
AS.470.744 | Trade and Security | 3 |
AS.470.754 | Project Management for NGOs | 3 |
AS.470.773 | Energy and Environmental Security | 3 |
AS.470.774 | Nonprofit Governance & Executive Leadership | 3 |
AS.470.778 | Conflict, Security, and Development | 3 |
AS.470.798 | Financial Management and Analysis in Nonprofits | 3 |
AS.470.799 | State Politics: A Year in the Life | 3 |
Learning Outcomes
The MA in Public Management program weaves the study of public administration, public policy, economics, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and financial management into a curriculum that enables its graduates to lead and shape this rapidly growing field. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
1. Utilize analytical skills—including quantitative and qualitative tools—to assess policies and program effectiveness
2. Appraise and compare management and organization systems utilized in the public sector for the purpose of maximizing efficiency and effectiveness
3. Design, evaluate, and experiment with specific policies with regard to their ability to meet public priorities
4. Formulate and construct budgets and financial systems used in the public sector