Master of Public Policy (MPP)

HSSP MPP Advancement Program

Are you interested in a career focusing on the intersection of health care policy and social justice? The HSSP MPP Advancement Program is an exciting opportunity for Brandeis undergraduates who want to maximize their time at Brandeis and attend the Heller School at a reduced cost. Admitted HSSP students take two graduate-level classes in the MPP program during their senior year and complete the MPP program as a full-time graduate student in three semesters.

Not only do HSSP/MPP students reduce the cost of graduate school by a whole semester; they are eligible to receive a 50% tuition scholarship for the semesters they are enrolled as a full-time Heller student.

Curriculum

Two Heller MPP core requirements taken in the senior year will count toward the undergraduate degree (as general electives) and toward the MPP degree. In addition, two HSSP courses (American Health Care and Introduction to Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Population Health) will be applied toward the MPP degree. Students then need two fewer electives and only need to take 48 additional credits (the equivalent of 12 full-semester courses) for the MPP degree, graduating in three semesters rather than four. See below for one possible curriculum that students could take.

Brandeis Undergrad Senior Year

Fall

  • Historical and Contemporary Developments in Social Policy (4 credits)

Spring

  • Social Policy Analysis (4 credits)

MPP Year One

Fall

  • Research Methods and Evaluation (4 credits)
  • Applied Regression Analysis (4 credits)
  • Social Policy and Management through the Lens of Equity (2 credits)
  • Electives or Select Diversity Module (6 credits)

Spring

  • Econometrics (4 credits)
  • Economic Theory and Social Policy (4 credits)
  • Public Finance (4 credits)
  • MPP Capstone (4 credits)

MPP Year Two

Fall

  • Policy to Action: Understanding Implementation (2 credits)
  • Policy and Program Evaluation (2 credits)
  • Electives or Select Diversity Module (12 credits)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Interested HSSP students should begin by discussing their fit for the program with an HSSP faculty member. Students will apply by June 1st of their junior year.

Do I have to take the GRE?

Submitting GRE scores will be optional for the Fall 2024 application cycle. Applicants to the MPP program who have already taken the Graduate Record Exam - GRE can still submit their scores. Applicants must request the test scores to be sent directly to the Heller School by the appropriate code when taking the test. The code for the GRE is 3097. 

The admissions committee does not set specific score requirements. Test scores expire after five years.

Once admitted do I have to maintain certain standards as an undergraduate?

Once accepted, students will normally be expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 and a grade of B or better in the required courses.

How much will it cost?

You will pay your regular undergraduate tuition through your senior year. At Heller, you will pay the Heller tuition for three semesters and will be eligible for the financial aid that all Heller students normally receive.

What types of jobs will this degree qualify me for?

Graduates from Heller's MPP program have gone on to work for state and federal government, think tanks and nonprofit organizations as directors of policy, policy analysts, executive directors, and research associates, to name just a few.

For more information, contact: