The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, in cooperation with the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, offers a joint program that enables academically excellent
students to earn bachelor of arts or science (B.A. or B.S.) and master of public policy (M.P.P.) degrees in five years of full-time enrollment rather than the normal six. During the first three years of their undergraduate education, students complete most of their major and general studies requirements. They apply for admission to the joint program in February of their junior year.
Admitted students typically take 18 graduate credits in the public policy program over the course of their senior year of undergraduate study. The graduate credits are applied toward both degrees. Upon completion of the B.A. or B.S. degree, students automatically matriculate into the graduate program with advanced standing. During their fifth year, students complete their graduate studies and, upon fulfilling all requirements, receive the M.P.P. degree.
Advantages of the Five-Year Program
In addition to saving a year of time and tuition relative to completing the two degrees separately, the 3-1-1 program also enables students to receive the benefit of undergraduate tuition rates while taking graduate courses during their senior year, further reducing the cost of the M.P.P. degree. Graduates with M.P.P. degrees work in important and varied positions in the field of public policy, including serving on the staffs of governors, members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate, state legislatures, and in federal and state executive agencies. Many graduates also work in the private sector, including business, the law, research and nonprofit organizations.
Admission
Admission to the
joint program is competitive and highly selective. Successful applicants for
admission will have a GPA of 3.5 or better, a dedication
to public service, and outstanding recommendations. Interested students who fulfill the above
qualifications should contact the Bloustein School's Office of Student and Academic Services to
discuss the program and the application process and schedule an interview.
The application requires transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose and a résumé. Your personal statement for the application should indicate that you are applying to the B.A. or B.S./M.P.P. program.
Sample Program of Study for the (3-1-1) B.A. or B.S./M.P.P.
Program
| Senior Year |
| Credits |
| First Semester (6 graduate credits) |
|
|
Two undergraduate courses
|
| 6 |
| 34:833:510
Public Policy Formation |
| 3 |
| 34:833:530 Research Design |
| 3 |
One graduate elective course
|
| 3 |
|
|
|
| Second Semester (9 graduate credits) |
|
|
Two undergraduate courses
|
| 6 |
34:833:521 Basic Quantitative Methods
|
| 3 |
| 34:833:543
Economics and Public Policy |
| 3 |
One graduate course elective
|
| 3 |
|
|
|
Summer Following Senior Year
|
|
|
Summer Semester (3 graduate credits)
|
|
|
| 34:833:673
Applied Field Experience |
| 3 |
|
|
|
Fifth Year
|
|
|
First Semester (15 graduate credits)
|
|
|
34:833:525 Applied Multivariate Methods
|
| 3 |
34:833:xxx
Finance or Management Required
Course |
| 3 |
Three graduate elective courses
|
| 9 |
|
|
|
| Second Semester (12 graduate credits) |
|
|
| 34:833:640,641 Policy Research Practicum I,II |
| 6 |
34:833:xxx Finance or Management Course Required
|
| 3 |
One graduate elective course
|
| 3
|
The M.P.P. degree requires 48 graduate credits.
The most current program information can be found at the Bloustein School website.
Public Policy Program 
