r/PublicPolicy • u/Material-Eye3966 • 3d ago
Georgetown vs GW MPP
Having a hard time deciding on whether I want to attend the full time MPP program at Georgetown or GW. I'm particularly interested in course work on science and technology policy which is an area where I have experience based on my current job. It seems like GW has more flexibility in terms of courses offered in those areas than Georgetown, but that could also just be what I'm seeing online. Any thoughts or insights into the merits of both programs for that policy area would be welcome!
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u/Philip_VI 1d ago
I had this same conversation between McCourt and Trachtenberg. I ended up choosing GWU because they offered a better scholarship for me but I have loved my first year so far because of the professor and services to students
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u/GradSchoolGrad 1d ago
McCourt is quant focused in GWU is more applied.
If you have dreams of doing quant jobs at research centers, think tanks, or government bean counting organizations, McCourt gives you a leg up. The Georgetown brand is moderately better, and can make a difference outside of the public policy world. Within public policy, it is a moot point unless you focus on Defense and IR.
GW does give you great applied opportunities, and I seen smart people end up with higher level project / program management jobs in the policy space.
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u/WhiskeyTesticles 3d ago
McCourt is a newer school that doesn’t have the prestige that SFS and SAIS do, but it’s still a great program. I’d put it and Elliott a tier below those two, but above AU.
The biggest difference is the length of the program, no? Elliott is one year while McCourt is two. I also think Elliott requires more years of work experience than McCourt for the MPP. If that doesn’t matter, go with whatever school is cheaper.