Use Your Knowledge and Expertise to Help Shape Public Policy and Make a Difference
Have you ever thought about a career in public policy? Whether you are currently working in public service or thinking about a career change, our Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP) – Think Tank and Policy Research can help. This degree program provides graduate-level training aimed at cultivating politically aware, Christ-centered alumni who can become influential leaders, scholars, and policymakers. You’ll be guided on how to influence policy across a spectrum of arenas, including governmental, legislative, political, communication, managerial, and academic domains. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to research policies that most interest you.
Our adept professors will mentor you in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research pertinent to local government bodies, international organizations, private entities, and local legislative bodies. A key part of the curriculum focuses on think tanks and policy research, offering you a detailed understanding of policy analysis and research methodologies. You can gain insights into the implications of current or proposed public policies on individuals, institutions, and American society. Your studies can help equip you with the ability to fashion public policy and become a positive contributor to the field of public service.
Award-Winning Campus
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education that equips students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence helped us rank as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Why Choose Liberty’s Public Policy Think Tanks Master’s Degree?
If you are eager to advance your understanding and training in public policy, Liberty University serves as an excellent venue for pursuing your master’s degree in public policy. Our location in Central Virginia opens real possibilities for collaboration with organizations and businesses in nearby Washington, D.C.
The think tank and policy research specialization allows you to gain a deeper understanding of policy analysis. You can be trained to conduct comprehensive research and in-depth analysis of various policies, equipping you to contribute effectively to think tanks or policy research organizations.
Our aim is to facilitate hands-on learning experiences. Our leadership advocates for the transformation of knowledge into wisdom through applied learning. If you opt for a degree related to government, you have the chance to become a part of the only honor society for college and university government students in the U.S., Pi Sigma Alpha. This National Political Science Honor Society is a recognized member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
What Will You Learn in Our Master’s in Public Policy and Government Think Tanks Degree?
Our Master of Arts in Public Policy – Think Tank and Policy Research can assist in preparing you for public service, offering a range of courses focusing on various facets of public policy and governmental leadership. The program can help you comprehend the interplay between economics and public policy and the effects the government can have on our economy. Realizing the potential consequences of governmental laws and regulations is crucial for promoting positive societal impact.
The Helms School of Government is committed to fostering leaders who can significantly and positively shape the nation. You’ll have the opportunity to grasp the principles of servant leadership and gain practical experience to deepen your understanding of the curriculum. Throughout this degree, you can explore the thoughts of influential political philosophers and their enduring impact on the nation.
This program also allows you to investigate America’s role in global issues and the challenges of asserting sovereignty amidst international organizations aiming to influence American policy domestically and internationally. In addition, you’ll have the chance to consider the impact of Christianity globally and strategies for engaging with competing worldviews diplomatically and authoritatively.
One unique aspect of this public policy think tank degree is that you will be able to take a policy and conduct an in-depth analysis of it over the course of several semesters. This can help you shape a policy that you have identified in your present role or prepare for your future career using this key policy piece as your springboard into the public policy arena.
View the Degree Completion Plan and check out our featured courses below for more information!
Featured Courses
PPOG 502 – Economics and Public Policy
PPOG 503 – Political Philosophy
PPOG 504 – Leadership, Statesmanship, and Governance
PPOG 600 – Think Tank, Research, Training, and Policy Development
Highlights of Our Public Policy Think Tanks Master’s Degree
Our Master of Arts in Public Policy – Think Tank and Policy Research degree is a part of the Helms School of Government. As a student in this department, you will receive the following benefits:
- There are many opportunities to intern with organizations and agencies related to your degree, thanks to Liberty’s close connection and proximity to Washington, D.C.
- Join the only honor society for college and university government students in the United States. Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.
- Our Helms School of Government, named after Sen. Jesse Helms, was founded to promote the traditional values and conservative thoughts of our namesake.
- Champion public policy, put it into action, execute it, or uphold it. Our Helms School of Government provides the opportunity to delve into and potentially fulfill one or more of these roles, utilizing your capacity to perform a thorough review of the policy that most interests you.
Public Policy Think Tanks Master’s Degree Information
- Residential
- 36 Total hours
- Transfer up to 50% of your credits
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- View our course catalog
Potential Career Opportunities for MAPP – Think Tank and Policy Research Graduates
- Community outreach coordinator
- Government relations specialist
- Legislative aid
- Political activist
- Program analyst/manager
- Public interest/advocate group member
- Public policy analyst
- Research associate
Admission Requirements for Graduate Degrees
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official bachelor’s degree transcripts with a 3.0 GPA or higher
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Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
