Joint Degree with the Public Policy Program (MA/MPP)

Program Requirements

The Joint Degree with the Public Policy Program is intended for POLS MA students who are interested in education policy and working in educational agencies to develop both their analytic skills and perspectives of policy analysis and their substantive knowledge base regarding education policy, organizations, and practice. The joint degree requires approximately 2 years (6 quarters) to complete. Students in the joint degree program spend most of their first year taking both GSE and Public Policy courses and completing their POLS Field Project. The second year is typically devoted to the MPP practicum and remaining GSE and Public Policy requirements.

Students must complete at least 95 units at Stanford to receive the MA/MPP Joint Degree. The following constraints are placed on those 95 units:

  • All courses must be at or above the 100 level – courses numbered below 100 do not count toward the MA.
  • At least 48 units must be at or above the 200 level, of which 23+ units must count toward POLS (EDUC 180 and 190 count toward this requirement).
  • At least 27 units must be from courses offered by the Graduate School of Education (EDUC units).
  • At least 65 units must be taken for a letter grade (as opposed to Credit/No Credit), of which 15 units must count toward POLS.
  • A 3.0 GPA must be maintained for all courses applied to the joint degree.
  • Students must enroll in a minimum of 8 units during Autumn, Winter, and Spring Quarters, and cannot exceed 18 units in any quarter.
  • No more than 40 units may be counted towards both degrees.
  • ​English for Foreign Students (EFSLANG 600 level) and Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (ATHLETIC) courses cannot be applied towards the master's degree.
  • See the "Coterminal Degree" section for unit requirements applying to students admitted through the coterminal degree program.

Advising and Plan of Study

Beginning in their first year, students are expected to discuss a coherent program of study with Ann Jaquith and must complete their Preliminary Program Proposal during the Autumn quarter of their second year of study. The Preliminary Program Proposal is due no later than the end of the second week of Autumn Quarter of the second year at 5pm. Students may deviate from their Preliminary Program Proposal during the academic year, but must be careful to fulfill all requirements. The Final Program Proposal, indicating courses actually taken, is due no later than the end of the second week of Spring Quarter of the second year at 5pm. 

For further information on course requirements, please visit the POLS page of the MA Handbook.