Overview
Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies Offers Access to Valuable Resources Directly Related to Research Objectives
The Institute for Policy Studies, also known as IPS, is a branch of Johns Hopkins University (JHU) located on the Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. IPS is the academic branch of the university that focuses on social sciences and policy research. It awards degrees in studies pertinent to timely community issues. Research and studies conducted at JHU encompass public policy and policy administration, including evaluations of welfare dependency and child support, supportive living issues, and effects of public policies on the nonprofit sector.
John Hopkins University receives more funding for research purposes than any other school in the United States. It is known for its vast contributions to the development of science and social fields, its small size, and its faculty-student ratio. Located in the historic city of Baltimore, IPS students find themselves surrounded by many opportunities to research policy in real-world situations. The redeveloped Inner Harbor area is a working laboratory for students studying common problems associated with modern urban life.
IPS students find themselves only thirty miles from Annapolis, the capital of Maryland. The state is known for a wide range of natural adventures and rolling landscapes, offering four seasons of activities for residents and visitors from around the world.
Washington, D.C., is a mere one-hour car or train ride from campus, enabling students to both interact with and eventually work for policy officials, members of Congress, think tanks, and city, state, and federal lawmakers. These officials also continue to interact closely with the programs at the Institute for Policy Studies, thereby contributing to the studies and development of future policymakers and analysts.
Pursuing a Master of Arts in Public Policy at IPS Immerses Students in an Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Students pursuing a Master of Arts in Public Policy (MPP) at JHU fulfill curriculum requirements with studies in economic development, housing and urban policy, human resource development policies, and other major social issues. In addition to traditional course work, the IPS offers several opportunities for policy research which may or may not be conducted as a direct result of required studies.
Many of these studies are conducted in the nonprofit sector, examining how policies affect their activities and influences them. Other ongoing research projects constantly afford new opportunities to current graduate students and alumni through assistantships and internships.
The core curriculum includes interdisciplinary studies and courses involving policy analysis, microeconomics, and statistical analysis. The Graduate Policy Seminar Series is required of every MPP candidate, as is a thesis or its course-work equivalent. Other progressive studies in program evaluation and ethics allow students to closely examine in-force policies and their effects on modern civilization.
Multiple Financial Aid Resources and Alternative Funding Sources Enable Students to Pursue a Master's in Public Policy
Students interested in applying to the Institute for Policy Studies and pursuing the MPP may apply online. Most applicants choose to complete the traditional Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for federal student aid, but every student is considered for financial aid eligibility by the staff at Johns Hopkins.
The Johns Hopkins University Student Financial Services are able to assist with loans and qualifying applicants on a case-by-case basis. Awards are typically given to students with exceptional potential in the field of policy studies, and board members consider past transcripts, GRE scores, the student's personal statement, letters of recommendation and past relevant work experience when awarding assistance. The program faculty at IPS takes pride in providing a quality graduate education to a diverse group of students, so women, international students, and students of color are always encouraged to apply.
Scholarships are usually awarded for both years of study in the graduate program, and are renewed on an annual basis based upon performance and grades in the previous year. Other traditional student loans and even scholarships awarded by private organizations are popular financial aid resources utilized by JHU students.
Alternative forms of income and assistance while studying at IPS include research and teaching assistantships. The faculty or project managers hire students to assist in current research, typically after an interview process once the student is accepted to JHU. These assistants may work up to 20 hours per week, and must apply for the open positions through the Student Financial Services Office.
Second-year graduate students may find positions as teaching assistants in core courses, where their duties include tutoring and grading assignments. In addition, fellowships may be funded by outside foundations to allow a graduate student to pursue a specific area of study. These funds are typically awarded after considering the student's past experience and career goals. Regardless of any particular student's goals and study area, the Johns Hopkins staff is dedicated to helping them find the necessary amount and forms of financial aid to complete their degree requirements.
