The Ivy League’s only one-year residential master’s program in public affairs, the MPA prepares students to be public policy leaders, analysts and advocates in government, politics, and the nonprofit, and private sectors, both in the U.S. and abroad.
Through our rigorous one-year program that runs from early June to May, students will sharpen their analytical, communication, and strategic leadership skills needed to address pressing societal challenges as future global leaders.
Graduate Admissions
A comprehensive check-list of items needed for your MPA application
The Brown Master of Public Affairs Program considers admitted students for a variety of scholarship opportunities, and all admitted MPA students receive some level of merit-based financial aid.
Learn about the Brown MPA by registering for one of our upcoming Informaton Sessions! Information sessions are 45 minutes long, including Q+A in the final 15 minutes.
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Brown University alumni network across 152 countries
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Employers hired our 2021-2023 graduates
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Professional development events
Every day I have to effectively boil down complex policy topics into something brief and digestible...We spent a lot of time at Brown learning how to write impactful policy papers in as few pages as possible, and I have definitely carried that skill into my work.
MPA ’22
Curriculum
The Master of Public Affairs is a rigorous, one-year program that provides the analytical foundation and management tools to tackle the policy problems of today.
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Careers
Our program offers an array of services, workshops, and resources tailored to the career needs of public affairs students.
Find Out More About Our Career Support
Living in Providence
With its low cost of living, historic architecture, and nationally renowned dining scene, the capital city is a vibrant place to live and work.
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MPA Student Experience
Through language access, cultural connection and a deep commitment to community, Ninah Dickson K. is being recognized for creating belonging across languages and cultures among refugee families in Providence.
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The Policy in Action Project — a hands-on work and learning venture — is the capstone to every MPA student’s education at Brown. The MPA Program curates high-profile partnerships with governmental and non-governmental agencies across the country and around the world. The suite of projects also includes several in the Providence and Rhode Island area, allowing MPA students to see the tangible impact of their efforts.
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News from Watson
Alumni Spotlight: Bryan Joffe ’06 MPA
Bryan Joffe realized at a young age that access to a good education was the largest determinant of long-term economic success. A degree from Brown’s Master of Public Affairs has enabled him to fight for a level playing field for those most often shut out of high-quality education throughout his career.
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