Building on the core MPA requirements, students can tailor their program of study to their interests through their elective coursework. We offer several specialization routes aligned with our core questions (Data-Analysis, Management & Leadership, Advocacy & Change). Students may also customize a specialization through a combination of electives drawn from across Brown, tailored to their policy interests, academic curiosity, or professional goals.
The Data-Analysis Specialization - How do we know?
The Data-Analysis Specialization prepares MPA students to do data analytic work in government, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. Students are introduced to a variety of programming languages used to manipulate and analyze data including Stata, SQL, and Python, and gain the tools to turn large data sets into improved policy. Students also acquire hands-on, practical experience with data cleaning, analysis, visualization, and designing and implementing policy evaluations through the three required electives.
The Management & Leadership Specialization - How do we do?
The Management & Leadership Specialization prepares MPA students to manage and lead complex organizations in government, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors. Students are introduced to a variety of applied skills including strategic communication, project management, inclusive leadership, negotiation, and more.
The Advocacy & Change Specialization - How do we change?
The Advocacy & Change Specialization prepares MPA students to identify policy areas needing improvement and developing pathways for impactful change. Students are introduced to a variety of applied skills including stakeholder engagement, inclusive impact analysis, strategic communication, and more.
Customized Specialization
In consultation with their MPA academic advisors, students have the flexibility to customize their own specialization from a combination of MPA electives and other courses at Brown University. Our MPA students have pursued a range of focuses through the custom specialization. Examples include climate policy, education policy, humanitarian response, and social policy.
*Please note that elective course offerings are subject to change. Specialization distinctions do not appear in final transcripts, but can be included in professional communications.