The Ford School To p - r a n k e d p o l i c y s c h o o l . W o r l d - c l a s s u n i v e r s i t y.
Our Mission The Ford School at the University of Michigan is a community dedicated to the public good. We inspire and prepare diverse leaders grounded in service, conduct transformational research, and collaborate on evidence-based policymaking to take on our communities’ and our world’s most pressing challenges.
Our Values We value community, integrity, respect, service, inclusion, diversity, and equity. We aspire for our work to be excellent, relevant, rigorous, collaborative, engaged, and impactful.
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Welcome I’m proud to lead the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Our faculty are renowned teachers and experts who care deeply about the impact of their work. Our curriculum is rigorous, interdisciplinary, and hands-on. Our students are diverse leaders who share a commitment to the public good. Our university is one of the best in the world. We’re engaged in public policy at a critical time in our world’s history. Our challenges—rising inequality, climate change, refugee crises, a rancorous political landscape, and so much more—are complex. And so our opportunities for impact are enormous. If you’re eager to lead, to find creative solutions, and to make a big impact on your communities, the Ford School is the right place
MICHAEL S. BARR Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy
for you—at the right time. With a Ford School education, you could be
Frank Murphy Collegiate Professor of Public Policy
leading the institutions and organizations that will shape our public
Roy F. and Jean Humphrey Proffitt Professor of Law
policies for decades to come.
Faculty director of the Center on Finance, Law,
Thank you for your interest in the Ford School. Go Blue!
and Policy; Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress; Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions, U.S. Department of the Treasury (2009-2010); a key architect of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
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in social policy
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in public policy analysis
U.S. News & World Report, 2020
U.S. News & World Report, 2020
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Leaders grounded in service We prepare our students to find collaborative, creative solutions to complex challenges in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
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Rigorous master’s degrees Policy analysis: The Ford School is the nationally
Leadership: Core and elective courses focus on key
recognized leader in quantitative policy analysis, with
issues in public/nonprofit management and effective
a carefully sequenced core curriculum in microeconomics,
leadership. Numerous co-curricular leadership
statistics, and quantitative program evaluation.
development opportunities are also available,
Political and ethical analysis: Core courses teach a sophisticated understanding of public policy institutions and political processes, and explore the key role of values and ethics in public policy design. Communication: Outstanding writing instruction and
including leadership assessments, workshops, panels, access to top policymakers visiting for our public events, executive coaching, and serving in leadership roles in student organizations, schoolwide committees, and public service initiatives.
tutoring; skills modules in public presentation, social media, strategic communication, working with the press, data visualization and more.
Degree
MPA
MPP
Dual
9-month, mid-career
Two-year Master of
Dual-masters’ degrees with other U-M
Master of Public
Public Policy degree
schools and departments including law, business, and education
Affairs degree Core credits
18
24
Varies, based on program
Elective credits
12
24
Varies, based on program
Total credits
30
48
Varies, based on program
Internship
5-credit
Required, between
Required, summer following first year
capstone project
1st and 2nd years
of MPP core coursework
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Ele ct i v es
Poli cy Con c en trati on s
Ford School electives include courses on the history
Students gain depth in an area of interest and
and future of Detroit, the economics of developing
passion through optional policy concentrations,
countries, strategic consulting, the psychology of
which require 9-12 credits and are formally
climate change, smart cities and mobility, thinking
recognized on transcripts:
about crime, poverty and inequality, cybersecurity
•
Public policy and analysis methods
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Public and nonprofit management
With low administrative barriers between schools,
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Social policy
students can easily combine their policy courses
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International policy
with electives offered by the U-M’s outstanding
•
International economic development
policy, the economics of education, and more.
professional schools—including law, business, education and urban planning—and top-ranked social science departments. One-quarter of Ford School credits can be taken outside of the school. See page 22 for more on dual degrees and certificates.
Core MPP courses* Politics of Public Policy (PubPol 510) Statistics (PubPol 529) Microeconomics (PubPol 555) and one of four approved economics courses (PubPol 558, 534, 556, or 744) Values, Ethics, and Public Policy (PubPol 580) Performance Management (PubPol 586) Public Management (PubPol 587) Quantitative Methods of Program Evaluation (PubPol 639) 10-week Summer Internship and Report Integrated Policy Exercise (PubPol 638) Negotiations or Conflict Resolution
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* Students with sufficient knowledge may place out of statistics or microeconomics via waiver exams administered during orientation.
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Relevance: an applied approach
F
ord School students apply what they’re learning in the classroom through hands-on, practical policy experiences.
At Wo r k i n t he Wo r l d
Con s ulti n g for c redi t
Our required summer internship sends MPP
The Ford School’s strategic public policy consulting
students around the world to work on critical issues
course, offered each semester, gives students
in their policy areas of interest. We help students
the chance to complete a commissioned policy
find internships with an impressive range of
project for a public sector client under the guidance
domestic and international employers and we
of a faculty advisor and external leaders who serve
offer generous stipends when needed.
as mentors. Teams of students work with the client
Established and fully-funded partnerships give Ford School students direct access to highly selective internships in key organizations. Our 2019 partnerships included the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR),
to develop a project work plan, collect relevant materials and information, conduct research and analysis, prepare a written report, and present findings and recommendations.
The Asia Foundation, the World Bank, and the Michigan Governor’s Office.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
E n gaged Learn i n g Other for-credit opportunities to actively engage with real-world policy issues include our annual China policy course and trip, policy-based community projects in Detroit, and our International Economic Development Program (IEDP). The IEDP allows students to study policy challenges faced by a particular developing economy, and then take a study trip there to meet with policymakers, members of civil society, foreign development agencies, and university students.
Though the International Economic Development Program, students learn about and travel to fascinating countries. Recent destinations include Cape Verde (2013), Myanmar (2014), Brazil (2015), Cuba (2016), Greece (2017), Senegal (2018), and Morocco (2019).
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fter 35 years in public service, I consider career-related mentoring
and advising of students to be one of the most important benefits I bring to the Ford School‌and I spend many hours doing this in class, in office hours, and in my work with Graduate Career Services.� A mbassador Melvyn Levitsky (retired), Prof essor of International Policy and Practice
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Senior Advisor, Weiser D iplomacy C enter
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Prepared for immediate impact Divers i t y, e q u i t y, a n d i n c lusi o n In the classroom and beyond, we emphasize collaboration and listening across differences.
Writing Center team: (l-r) Beth Chimera, David Morse, Alex Ralph Not pictured: Molly Spencer
Students at the Ford School represent great diversity—in race and ethnicity, political viewpoints, life experiences, professional interests,
Wri ti n g Cen ter
socioeconomic status, and more. Faculty foster a
The Ford School’s commitment to writing instruc-
collaborative spirit among students, emphasizing
tion is best in class. Our Writing Center’s four
team-based projects and challenging students to
skilled professional instructors offer one-on-one
examine, share, and articulate their views. Our
tutorials and policy-writing modules designed to
graduates are equipped to lead in an increasingly
help students articulate public policy knowledge
diverse world.
in writing that is accurate, logical, and concise.
Skills de ve lo pme n t
Graduate Career Se rvi c es
Our community offers a huge array of opportuni-
Our well-staffed, strategic Graduate Career
ties for acquiring and building key professional
Services and Alumni Relations team helps
skills. Workshops from our Program in Practical
students identify their strengths, explore
Engagement teach students how to be effective
options, market their skills, negotiate with
advocates, how to work with the media, how to
savvy, and build careers of impact.
engage effectively on social media, and more. And our Weiser Diplomacy Center offers simulations on topics such as countering violent extremism, interpreting intelligence data, water diplomacy, and conducting diplomacy across cultural barriers.
We continually evaluate and respond to the ever-changing landscape for policy professionals. We cultivate our many established employer relationships within and outside of our highly engaged alumni body. And each year we grow our employer base to respond to changes in student interests and shifting workforce trends.
» Individualized career coaching » Resume and cover letter reviews » Professional development grants » Networking training » Information sessions with recruiters
» Mock interviews » DC and Detroit career exploration trips » Online career portal » Alumni-in-residence programs » Internship and job search groups
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Prominent, accessible faculty Poverty and inequality. Trade and economic development. Health and human security. Energy and the environment. Alongside their critical work as teachers and mentors, Ford School faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized experts in vitally important policy areas. They are deeply committed to strengthening the connections between rigorous academic research, real-world policy issues, and the student experience.
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Our faculty
O
ur faculty’s broad and interdisciplinary expertise is demonstrated by the wide range of units with
which they hold joint appointments—including economics, political science, sociology, history, math, business,
social work, education, environment and sustainability, information, and urban planning.
Teac hers an d men tors Brian Jacob, Walter H. Annenberg
While our faculty members are
Professor of Education Policy;
world-class scholars, they are also
Co-Director, Youth Policy Lab
enthusiastic teachers and mentors who prize the school’s close-knit, collaborative community. Our student-faculty ratio is 8:1, and our faculty actively participate in studentorganized events and activities like our annual charity auction.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
E v i de n ce- b as e d p o l i cy m a k i n g Our faculty members do groundbreaking research—identifying new methods for fostering cooperation in the midst of intractable conflicts, slowing the spread of life-threatening diseases, and designing low-cost methods to reduce poverty in developing nations. And they’re deeply engaged in the world of practice. They include senior government advisors, current and former members of the Council of Economic Advisers, leaders of international nonprofits, and more.
Di sti n cti on Our faculty are recognized as among the university’s best. Three of our faculty members hold the highest appointment at the University of Michigan, that of Distinguished University Professor. Twelve of our active faculty members hold named professorships. Many others have been recognized for outstanding mentoring, academic innovation, policy engagement, research,
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and teaching.
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Poli cy Talks @ the Ford Sc hool The Ford School makes Ann Arbor a destination for distinguished policymakers from around the world. Dozens of speakers visit the school each year to speak and meet with students. Recent: (clockwise, from upper left) Janet Yellen, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Kumi Naidoo, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and William Burns
Tows le y Fo u n dat i o n Policym a ke r i n Res i d e n c e
Javed Ali
The Towsley Foundation Policymaker in Residence program brings national and international leaders to campus to join our faculty. They teach graduate-level courses ranging in length from six weeks to a full semester; deliver public lectures; and advise and mentor students on projects, papers, and career plans. Congressman Sandy Levin
Rice photo: The White House
Diplo m ats i n Res i d e n c e Our Weiser Diplomacy Center brings senior diplomats to the Ford School as professors of practice. They offer courses that include strong conceptual content and practical applications. And U-M is one of a very small group of U.S. colleges selected by the State Department to host a Diplomat in Residence (DIR)—a foreign service officer who spends one to two years on site, here at the Ford School.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Research Centers The Center on Finance, Law, and Policy works on a broad range of research projects focused on creating a financial system that is safer, fairer, and better harnessed to the real economy. CFLP gets $950,000 grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: “This research will explore what a more inclusive financial system needs to function and succeed and what role central banks might play,” said Michael S. Barr, dean and faculty director, CFLP. (Winter 2019)
The International Policy Center fosters interdisciplinary faculty research and engages students through study trips abroad, an international speaker series, internships, and other activities. International Policy Center funds student trip to Guatemala to engage with the work
The Ford School is home to a growing number of active research centers doing cutting-edge, evidence-based
the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Foundation. Trip is led by Towsley Policy-
policy work in close partnership with policy communities—
maker in Residence Hardy Vieux (MPP/JD
identifying and helping to solve complex challenges.
‘96), legal director of Human Rights First.
Visit fordschool.umich.edu/research-centers
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of an international human rights nonprofit,
(Spring 2019)
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The Science, Technology, and
The Education Policy Initiative
The Weiser Diplomacy Center, our
Public Policy Program is devoted
engages in rigorous, applied
dynamic new hub for the study and
to interdisciplinary research and
policy research designed to reduce
practice of diplomacy, trains stu-
teaching on the politics and pro-
educational disparities and improve
dents interested in international af-
cesses of science and technology
student success.
fairs and brings to campus a diverse
policymaking.
Susan Dynarski and the EPI partner
cadre of seasoned diplomats.
STPP releases new report finding
with the State of Michigan and MSU
Weiser Diplomacy Center launch
significant problems with the use
to establish a new clearinghouse and
semester event series features Hillary
of facial recognition technology in
research collaboration for all of the
Rodham Clinton, Condoleezza Rice,
schools and recommends a ban.
state’s education data. (Spring 2019)
Samantha Power, and more.
CFLP photo: U.S. Department of Treasury
(August 2020)
(Fall 2019)
The Center for Local, State, and
Poverty Solutions is finding new
The Youth Policy Lab, a partnership
Urban Policy (CLOSUP) provides
ways to prevent and alleviate poverty
with the Institute for Social Research,
local government leaders with
through action-based research that
uses rigorous evaluation design and
trusted, nonpartisan research that
informs policymakers, community
data analysis to help community and
helps them discover and adopt in-
organizations, and governments
government agencies make better
novative policy solutions.
about what works.
decisions.
Sarah Mills provides rural Michigan
Poverty Solutions takes quick action
Youth Policy Lab partners with Detroit
communities with the facts on
amid pandemic to help people get
Regional Chamber to evaluate pro-
wind turbines and their impact.
their federal stimulus dollars and
grams designed to improve access to
(Summer 2019)
connect them to community resources.
college for Detroit high schoolers.
(March 2020)
(April 2019)
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Consider the possibilities Whether you see yourself managing refugee programs at the United Nations or leading the City of Detroit’s riverfront redevelopment efforts, the Ford School is your first stop. The policy interests of our students and alumni are diverse—local and global, corporate and not-for-profit, educational and economic. What will you do with your Ford School degree?
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Make an impact in DC . . .
T
he Riecker Michigan Delegation Fellowship sends two competi-
tively selected graduate students to Washington, DC each winter to complete a six-month assignment with a senator or representative from the state of Michigan. Fellows receive a living stipend for DC and tuition support for the semester that follows. Myra Lee
Jackson Voss
(MPP ’16)
(MPP ’18)
Internships by Location ● Michigan 32% ● Washington, DC 24% ● International 17% ● California 7% ● New York 7% ● Illinois 5%
Grant Newsome
● Other U.S. 8%
(MPP ’20)
Five-year average (2015–2019)
S ummer i n tern s hi ps Many of our students gain practical experience through their required summer internship. Around 20 percent intern outside of the U.S. each year in organizations such as the World Trade Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, the World Bank, and Innovations for Poverty Action; another 16 percent intern with U.S.-based organizations that deal with international issues.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Make an impact in Detroit . . .
Brian Garcia (MPP/MBA ’16) Betsy Palazzola (MPP ’12)
B
rian and Betsy were David Bohnett
Bohnett internships are fast-paced and
Foundation Leadership and Public
high-impact. Recent interns have worked on
Service Fellows. The Bohnett Fellowship is
parcel imaging for analysis by the Detroit Land
given each year to three incoming graduate
Bank Authority, gaps in early education and
students; it provides two years of in-state
childcare networks in Detroit, expansion of
tuition support and a funded internship in
career centers for people with disabilities, and
the City of Detroit mayor’s office.
community integration programs for recently resettled refugees.
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. . . Or go to work on global challenges
Aprisal Malale (MPP ‘20) Hannah Mesa (MPP/MPH ‘20)
D
irect Relief, a humanitarian aid
As an intern with the Research and Analysis
organization, is active in all 50 states
team at DRI headquarters in Santa Barbara,
and more than 80 countries. Aprisal interned
Hannah used GIS to equip stakeholders with
in his hometown of Sulawesi, Indonesia,
data for critical aid and recovery decisions.
managing Direct Relief’s efforts to rebuild from the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that devastated the region in fall 2018.
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detroit, Michigan
Lansing, Michi gan
New York, new york
Stephanie Chang (MPP/MSW ‘14) Michigan State Senator
Brandy Johnson (MPP ’09) Post-secondary and workforce policy advisor, Governor’s Office
Lisa Stowe (MPP ‘00) Markets Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
A world of possibilities Ford School graduates obtain skills that allow them to pursue their passions, whether close to home or far afield. Our alumni work all across the globe, addressing policy challenges in education, urban revitalization, economic development, foreign affairs, human rights, and many other fields.
Visit fordschool.umich.edu/careers-internships
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Long Beach, California
Washington, DC
Bu enos Aires, argentina
Eric Lopez (PPIA, MPP ’06) Director of Public Works, City of Long Beach
Farouk Ophaso (PPIA, MPP ’06) Professional staff member, U.S. House Appropriations
Silvana Kostenbaum (MPP/MUP ‘04) Public Sector Specialist, The World Bank
New Delhi, India
Andreas Hatzigeorgiou (MPP ’08) Chief Executive Officer, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce
Steven Corliss (MPP/JD ’88) UNHCR Representative, United Nations Refugee Agency
Tannistha Datta (MPP ’09) Child Protection Specialist, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Lilongwe, Malawi
Kabul, Afghanis tan
Jennifer Bergeson-Lockwood (MPP ’08) Health Development Officer, USAID
Ahmad Javid Ahmadi (MPA ’12) Team Leader, UKAID
Singapore Michael Chapnick (MPA ’00) Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat
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christophe_cerisier, Singapore: prangthip_K, India: hadynyah, Bangladesh: Shutterstock, Malawi: alexerich, Argentina: shutterstock
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Photos: Detroit, Lansing, New York, washington, DC: Mike savitski. other photos istock: stockholm: scanrall, Afghanistan:
Stockholm, Sweden
The Ford School at the University of Michigan
The leaders and best
We’re housed at one of the world’s premier universities: the University of Michigan, a place with deep traditions focused on creating brighter futures.
fordschool .u mi ch.e d u
Go Blue
A
university ranked among the best in the world. A city
ranked among America’s best college towns. A diverse, dynamic, and friendly community to call your own. 1,400 student clubs and organizations, bringing vitality and energy to campus. And the University of Michigan’s 611,000 living alumni, transforming communities across the globe.
Aca demi c res ourc es The University of Michigan is home to nineteen graduate Photos: Michigan Photography
schools and colleges; 250 degree programs; 6,700 faculty members; and dozens of world-class academic departments. Remarkably low barriers between schools make it easy for students to register for courses in any department, accessing the full range of the University of Michigan’s intellectual, cultural, and social resources.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
D ua l- de g r ees About 30 percent of Ford School master’s
A leader i n di vers i t y, equi t y, an d i n c lus i on
students pursue dual-degrees while on
The University of Michigan is implementing
campus. We offer thirteen formal dual-degree
a major five-year strategic plan for diversity,
programs and dozens of individualized
equity, and inclusion—a collective vision for
options with business, law, public health,
change based on the conviction that excel-
area studies, social work, urban planning,
lence is not possible without diversity in the
natural resources and environment,
broadest sense of the word.
and more.
The University’s strategic plan serves as an umbrella; the Ford School developed and
Cert i f icat es
launched its own five-year plan with tremen-
U-M hosts an enormous variety of certifi-
dous enthusiasm and with pride in the school’s
cate programs that let students integrate
longstanding strength and commitment.
high-quality interdisciplinary resources into their education. Rackham’s 52
Michigan’s rankings
certificate programs include specializations
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such as data science, complex systems, environmental justice, African studies, survey methodology, sustainability, spatial analysis, and healthy cities. The Ford School itself offers a graduate
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U.S. Public University
#
U.S. Public University
certificate in science, technology, and public policy.
QS World Rankings, 2020
U.S. News & World Report, 2020
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#
University by Worldwide Reputation Times Higher Ed. 2020
102Top 10 Graduate Programs U.S. News & World Report, 2020
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Photo: Aubrey Sitler (MPP ‘16)
Akan Arabic Armenian Bambara Hebrew Hindi Indonesian Persian Polish Portuguese Punjabi Sanskrit Swahili Swedish Thai Tibetan Turkish Ukranian Urdu Uzbek Wolof Yiddish Zulu
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Global M i c hi gan African Studies Center, Center for European Studies, Center for Japanese Studies, Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies, Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies, and many more. U-M hosts seventeen outstanding area studies centers and programs that offer classes, research funding, and degree programs. Eduardo García (MPP ’17) in Cuba for the International Economic Development Program
More than 40 languages are taught at the University of Michigan, including an impressive array of less-commonly taught languages. Full-time Ford School students can take undergraduate language classes without charge. U-M’s English Language Institute offers language, academic, and intercultural instruction for international graduate students and scholars.
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The Ford School at the University of Michigan
Join a powerful network
From the day our students set foot on campus, they’re part of a great community dedicated to the public good: close-knit and active while in school, connected and committed long after graduation.
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Our students
W
Students who choose the Ford School are passionately
we offer a friendly, close-knit community
the policy decisions that affect their neighborhoods,
in which every student matters.
their countries, and people around the globe.
ith just around 130 master’s students matriculating each year,
interested in public affairs. They want to help shape
Our student body is diverse across a broad spectrum of dimensions. On average, international students make up 20 percent of our graduate student body, and 30 percent of our domestic students come from groups historically underrepresented in policymaking.
MPP
102
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Incoming class size
21
Average age
37
Age range
27–53
17%
Non-U.S.
36%
30%
Students of color (U.S. only)
21%
Female
41%
Male
59%
initiatives, host speakers, and build community.
MPA
21–42
58%
Student organizations govern, lead public service
2019 Class Profiles
42%
Years of work 3.7 11.2 experience
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Countries of origin
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
Our city
Ann Arbor Ann Arbor is one of the United States’ great college towns. Liveable, energetic and intellectual, attracting students from all over the country and the world, the city features outdoor concert series, farmers’ markets, and schools that have won national recognition for their excellence.
Downtown, you’ll find museums, restaurants,
Ann Arbor is within an
music venues, and independent bookstores,
hour drive of Detroit and
as well as comic shops and movie theaters. Just beyond downtown, students find recreation options on the beautiful Huron River, along with dozens of miles of running trails
Washington D.C. are ninety
renowned park system.
minutes away by plane.
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Most Educated Cities in America WalletHub.com, 2020
Best Cities to Live in America Niche.com, 2020
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#
New York City, Boston, and
Happiest Cities in America Forbes, 2019
Photos: Michigan Photography
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Chicago and Toronto.
in the Nichols Arboretum and in the city’s
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less than five hours from
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Our alumni
A
s a graduate of the Ford School—the nation’s first public administration graduate program and one of its most
prominent—you’ll join a powerful and growing network of alumni engaged in public service and leadership positions around the world. Ford School alumni are deeply involved with the school as volunteers. They help current students define their career interests and build their professional networks.
Because Ford School alumni are some of the best
• We organize annual career exploration trips to
resources available to students, we coordinate dozens
DC and Detroit, where alumni host panels at their
of alumni-engaged professional development activities
workplaces to offer career context and advice
each year: • Our Alumni in Residence program brings accom-
• Students and alumni network in more social settings, too, including our annual Worldwide
plished alumni back to campus to hold office hours
Ford School Spirit Day, where alumni host events
and support students through resume reviews,
in cities around the globe.
mock interviews, and career conversations.
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
A master’s or a PhD? The MPP program prepares graduates for professional careers in policy advocacy and public affairs; program implementation; analysis and research; and evaluation in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The MPA is a 9-month degree designed to enhance the analytic abilities and communication and management skills of experienced professionals with at least five years of work experience. Our highly competitive PhD program prepares graduates for careers as faculty members in a social science department or professional school or senior research analysts in think tanks, government or intergovernmental agencies. More at fordschool.umich.edu/phd.
Admissions ov e rv ie w The Ford School seeks MPP/MPA applicants from a diversity of academic and professional backgrounds. We emphasize the applicant’s academic performance as an undergraduate, demonstrated commitment to public policy, potential for graduate studies, statement of purpose, relevant work experience, range of courses taken, and faculty and employer evaluations.
Speak with u s We welcome your questions. Please chat with us this fall at an online graduate fair. You are also welcome to call or email us and we will respond to your inquiry promptly. Details: fordschool.umich.edu/ask-us
Application deadlines January 15 for MPP and MPA programs December 15 for PhD program
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Co st (per academic year, based on 2020–21 figures)
In-state Out-of-state
Tuition and fees
$24,772.38
$49,548.38
Housing and food
$16,502
$16,502
Books and supplies
$1,192
$1,192
Personal and miscellaneous
$6,574
$6,574
Total cost
$49,040.38
$73,816.38
Fellowshi p s a n d f i na n c i a l a i d The Ford School offers financial assistance through merit-based fellowships. These fellowships—available to both domestic and international applicants—are awarded with admission. In previous years, about 60 percent of each entering class received some level of fellowship support. With tremendous and growing support from donors who believe in our students’ potential, we are building our list of top-notch competitive fellowships, such as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Fellowship, the Weiser Diplomacy Center Fellowship, and the David Bohnett Foundation Leadership and Public Service Fellowship. In addition, Ford School students have been successful seeking university fellowships, graduate student instructor (GSI) positions (teaching assistantships), and graduate student research assistantships. Dozens of our students receive Ford School GSI positions each year. (University of Michigan GSI packages are very generous, including not only tuition, but also a living stipend and health insurance coverage.) The University of Michigan also provides need-based financial support in the form of subsidized loans and work-study funding. You are welcome to contact a Ford School advisor for more information.
We have a lot to talk about. Please join the conversation! @fordschool
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T he Fo rd Sc h o o l a t th e Un ive rs it y of M ic h ig an
“There may be no greater honor than to have a school bear your name. Such recognition means all the more when it comes from an institution that you love, and when it is dedicated—not to me personally—but to the cause of public service to which I have devoted most of my life.” Gera ld R . Fo r d 1913–2006 On the occasion of the dedication of Joan and Sanford Weill Hall, October 13, 2006 38th President of the United States; AB ’35 and HLLD ’74, University of Michigan
MEGAN NESTOR (MPP ’19) earned the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Fellowship—a full graduate fellowship offered to the most exceptional in-state Ford School applicants. Before graduate school, Megan spent close to a decade working with nonprofit organizations that combat the systemic inequities facing low-income students of color, and serving as program director of The Opportunity Network and as an avid volunteer for the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Youth Opportunities Program. “After my experiences at the Ford School,” says Megan, “I know that I want to work in a city that I care deeply about. I want to focus on policies that make a direct impact on peoples’ lives.”
Contact info Student and Academic Services: 734-764-0453 Graduate Career Services: 734-615-9557 Development: 734-615-3892 Alumni Relations: 734-615-5760 Communications and Outreach: 734-615-9691
Regents of the University of Michigan Jordan B. Acker, Huntington Woods Michael J. Behm, Grand Blanc Mark J. Bernstein, Ann Arbor Paul W. Brown, Ann Arbor Shauna Ryder Diggs, Grosse Pointe Denise Ilitch, Bingham Farms Ron Weiser, Ann Arbor Katherine E. White, Ann Arbor Mark S. Schlissel, ex officio © 2020 The Regents of the University of Michigan A Non-discriminatory, Affirmative Action Employer
front Cover photo: Max Gigle (MPP ‘19)
Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy University of Michigan Joan and Sanford Weill Hall 735 South State Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-3091 734-764-3490 734-763-9181 fax fordschool.umich.edu