Students' work on the "qualifying" or comprehensive exam demonstrates their grasp of public policy analysis as well as the fundamentals of research methods and quantitative analysis.

The exam consists of two parts. 
The quantitative exam is usually given out in late May or early June and requires analysis of a data set.   Students are given one week to complete this portion of this take home exam.  The essay or qualitative exam is usually distributed in mid-July and is due three weeks later in early August.  Students are provided with case materials and are asked to prepare a policy recommendation on a current issue in public policy.

Students typically take the quantitative exam after the first year and the qualitative exam after completing their second year of course work (or the third year for part-time students).  Upon successful completion of both exams, students earn an en route Master of Science degree in Public Policy and move on to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

Comp study guides and test-taking strategies are available as well as a more detailed description and rationale for the exams.

Do you want to change the face of public policy?

Contact us at public.policy@umb.edu for more information.

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