Coterminal Degree

Stanford now offers a coterminal M.A. degree in Public Policy, available to undergraduates whether or not they major in Public Policy. This coterminal degree responds to the need for an intellectually rigorous pathway for undergraduates to approach careers of public service.

The coterminal M.A. has two tracks.

Track A is designed for Public Policy majors or other students who have completed all or nearly all of the Public Policy core coursework and prerequisites. These students are directed to one of the applied policy concentrations. Each concentration consists of core coursework together with elective options and participation in a practicum or faculty-supervised internship. The focus of this track is practical applications of theory and analytical tools.

Track B is designed for students who have not yet acquired the core analytical skills required to evaluate public policies. Such students will take at least 45 units of coursework roughly equivalent in subject-matter scope to the undergraduate major in public policy, with at least half of the coursework selected from the graduate core curriculum. This track requires that students have completed Math 51, PoliSci 2, Econ 1A, 1B, 50, 51, 102A and 102B, a total of 40 units, prior to applying for the public policy coterminal degree. Economics majors fulfill these preparatory requirements as part of their major, and so would be likely candidates for the Track B coterminal M.A. in public policy. However, with careful planning nearly any H&S student should be able to qualify.