Mintaka Angell MPA '16
In addition to the required MPA curriculum, students have the opportunity to pursue a specialization through their elective coursework. MPA specializations are aligned with our core questions (Data-Analysis, Management & Leadership, Advocacy & Change). Students may also customize a specialization through elective coursework 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.
Data-Analysis Specialization Elective Courses:
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.
Management & Leadership Specialization Elective Courses:
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.
Advocacy & Change Specialization Elective Courses:
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. Some examples of customized specializations that our MPA students can design include:
*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.