Watson School of International and Public Affairs
Brown University
Elevating future global leaders to address pressing societal challenges
The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is a rigorous, one-year, residential program that prepares students to be public policy leaders, analysts, and advocates in government, politics, and the nonprofit and private sectors, both in the U.S. and abroad.
At Brown University’s Watson School, MPA students develop substantive knowledge of complex policy issues alongside key analytical and professional skills for an impactful career in public affairs — in just one year.
Through our program that runs from early June to May, students build substantive knowledge of complex policy issues while sharpening the analytical, communication, and strategic leadership skills needed to address pressing societal challenges as future global leaders.
See What's Possible at Watson
Olivia Hayes ’26 MPA
Discover how Olivia Hayes is transforming her commitment to social justice into evidence-based policy solutions through Brown and the Realizing Rights Lab.
Minh Hoang ’26 MPA
Minh Hoang is preparing to shape public policy in Vietnam through hands-on research and an interdisciplinary education from Brown's MPA program.
Nicole Nehiley ’26 MPA
After earning her M.P.A. at Brown, Nicole Nehiley built a career in strategic philanthropy focused on expanding opportunity and improving lives.
Master of Public Affairs
Course Samples
Economics for Public Policy & Statistics for Public Policy
Economics of Government Intervention
Statistics for Program Evaluation
Policy Analysis and Problem Solving
Frameworks and Analysis
Skills-Based Elective
Strategic Applications in Policy Making
Policy-In-Action Project
Management and Implementation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
Policy Problems of the 21st Century
Tracks and Specializations
Climate, Energy, and
Environmental Policy
International Development
International Finance and Economics
International Security Social and Economic Policy
Customized Specialization
Policy-In-Action Project
The Policy in Action Project is a semester-length professional capstone experience where students augment their skills through tackling policy issues with a real-world organization.
Isabella Anato
See how Isabella helped develop a policy model with the potential to influence legislation across all 50 states.
Estela Westphalen
Discover how Estela collaborated with a state agency to deliver policy recommendations with lasting public impact.
