Turn Insight Into Impact At William & Mary
At William & Mary, you won’t get lost in large lectures. You’ll learn in small, discussion-driven classes led by faculty who are both leading scholars and experienced practitioners giving you direct access to the people shaping policy today.
You’ll build strong analytical skills across economics, politics, and law, then apply them in real-world settings from Washington, DC to Richmond to local communities. You graduate ready to step into real roles with confidence.
Why William & Mary Works For You
Professors Who Know Your Name
Small classes mean faculty know your goals and challenge how you think, not just deliver lectures. You also learn directly from policy practitioners, giving you exposure to how decisions actually get made.
Skills That You Can Use Day One
The William & Mary MPP builds core skills first, then applies them across policy areas that matter to you. You graduate ready to analyze data, navigate policy through multiple lenses, and communicate ideas clearly.
Learn By Doing
You work on real policy issues with practitioners in Washington, D.C., Richmond, and local communities. Programs like the Washington Program and Policy Research Seminar ensure you’re applying what you learn in real settings.
Turn Your Degree Into A Career
William & Mary graduates move into roles across government, nonprofits, and the private sector with skills employers value. An active alumni network helps you secure internships early and opportunities after graduation.
A Smart Investment
William & Mary delivers a respected policy degree without the inflated cost of peer programs. Competitive tuition and financial support let you focus on building your career, not managing debt.
Partnership With Schroeder Center For Health Policy
This Center is housed within the Public Policy Program, giving you direct access to applied research, faculty, and real-world healthcare policy work as part of your MPP experience. You engage with current policy challenges while building practical expertise that positions you for careers in health and public policy.
Alumni Spotlight
Corrina Barrett Lain
William & Mary
Public Policy Program
MPP '92
The Hidden Reality Behind Lethal Injection
A conversation with Corinna Barrett Lain (MPP, '92) reveals that lethal injection, often portrayed as clinical and humane, was developed without scientific testing and can involve significant pain masked by medical staging. Evidence of botched executions, high failure rates, and cases of consciousness during the procedure challenge the perception of a controlled and peaceful process. The discussion raises deeper questions about ethics, cost, and whether the practice persists largely because it hides the true violence of state-sanctioned death.
From Application To Career
Admissions Information
William & Mary’s MPP application process is straightforward, with clear requirements and a February 15 deadline for full consideration. GRE scores are optional, allowing you to focus on presenting your academic background, experience, and potential for success in public policy.
Careers Outcomes
William & Mary MPP graduates move into roles across government, nonprofits, and the private sector with skills employers value. An active alumni network helps you secure internships early and convert your degree into real career opportunities after graduation.
