US policy master’s degrees

Working in policy is among the most effective ways to have a positive impact in key fields. Getting a policy master’s degree can be a big help in this path. Narrated by AI. ---Outline:(01:12) Summary of Part 1(01:16) What's the value of a master's for policy work?(01:47) If I want to do a master's, when should I do it?(02:31) What are the best graduate degrees for policy work?(03:18) Where should I do a master's?(04:19) Part 1: Why do a master's if you want to work in policy?(05:02) Do you need a master's to work in policy?(07:35) What are policy master's degrees like?(08:24) Types of policy masters degrees(11:16) Academic versus practitioner-oriented degrees(12:18) Career capital from a policy master's degree(13:09) Credentialing(14:07) Networking(15:55) Knowledge(21:40) Professional skills(22:41) Work experience(23:34) Other reasons for doing a master's(25:03) Why not do a master's for policy work?(29:12) When should you do a master's -- right after college or after working for a few years?(29:32) The case for working before graduate school(32:09) Exceptions: Who should do graduate school immediately?(34:04) Applying early(35:23) What are the alternatives to policy master's?(37:33) Part 2: Choosing where to go, how to apply, and how to get funding(38:18) Summary of Part 2(38:23) How should I choose where to apply?(39:16) Which schools and programs would you recommend?(40:10) How selective are policy schools?(40:58) When are applications due?(41:13) What do policy master's degrees cost?(41:38) Where to apply: Process and criteria for choosing a degree(42:08) Subject and curriculum(45:12) Location(48:33) Reputation(52:55) Opportunity cost(56:56) On-campus work opportunities(57:55) For international students: STEM degrees(59:20) Special degree features: part-time, accelerated, and dual/joint(01:01:33) Which policy master's should you consider?(01:02:28) Policy masters database(01:03:15) Top policy masters programs to consider(01:10:07) Acceptance rates(01:11:16) Experience levels and demographics(01:12:34) How to apply: Getting into policy master's programs(01:12:40) Application timelines(01:13:55) Application prerequisites(01:15:04) Qualitative application components(01:15:37) Resume(01:16:26) Statement of purpose and other essays(01:18:58) Letters of recommendation(01:21:25) Quantitative application components(01:21:52) GPA(01:24:37) Standardised tests (GRE, GMAT)(01:29:43) English proficiency exams for international students(01:30:00) How to fund graduate school(01:30:53) Tuition and other costs(01:33:39) University financial aid(01:35:50) Financial aid bargaining(01:36:41) Federal financial aid(01:37:13) Loans and loan forgiveness programs(01:38:28) Government scholarship-for-service programs(01:39:54) Employer funding(01:42:32) Philanthropic scholarships(01:43:55) Go abroad for graduate school(01:46:50) Do a PhD instead of a masters(01:48:36) Learn more The original text contained 96 footnotes which were omitted from this narration. --- First published: August 31st, 2023 Source: https://80000hours.org/career-reviews/us-policy-masters-degrees --- Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.