Which Degree Program Is Right for You?
At the RAND School of Public Policy, we offer five degree programs:
- Master of Policy Analysis (MPA)
- Master of National Security Policy (MNSP)
- Master of Technology Policy (MTP)
- M.Phil. in Policy Analysis
- Ph.D. in Policy Analysis
You can also combine master’s degrees on an accelerated timeline through our concurrent degree programs. Use the charts below to compare programs and see which one aligns with your goals.
Program Comparison
MPA |
MNSP/MTP |
M.Phil. |
Ph.D. |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 5.5 required units 2 empirical analysis units 5 elective units |
3 required units 5 distribution units 3 elective units |
7 required units 11 elective units |
7 required units 4 distribution units 7 elective units |
| Degree-specific requirement | Capstone (1 unit) |
Capstone (1 unit) |
On-the-job training and associated workshops |
On-the-job training and associated workshops Dissertation |
| On-the-job training (OJT) | — | — | 100 days on RAND research teams | 200 days on RAND research teams |
| Faculty | ✔ Drawn from RAND researchers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Elective flexibility | ✔ Take electives across programs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Student community | ✔ Core courses taken together | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Campus locations | ✔ Santa Monica, CA, and Washington, DC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| International student enrollment | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Funding & support | Tuition scholarships |
Tuition scholarships |
Tuition scholarships Earned compensation for RAND research Health insurance option |
Tuition scholarships Earned compensation for RAND research Health insurance option |
| Time to degree | 9 months | 9 months | 18 months | 3‑5 years |
| STEM designation | — | — | ✔ (OPT—Optional Practical Training—up to 3 years for international students) | ✔ (OPT—Optional Practical Training—up to 3 years for international students) |
| Graduate outcomes | Applied research Analytic toolset |
Applied research Analytic toolset |
Applied research Analytic toolset |
Applied research Analytic toolset Original dissertation |
Note: Only SEVIS-approved programs (MPhil and PhD) may enroll international students on F-1 visas.
Which Program Is Right for You?
| What is it? | Who is it for? | How is it unique? | Choose this degree if you want to... | Frequent career paths | |
MPA |
Master’s degree focused on applied policy analysis and decisionmaking |
Early to mid-career professionals from any discipline Those seeking to build practical analytical skills without pursuing a research-intensive degree Professionals looking to apply policy analysis across sectors (government, nonprofit, industry) |
Shortest timeline (9 months) with full- and part-time options Focus on using and interpreting policy analysis—not producing academic research |
Develop strong analytical thinking for real-world policy decisions Interpret data, evidence, and economic tradeoffs Translate analysis into clear, actionable recommendations Build transferable skills across multiple policy domains |
Policy Analyst Program Evaluator Consultant Policy Advisor Civil Service Administrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MNSP |
Master’s degree focused on national security and policy analysis |
Early to mid-career professionals from any discipline Those seeking to launch, change, or advance careers in national security policy |
Shortest timeline (9 months) with full- and part-time options Immediate career impact beyond a bachelor’s |
Build expertise in national security policy Strengthen your profile for PhD study Broaden career pathways in defense, government, and policy |
Policy Analyst Consultant Program Evaluator Foreign Affairs Officer Civil Service Administrator |
MTP |
Master’s degree focused on technology policy and its societal impact |
Early to mid-career professionals from any discipline Those seeking to bridge technology and policy |
Shortest duration (9 months) with full- and part-time options Specialized focus on technology and innovation |
Develop expertise in technology policy Broaden career opportunities in tech-policy sectors Strengthen PhD preparation |
Technology Policy Analyst Digital Governance Expert Innovation Strategist Defense Technology Specialist |
M.Phil. |
Master’s-level degree in tools of policy analysis |
Early to mid-career professionals seeking applied research training Those unsure about pursuing a PhD Professionals wanting to return to the workforce quickly |
18-month timeline Extensive hands-on research Option to apply to accelerated Ph.D. pathway |
Gain advanced policy analysis skills Add research experience to a master’s in another field Prepare for doctoral-level study |
Policy Analyst Data Scientist Program Officer Policy Advisor Consultant |
Ph.D. |
Doctoral degree with advanced training in policy analysis |
Individuals seeking leadership roles in policy research Those pursuing academic, government, or high-level research careers |
3-5 years Dissertation and original research Strongest funding support |
Lead original policy research Pursue academic or executive leadership careers Contribute new knowledge to the policy field |
Senior Policy Analyst Senior Data Scientist Executive Director Senior Consultant Professor Economist |
To receive preliminary feedback on your candidacy prior to investing time in the admissions process, submit a pre-application.
Learning Outcomes
Each RAND School program develops these core learning outcomes.
| Comprehensive understanding of policy analysis | Application of methodologies | Specialized expertise | Communication & professional skills | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MPA |
Understand major policy challenges and basic policy levers across policy domains. | Understand and apply policy-relevant empirical research methods | Develop subject matter expertise in one or more policy domains | Develop skills to engage in important policy debates |
MNSP |
Understand complex challenges and policy levers in national security | Apply policy-relevant empirical research methods | Develop subject matter expertise in national security | Engage effectively in national security discussions |
MTP |
Understand emerging technology challenges and policy levers | Apply policy-relevant empirical research methods | Develop subject matter expertise in technology policy | Engage in technology policy discussions |
M.Phil. |
Understand the purpose and practice of policy analysis | Master methodologies used in policy research | Develop knowledge in one or more policy areas | Practice professional-level policy analysis |
Ph.D. |
Understand the purpose and practice of policy analysis | Master & apply methodologies used in policy research | Develop deep expertise in one or more policy areas | Design & produce impactful, original policy research |
Still not sure? There’s flexibility.
- You can apply to more than one program.
- Concurrent degree programs allow you to earn two master’s degrees on an accelerated timeline.
- M.Phil. students may apply to transition into the Ph.D. program after their first year, entering directly into the third year of the Ph.D. program if accepted.
- Ph.D. applications are automatically reviewed for the M.Phil. program, and Ph.D. students earn an M.Phil. along the way.