Public Policy and Administration, Accelerated and Part-Time (MA)
Writing Sample
The writing sample should demonstrate the ability to present ideas and arguments in a manner appropriate to a graduate-level program and should not exceed 10 pages in length. The sample can be an academic paper, a short work-related memo or analysis, or an essay describing a critical public policy issue.
If you submit an academic paper, it should consist of the following:
A clearly articulated thesis on a topic drawn from public policy or a related discipline
An argument that persuasively supports the thesis and demonstrates an awareness of contrary arguments
Documentation of quoted material and acknowledgement of ideas taken from the works of others using an accepted academic style guide
If you submit a work-related analysis of a policy, problem, or program of which you are the sole author it should consist of the following:
A clear identification of the organizational issue in need of attention An analysis of the issue and its importance to the organization Well-reasoned action options and your final recommendations
If you are submitting an essay it should be comprised of the following:
Describe what you see as one of the most critical public policy issues that faces the nation, your state, or your community
Public policy issues are the complex and controversial questions that government officials and agencies must address in order to make decisions that affect the public. Some examples of public policy issues include:
Healthcare: This includes issues related to access to healthcare, the cost of healthcare, and the quality of healthcare.
Education: This includes issues related to the quality of education, funding for education, and access to education.
Environment: This includes issues related to climate change, pollution, and conservation.
Taxation: This includes issues related to the amount and distribution of taxes, as well as the use of tax revenues.
Social welfare: This includes issues related to poverty, unemployment, and income inequality.
National security: This includes issues related to protecting the country from threats, both domestic and foreign.
Criminal justice: This includes issues related to crime, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system.
Provide a summary of a course of action you advocate to address this issue as if you were serving in a policy-making or administrative leadership role
Provide supporting justification for the action you are advocating
