Master's Programs
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies continues its tradition of attracting high caliber graduate students. Three hundred and forty five graduate students from countries around the world, including China, Vietnam, the Ivory Coast, and Tanzania, attended AYS in 2006. Our degree programs also attract highly competitive students and working professionals from Georgia and across the U.S. wishing to increase their knowledge and marketability in the public sector.

Graduate Student Highlights

• Five AYSPS students, Nicholas Harvey, Toi James, Manjola Tase, Violeta Vulovic, and Reginald Wilkins, were named to Who’s Who in American Universities, in recognition of their exceptional scholarship, extracurricular activities, and service to the university community.
• Several AYSPS students’ works were was selected for the annual Crossing Paths, Crossing Cultures photo exhibition:
  • Djesika Amendah (first place award)
  • Huiping Du (second place and international overall awards)
  • Hongli Geng (first and third place awards)
  • Nara Monkam (second place award)
• Angelino Viceisza was awarded the Joseph K. Heyman scholarship by the Atlanta Economics Club.
• See more graduate student highlights in the Graduate Activities section.

Master of Arts in Economics

In a global economy, AYS’s Master of Economics program is privileged to draw both national and international students who can analyze and implement economic principles and issues practically, fostering social development and advancement in many arenas – businesses; organizations, both profit and nonprofit; and larger communities, both local and worldwide. The students’ statements of goals reflect their philanthropic aspirations, their humanitarian concerns, and their unlimited international perspectives:

“…my primary objective is to advance my prospects of achieving a career as a Foreign Service Officer in the economic diplomacy arena. Because of the intriguing problems a Foreign Service Officer confronts, the appeal of a life of public service, and a fascination with other cultures, I am drawn to this career path.”

“I hope to use my knowledge in many fields. First, I hope to help developing nations become a functioning part of the world economy. Next, from personal studies, I have become fascinated with the fuel and energy fields. I believe strongly in deregulation of our utilities, and, on the strategic front, I believe in the need of developing alternate fuel sources to curb America's addiction to oil… I hope to help the nation's work force better adapt to the changing world economy. Whether in academia, with a think tank, or working in corporate America, I hope to find a platform to help me achieve these goals in their specified fields.”

“[A goal] that is both personal as well as professional involves spending several years living and working overseas as a professor of economics at a well-known university. While working overseas as an economics professor, I would also like to do some work as an economic policy advisor for foreign companies. Meanwhile, I plan on publishing research in the U.S. on, among many other topics, the economic decisions of foreign firms and how those decisions will affect their future development and therefore future competitiveness.”

“I want to study further, for both academic and, hopefully, future work in the field, the work of governmental and non-governmental development agencies and initiatives. I seek ways of creating and encouraging sustainable economic development that honors cultural, ethical, and religious commitments.”

“I believe that my prospective degree program will endow me with the most updated economic theories and necessary professional expertise that will help me analyze the economic issues in China.”

Master of Science in Urban Policy Studies

The growing number of urban and community revitalization programs throughout the city and the nation creates the need for the qualified skills and professional expertise to effectively analyze policy and manage the resulting changes and challenges, both public and private, both urban and suburban. With concentrations in Nonprofit and Civic Leadership, Social Policy, Planning and Economic Development and Policy Analysis, AYS’s Master of Science in Urban Policy Studies prepares students with the talent and knowledge for successful contributions to community renewal and transformation. Here, our students express their desire to improve our urban communities, our nation, and the world:

“I believe in improving the lives of people, one at a time; I believe in giving people reasons to smile, and I believe in the duty of us all to serve above ourselves. I am certain that upon acquiring all the skills and knowledge that successful public and nonprofit organizations need, I would be in an advantageous position to make a positive difference for the people.”

“… [the Master’s program] will improve my potential to work on an executive or administrative level in a government, public or private agency, establishing quality programs that provide positive alternatives and solutions for youth, advancing their present and future. [It] will guarantee me with a greater opportunity to acquire an advanced position to empower and effectively act as an advocate for change as I have always desired.”

“I seek a profession that will allow me to give voice and organization to the world's ever increasing number of displaced persons. I intend to be a manager who one day will help create equitable and efficient local governments from voids of confusion and despair.”

Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration candidates aim to influence change not only in the urban settings but also on a larger scale – at the state, federal and global level. Academic ambitions abound, but above all, our students desire to make a difference in people’s lives through public administration and service. With career tracks that include Nonprofit Management, Planning and Economic Development and Policy Analysis & Evaluation and more, the MPA degree imparts the expertise students need to help others and change the world for the better. Additional high demand specializations include Graduate Certificate programs in Nonprofit Management, Planning and Economic Development and Disaster Management. Our students' commitment to public service is reflected in their comments:

“A master's degree from Georgia State University along with my previous experiences would allow me to measure, analyze, and implement educational policies and legislation regarding curriculum and student support programs that would increase student achievement. I would also be prepared to construct and implement research studies and evaluation procedures that would support policies employed and measure their effectiveness.”

“The career track in Nonprofit Management at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies provides an ideal setting for my continued growth as leader and public servant. The refugee communities I intend to work for demand leaders well versed in the fundamentals of nonprofit management and flexible enough to manage in diverse environments.”

“I aspire to work on Urban Planning and Development in the undeveloped regions of North Korea to heighten the life of North Korean and to work on ways to create a balanced development model in North Korea, if unification in the Korean Peninsula will occur in the future. Besides, I will work in developing countries with enough ground for contributing to improvement of her residents' life through urban development.”

“My personal goal is to use my knowledge to make positive changes in the lives of others whether that is in an administrative position, or in the position of wife and mother. Professionally I would like to get my Masters in Public Administration and volunteer with the Peace Corps. I would also like to work for a nonprofit organization and continue my education by pursuing a doctorate so that I will be able to share my knowledge and experience with others as a professor.”

“[The Master’s program] will allow me to work in a field that is changing and helping improve the lives of others. I will also be able to affect the future. Furthermore, I will be given the opportunity to work in situations helping people in other countries as well as the community I live in.”

“…my goal is to understand the inner workings of non-profit organizations; their relationship with the donor community, government, and the communities they support. With this knowledge, I want to work with a local non-profit organization or the city of Atlanta in efforts geared towards addressing the needs of the underserved in Atlanta. I aspire to later work with international organizations focusing on the issues of poverty in Africa. With the experience gained, I will then pursue my ambition to start a foundation that will focus on helping orphaned and homeless children in Kenya. I have the integrity and accountability necessary to pursue my vision.”

“…being a part of this program will give me the knowledge and insight to make a positive impact in an emergency setting, and will prepare me to be great at working with my personal passion to serve others.”