Master of Philosophy in Policy Analysis

The Pardee RAND M.Phil. in Policy Analysis combines a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum with real-world, on-the-job training at a global policy research organization. Students graduate with a deep analytic toolkit, ready to tackle the hardest policy challenges.

As the world’s challenges have grown ever more complex, people with the skills to help interpret data and analyze policies have become increasingly important. RAND uses rigorous, fact-based research and analysis to help individuals, families, and communities throughout the world be safer and more secure, healthier, and more prosperous.

To help train the next generation of policy and data analysts, Pardee RAND’s core curriculum is broadly interdisciplinary, and our teaching and mentoring faculty pulls from the more than 1,000 members of RAND’s research staff. Join us and work side-by-side with RAND experts on real-time, real-world projects for clients in government, partner agencies, foundations, and beyond.

With an M.Phil. in Policy Analysis from Pardee RAND, students can jumpstart their career in changing the world.

Location:

Santa Monica, CA

Duration:

Full time, on campus, 21 months; fall quarter start

Fellowship:

Students are paid for their on-the-job training research requirement. Learn more »

*Availability of electives may change from year to year; students may also enroll in graduate-level courses at the UCLA Luskin School, per availability and approval.

On-the-Job Training

Pardee RAND is unique in requiring master’s students to complete 150 days of experiential learning or on-the-job training (“OJT”) over the course of their two-year degree.

As full-fledged members of multidisciplinary RAND project teams, students conduct research and analyze data while developing a sophisticated understanding of the role analysis plays in real policy problems. They are truly “learning by doing.”

Experiential Learning Mentoring Sessions and Tutorials

A total of 3 units

To support students’ experiential learning, and to develop expertise in professional, technical or substantive areas needed for their experiential learning, students will have mentoring sessions once a week during the first year and take a 1-unit experiential learning tutorial each quarter during the second year. Each quarter’s course of study will be developed in consultation with the Academic Dean.

Admission Requirements

• Be available to participate in our full-time research-and-study program at RAND's headquarters in Santa Monica, California
• Have completed a bachelor's degree by the program start date; some prior research or work experience is desired
• Demonstrate strong quantitative skills; all majors and disciplines are welcome

If requested, international students must also provide proof of funds before a formal letter of admission and a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) will be issued.

Pardee RAND Graduates and Career Paths

Pardee RAND graduates are sought after by employers that value their intellectual agility, project experience, and unique ability to apply analytic tools and methodologies across a wide range of policy problems. International graduates also benefit from Pardee RAND's STEM designation.

Our graduates can be seen as: