Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Policy Analysis
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Key Facts at a Glance
- Act now: Priority deadline for Fall 2025 is December 5
- No application fee
- Generous scholarships available, up to $25,000 per year
- Gain real-world experience working on RAND research projects
- Earn a research fellowship of more than $30,000 per year
- Graduate in 18 months
“At Pardee RAND, I got an education I could not get anywhere else. The curriculum was intense and interdisciplinary, difficult but incredibly rewarding. I was encouraged to think both creatively and practically; not only to solve problems, but to develop solutions that can be implemented in a real-world context.”
Alum Annie Boustead
Why You Should Apply
In today's world, the ability to interpret data and analyze policies is crucial. Pardee RAND offers a unique educational experience that will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex policy challenges.
Through the Pardee RAND M.Phil. in Policy Analysis, you will
- Learn from the Experts: Our professors are RAND policy experts deeply embedded in real-world decision-making circles. They are in the room where critical decisions happen and bring their unparalleled practical experience into your class.
- Experience a Think Tank Environment: We are the only graduate school integrated with a think tank. Unlike traditional academia, our program is tailored to help solve the world's greatest problems through an interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Conduct Real-World Research: Participate in real-world research though on-the-job training to gain hands-on experience with policy issues happening now.
- Make a Bigger Impact: Graduate with in-demand skills from an institution with a global reputation for excellence and a trusted network of leading experts.
- Receive Scholarships and Fellowships: Scholarships are available, up to $25,000. Students can also earn more than $30,000 through their research fellowship to substantially offset tuition.
Our program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive and intensive education that will prepare you to make a difference in the world. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our program and the opportunities it offers.
Curriculum
Students take a total of 18 units of core and elective courses.
Core Coursework (required, 8 units)
- Designing Empirical Research
- Ethics in Theory, Policy, and Practice
- Microeconomic Theory I§*
- Microeconomic Theory II
- Perspectives of Policy Analysis
- Policy Making in Complex Environments
- Statistics for Policy Analysis I*
- Statistics for Policy Analysis II*
- Technology and Society
§ For Microeconomic Theory I, students can choose the more quantitative and theoretical Mathematics of Economic Systems, which we recommend for students interested in pursuing a Ph.D., or the more applied Policy and Economic Systems.
* Students may waive out of Microeconomic Theory I, Statistics for Policy Analysis I, and Statistics for Policy Analysis II if they pass an exam at the start of the program. They will need to take another course (or courses) to fulfill the total unit requirements.
Electives (10 units)
Students may pursue one or more analytic concentrations. Sample electives* include:
- Advanced Econometrics
- Behavioral Economics
- Big Data Applications
- Cost Benefit and Cost Effectiveness Analysis
- Economic Development
- Engaging Communities in Research
- Game Theory
- Intersectionality of Policy
- Introduction to Data Science
- Issues of Modern Labor Economics
- Operations Research
- Performance Measurement
- Principles of Client-Centered Policy Analysis
- Program Evaluation
- Qualitative and Mixed Methods
- Robust Decision Making
- Social Network Analysis
- Survey Design
*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.
View our complete Course Catalog Compare our degree programsOJT: What Makes Us Unique
Pardee RAND Graduate School stands out from other programs by requiring master's students to complete 150 days of on-the-job training (OJT) as part of their two-year degree. This experiential learning opportunity allows students to work on real-world research projects, both at RAND and with external partners. During the first year of the program, students have weekly mentoring sessions to support their experiential learning.
As active members of multidisciplinary RAND project teams, students engage in research and data analysis while gaining a deep understanding of the role analysis plays in solving complex policy problems. This "learning by doing" approach provides students with hands-on experience and prepares them to make meaningful contributions to the field of policy analysis.
Learn more about OJTSample Schedule
The following is an example of the course and on-the-job training mix that students can expect over the two years of our program. Actual schedules may vary based on course availability and student preferences.
Students complete 150 days of on-the-job training throughout the program, beginning in the fall quarter of the first year and concluding in the spring quarter of the second year. Students may also choose to work on OJT during the summer between years 1 and 2.
Year 1
Fall
OJT Days
Experiential Learning Mentoring Sessions
- Perspectives on Policy Analysis
- Microeconomic Theory I
- Math for Policy Analysis
Winter
OJT Days
Experiential Learning Mentoring Sessions
- Designing Empirical Research
- Statistics for Policy Analysis I
- Microeconomic Theory II
Spring
OJT Days
Experiential Learning Mentoring Sessions
- Ethics in Theory, Policy, and Practice
- Policymaking in Complex Environments
- Statistics for Policy Analysis II
- Technology and Society
Year 2
Fall
OJT Days
- Applied Statistics for Policy Analysis
- Policy Communication with Visuals: Design to Drive Action
- Principles of Client Oriented Policy Analysis
- Robust Decision Making
Winter
OJT Days
- Cost Benefit and Cost Effectiveness Analysis
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Engaging Communities in Research
- Social Network Analysis
Spring
OJT Days
- Energy Markets
- Poverty in the United States: Measurement and Alleviation
- Issues in Modern Labor Economics
- R Programming for Scientific Analysis
Career Paths After Pardee RAND
Employers highly value Pardee RAND graduates for their intellectual agility, research experience, and ability to apply analytical tools and methodologies to a variety of policy problems. Graduates with international backgrounds also benefit from Pardee RAND's STEM designation.
- Policy Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Research Specialist
- Program Evaluator
- Consultant
- Program Officer
- Policy Researcher
- Local Government Officer
- Executive Director
- Policy Advisor
- Civil Service Administrator
- Foreign Affairs Officer/Diplomat
Key Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions we've received related to our M.Phil. Our Admissions FAQs page includes additional questions and answers related to the admissions process for all our programs.
Unlike a Master of Public Policy (MPP) or Master of Public Administration (MPA), a Master of Philosophy degree typically includes a significant research requirement — which is the case at Pardee RAND. Our M.Phil. in Policy Analysis is a professional degree that combines the academic focus of an MPP or MPA with the additional requirement that students complete 150 days of policy research.
Most Pardee RAND courses are taught in person. Classes are offered on weekdays and are taught by faculty based in Santa Monica, Washington, and elsewhere. A few courses are taught remotely or hybrid.
View our Course CatalogFull-time tuition is $50,000 and students are eligible for scholarships up to $25,000. Additionally, students can earn a research fellowship of more than $30,000 each year based on the RAND work they do.
Learn more about funding your degreeOur application process is easy!
- We do not require GRE or other test scores!
- Submit two letters of recommendation
- Upload your resume
- Share your (unofficial) transcript(s)
- Provide a short statement of interest
We do not require a thesis. Successful completion of two years of rigorous coursework is required, along with working 150 days of on-the-job training on RAND research teams. By working alongside RAND researchers on interdisciplinary teams, students can synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills gained through classroom learning to real world policy topics.
Class sizes vary but are generally small, ranging from a few students up to 30.
Pardee RAND has the distinction of being the only policy school in the United States based at a public policy research institute. Working on interdisciplinary research teams at RAND is an academic requirement of the M.Phil. (and Ph.D.) degree. Students gain practical experience through this on-the-job training, or OJT, and the work helps fund their research fellowship.
Learn more about OJTStudents in the M.Phil. program who are interested in continuing to the Ph.D. program are eligible to apply and be considered in the competitive process along with other Ph.D. applicants for that year. M.Phil. students will be encouraged to perform well in the coursework and OJT components and to take the qualifying exams (which are optional for M.Phil. students) as evidence of their qualifications for advancing to the Ph.D. If accepted, the first two years of coursework would already be completed, leaving 2-3 years to complete the dissertation and other OJT components.
The M.Phil. is STEM-designated, as is the Ph.D.
Learn more about our STEM designationWhile hiring decisions are made by RAND's Global Research Talent departments, the M.Phil. program provides exposure to RAND research through OJT that can be beneficial for future opportunities.