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Home―Academics―Master Degrees―Master of Arts in European Public Policy (MEPP)

Master of Arts in European Public Policy (MEPP)

  • Campus: SAIS Europe
  • Program Duration: One Year
  • Application Deadline: April 15
  • Credits: 40 Credits

In this section

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OVERVIEW

The Master of Arts in European Public Policy (MEPP) is a one-year degree that provides a working knowledge of how Europe functions in a globalized world. It addresses issues such as climate and sustainability, energy security, public health, data protection and digitization, as well as trade, finance, foreign affairs, and security policy, with a focus on EU decision-making. The program combines rigorous, multidisciplinary instruction with training in the skills required to succeed in public and private sector careers. Simulations, scenario building, role-playing and debates form part of different courses.

Students Walking

Watch as faculty and students explain how the MEPP prepares you to understand and shape Europe's role in a globalized world.

Become an Expert

Build the skills to work effectively in roles such as diplomat, international or EU official, consultant, think-tanker, NGO staffer, lobbyist, government affairs expert, journalist, business, regional or professional representative. Prepare for job applications and interviews, with professional guidance. Hone your writing and public speaking talents. Experienced professionals offer career and placement mentoring. Optional tailor-made career treks take students to Brussels, London, and other European centers.

What Your Program Will Look Like

The MEPP builds on the school’s strengths in multi-disciplinary analysis through a broad array of concepts and tools from history, law, economics, international relations, and political science.

Summer

The first summer term provides an introduction to the basic concepts in economics to enable you to understand the economic context in which the EU and European countries operate.

This cohort-based program starts with an intensive introduction to fundamental economic concepts during a six-week summer term. During the first two weeks, students attend online from their home country or elsewhere. The next four weeks are taught live on campus in the classroom. Where possible, MEPP students are encouraged to take Survival Italian alongside the four week on-campus portion of their summer economics course. This course is optional and a separate registration is necessary.

Courses

  • Microeconomic Risk and International Trade
  • Writing for Public Policy

Duration

2 weeks online
4 weeks on campus 

Fall Term

Learn about Europe's role in the world, the history and economics of European integration, crisis management in Europe, and take elective courses chosen from an array of approximately forty on offer at SAIS Europe.

Courses

  • European Integration and Political Crisis
  • European Economic Integration
  • Two Elective courses

Duration

September to December 

Spring Term

Confront the main challenges facing Europe in the years ahead and specialize in one or more areas of European public policy. As in the fall semester, you may take an elective in international economics or international relations. A minimum of four courses must be completed during the spring term.

Courses

  • Scenarios for the Future of Europe with Simulated Negotiations
  • Law and Institutions of the European Union
  • One or more of the following:
    • Europe and the Mediterranean Middle East 
    • Europe in the World
    • At least one additional elective



Duration

February to May

Summer Term

Complete an internship or undertake an original 8,000 word research project related to European public policy under the supervision of a faculty member.

Curriculum

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Study with world-class experts who are renowned for their scholarship, influence, and networks.

Mark Gilbert

C. Grove Haines Professor of History and International Studies

Richard Pomfret

Senior Adjunct Professor

Justin Frosini

Robert Abernethy Adjunct Professor

Simone Tholens

Adjunct Professor

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Advance Your Career

From consultants to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to policymakers, Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates put their degrees to work. For participants in the MEPP, SAIS Europe Career Services has designed an integrated pathway to support individual career plans, the Career Development Program. This pathway includes a series of workshops and individual career meeting aimed at providing useful tools to identify one's strengths, map out a career strategy plan and identify growth opportunities.

100% of the one-year Master of Arts in European Public Policy (MEPP) Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduation.

RECENT EMPLOYERS

  • Acumen Public Affairs
  • American Chamber of Commerce to the EU
  • Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • Delegation of the European Union to the United States
  • Diive
  • ENEL
  • Eurelectric
  • Everbridge
  • German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF)
  • Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
Based on results of a survey of students who graduated in August and December 2023. MEPP survey participation rate was 82%.

Employment Outcomes

Build Your Network

Join an influential alumni network of more than 24,000+ professionals working across sectors in 140 countries around the world.

Student group at a park

Alumni return to SAIS Europe each year for the school's annual alumni weekend to share their professional and personal stories since graduating, and to connect with current students.

Throughout the academic year, students have the opportunity to learn outside the classroom during study trips, where they visit a myriad of organizations and meet with individuals who offer unique perspectives on current global affairs.

Profile Image of Deniz Houston

Multiculturalism & European Policymaking

I spent a lot of time debating with American and European friends from Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom – I felt like SAIS was a great opportunity to practice collaborating and communicating with people from other countries the same way that I do now at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.

View Story

Palazzi Profile Image

Passion for policy-oriented research and European affairs

The SAIS path with a passion for policy-oriented research and European affairs.

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All Student Stories

Beyond the Classroom

Through study treks, practicum projects, staff rides, career treks, and internships, you will gain practical, hands-on experience.

Brussels Career Trek

Gain insiders’ knowledge on working in the European Union environment. Meet alumni and professionals from the European Commission, European Parliament, NATO, and organizations and think tanks gravitating around the EU.

Internship Opportunities

The opportunities available include the European Commission and Parliament, the European Central Bank, the European Investment Bank and the European Stability Mechanism.

Bologna Institute for Policy Research (BIPR)

The Institute provides a forum for thought and debate and promotes problem-centered, interdisciplinary research in international policy, supporting the impact and dissemination of faculty research and students' intellectual activities.

Networking Events

Network with alumni and professionals and organize student-led events exploring your area of interest's challenges and opportunities outside the classroom.

More Opportunities