As Sino-U.S. relations become increasingly intertwined and complex, many universities are focusing on public administration/international relations programs with an emphasis on China-U.S. relations or Chinese studies.
Chinese students have a significant advantage in these programs. Today, let us introduce a UPenn program with a focus on Chinese students: International Master of Public Administration (IMPA).
This is a one-year full-time program. If you want to work in NGO/non-profit organizations like the United Nations, run for public office, or work in government agencies, this International Master of Public Administration program at UPenn is the perfect platform for you.
Part.1 Highlights of the IMPA Program
IMPA Highlight 1: A one-year UPenn master's degree
IMPA Highlight 2: Excellent networking platform
IMPA Highlight 3: Preference for Chinese international students
IMPA Highlight 4: $5,000 program scholarship
The program brings together outstanding professors from many of UPenn’s strong schools, such as nursing, law, economics, and other leading professionals, and is jointly planned and offered by the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies and the Fox Leadership International Center, conferring a UPenn master's diploma.
The program is inclined to recruit bilingual talents, and students have the opportunity to receive a $5,000 grant by participating in a summer practice project after graduation.
The bilingual talents required by the program are not limited to Chinese students; based on past admissions, there are also many American students interested in Chinese affairs in this program.
You may not be familiar with the Fox Leadership International Center at UPenn, but for international students interested in this field, this organization is crucial.
The Fox International Leadership Center (FIL) at UPenn, led by the university president, was established in 2014 with a $5 million donation. One of its recent focuses is the China-U.S. educational cooperation plan. It has organized numerous cross-cultural exchange programs, helping UPenn students and recent alumni find jobs in China and facilitating extensive intercultural communication. It also provides many practical opportunities for international students.
Let's briefly look at the members of this organization:
Dr. William Burke, educated at Harvard and Cambridge; served on the Obama-Clinton Foundation.
Dr. Pamela has led numerous research projects and is currently looking for Mentees. Here’s some background: many organizations in the U.S. have a 'Mentor-Mentee' system, where a mentor guides one or several students, offering advice and assistance in studies, life, career, and long-term life planning.
If you are fortunate enough to find a responsible and influential mentor in the industry, it really puts you on the fast track of life. The FIL program provides an excellent platform for networking, creating opportunities for you to communicate directly with these experts one-on-one and even become their Mentee.
Communication and interpersonal skills have always been the top priorities in a management student’s skill set. To go far on the path of management, studying behind closed doors is very dangerous. You must communicate with people and participate in practical projects, and the IMPA program at UPenn is a great opportunity to do so.
Part.2 UPenn IMPA Curriculum
The IMPA program adopts small-class teaching. After completing required courses, students can take two elective courses from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences, communicating and learning with UPenn students and professors outside the program to expand their network.
First Semester Required Courses:
- Key Issues in Global Leadership: Government Management and Solving Issues in Government and Non-Government Sectors;
- Basic Concepts and Principles of Economics and Finance;
- Quantitative Data Research: Argumentation, Analysis, and Presentation;
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Developing Cross-Boundary Leadership;
- Independent Capstone Project (Phase 1): Public Leadership and Biographical Analysis
Second Semester Required Courses:
- Key Issues in Management Ethics;
- Capstone Project Practice and Presentation: International Project Evaluation and Forecasting — Exploring China's Elderly Care Issues;
- 21st Century China and the U.S.: Local Exchange and Cooperation;
- Independent Capstone Project (Phase 2): Public Leadership and Biographical Analysis
The program also includes a large number of volunteer-type activities, combining theory, quantitative analysis, and practice.
Other learning opportunities include but are not limited to:
- (Required) Academic advisor and senior mentor meetings
- (Required) Guest professor seminars on U.S. public policy
- (Required) IMPA student-faculty communication program
- (Optional) Fox Leadership International Center educational and cultural exchange activities
Part.3 Admission Requirements
Due to the unique characteristics of the program, there may be a slight preference for Chinese students. However, UPenn is a prestigious institution, and the bar for this program is not low.
Fall 2019 Application Deadlines:
1. Academic Requirements: No failing grades in university courses, GPA of 3.0 or above, GPA requires WES certification.
2. Language Requirements: Valid GRE score, or TOEFL ≥ 100, or IELTS ≥ 7
3. The application also requires three essays:
First essay (350 words, required):
Personal statement, requiring a clear description of your academic background, interests, and understanding of the program.
Second essay (limit 500 words, required):
Please answer the following two questions in the essay:
1. Do you think China's healthcare system needs reform? State your reasons.
2. How do you think the healthcare system should adapt to an increasingly aging society?
Third essay (limit 250 words, supplementary essay, optional):
In the essay, provide any additional information you think the admissions officer should know.
Part.4 Finally, Let's Talk About the Target Audience for This Program
Discussing whether a program is 'watered down' or good without considering specific circumstances is meaningless. Whether it's easy or challenging, good or bad, ultimately depends on whether it suits you.
For many students, the IMPA program serves more as a stepping stone to an Ivy League school, providing a higher platform and, through various school-organized activities, giving students the opportunity to access the network and resources of a prestigious institution. The one-year program length also allows students to quickly master relevant knowledge and enter practice as soon as possible.
Therefore, whether this program is suitable for you depends on your personal situation and career plans.
