MS in Animals and Public Policy Program Admissions

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Applications for admission are being accepted on a rolling basis for fall 2023 enrollment

Students in the MS in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) program develop research, analytical, and communication skills that empower them to promote the status and welfare of animals and deepen public understanding of the role of animals in society.

The program seeks students of diverse academic, career, and professional experiences who share an interest in human-animal relationships. Enrolling students may be looking to begin a career related to animals, chart a new direction or deepen their knowledge in their current careers, or pursue another advanced degree, such as the DVM, Law, or PhD.

Degree Requirements

To be awarded the M.S. in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP), the student must complete a minimum of 32 credits from the MAPP curriculum.  Students may follow either an Applied Track or a Research Track and are expected to complete their requirements within 12–16 months following enrollment.

In fall and spring semesters, students following the Applied Track take 18 credits of required core courses, including Communicating Policy Positions, and a minimum of 5 elective credits.  This academic-year preparation is followed in the summer by the 9 credit Mentored Externship. Applied track students will generally complete their degree requirements within 12 months, but an extension to 16 months is permissible.

Students in the Research Track take 20 credits of core courses students, and at least 3 credits of electives. Students in this track are also required to complete Research Methods IIStatistics I, and Statistics II, and to complete an Independent Research Project under the guidance of one or more Cummings School faculty members.  Although it is possible to complete the Research Track in 12 months, collection of original data is time-consuming, and students following this track should plan to complete their research projects in the fall semester of the year following initial enrollment (16 months).

Career Opportunties

Graduates of the MS in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) program are well-positioned to advance careers in animal-related fields by continuing with graduate or professional education or securing jobs right after graduation. Entering MAPP students may be recent college graduates committed to a career helping animals, or established professionals who seek to open new career paths by deepening their understanding of human-animal relationships. MAPP graduates

  • Hold leadership positions in animal shelters and animal protection, conservation, and environmental advocacy organizations
  • Practice as clinical veterinarians, applied animal behaviorists, and animal law attorneys
  • Serve in government and as animal research compliance officers
  • Conduct research and educate students and the public about human-animal relationships

Admissions

Applicants must meet all application requirements and submit an online application for admission. Based on the recommendations of the MAPP admissions committee, applicants who show the most promise of excelling in the program are admitted.

Tuition and Aid

All students are charged tuition and expenses for fall and spring semesters payable according to Tufts University guidelines.

Financial aid for the MAPP program is administered through the Financial Aid Office. The MAPP financial aid application includes detailed instructions and information on financial aid eligibility.

For questions or further information, contact the MAPP program.

Profiles

FAQs

  • You must complete and submit the online application for admission, and all required supporting documents by the required deadline. We encourage you to meet with our program director to find out more about the MAPP program and to help you determine whether the program is right for you. The MAPP program is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis until the class is full. Please contact the Admissions Office if you have any questions about the application process

  • All applicants are required to take one year (two semesters) of college level biology. Applicants should contact the Office of Admissions if they have any questions about course work or meeting this prerequisite.

  • As of 2020, it is optional to submit GRE scores.

  • Typically, nine to thirteen students enroll in the MAPP Program each year.

  • Diversity is the hallmark of MAPP students. They come from a wide variety of educational, professional and life experiences. They have worked or volunteered in an array of venues including animal shelters, veterinary clinics, research laboratories, farms, marine parks, and non-profit environmental and animal welfare organizations. Some enter the program directly out of college, while others are returning to graduate school after years in the work force. Each of our students brings to the program personal and professional experiences that enrich us all.

  • Graduates of the MAPP Program have pursued a variety of rewarding careers in academic, non-profit, corporate and government circles. More information can be found above.

  • Classes are generally scheduled Monday through Thursday during the Fall and Spring semesters. Fridays and weekends typically are reserved for research and study, but special events (such as colloquiums and field trips) are occasionally held on those days as well.

  • The Center for Animals and Public Policy is located at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in Grafton, Ma. Just an hour from Boston, the Cummings School's hospitals, farm, and research and teaching facilities sit on a 594-acre campus that comprises a lovely mosaic of crop fields, pastures and woods. The campus has easy access to the Massachusetts Turnpike, local highways and commuter rail. This makes getting to the Center, as well as in and out of Boston, very convenient. The Agnes Varis Campus Center is a welcome enhancement to student life.

    The Boston metropolitan area is a cultural hub of the east coast. Entertainment and social opportunities abound. More information on the local area can be found in Time Out Boston and the Worcester Magazine.

  • Cummings School maintains a list of student housing options for current and incoming Tufts students. You can also check the online listings at Worcester Telegram or Boston Globe (subscription may be required).

  • Work study can be an excellent option for some. Work-study arrangements can be made by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

  • The orientation for MAPP students usually occurs during the last week of August. The orientation offers an opportunity to meet classmates, faculty and staff, and deals with important matters such as security ids, parking permits, library services and computer network configuration. Attendance is mandatory for all incoming students.

Need More Information?

Contact Us

For additional information or questions about the MS in Animals and Public Policy program, please contact:

Office of Admissions
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
200 Westboro Road
North Grafton, MA 01536
Phone: (508) 839-7920
vetadmissions@tufts.edu