Policy Profile - Beth E. Tschopp

Beth E. Tschopp

Name: Beth E. Tschopp, editor in chief, New Voices in Public Policy; MPP candidate

SPP Program of Study: Master of public policy—culture and values; governance systems

Degrees: BS in psychology, Pennsylvania State University, 1989; MSW, Indiana University, 1996

Why Mason’s School of Public Policy (SPP): Mason’s reputation as a premier institution of public policy located within a stone’s throw of the seat of federal government power drew me in, but it was more than that. Attending an open house, I was impressed by the outstanding credentials and genuine passion for the field among the faculty. The panel discussion during that evening alone challenged the way I looked at public policy and my role within the field. I saw that SPP was dynamic and comprehensive and that the faculty and staff understood the art and science of educating policy professionals. The school’s strong international emphasis, particularly the study-abroad program, sealed the deal. I completed my own study abroad experience at Mansfield College at Oxford University this past summer. My faith in a rigorous academic environment that would change my thinking, ideas, and direction was well placed. I have never regretted my decision to attend SPP.

Memorable SPP Moment: The academic preparation of my first semester has been my most memorable moment, albeit a very long one. My mind was opened to ideas and concepts I was not aware I was interested in. The core curriculum (affectionately known as “boot camp”) stretched me in the way I think all students want to be stretched: it was interesting, challenging, and compelling. The opportunity to work with the student journal, New Voices in Public Policy, has also been extremely rewarding and, typical to SPP, challenged me to constantly improve my notions of excellence.

Academic/Career Interests: I entered graduate study thinking one thing about myself and now find those thoughts have evolved. Because of my background in social work, I will always have an interest in social justice and human rights. Because of my experiences in SPP, those interests have been seasoned to include the challenges of globalization, its impact on forms of governance and the interaction of technology and culture in shaping all our futures. I am very much looking forward to the final year of my program.