Woodrow Wilson School candidates for the Master's in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) and Ph.D. will begin their respective degree programs by attending a three-week "math camp" from Monday August 23 through Friday September 10. The three week program consists of a review in either algebra or calculus, and an introductory microeconomics course to prepare incoming students for the core curriculum in statistics and microeconomics. The core curriculum provides a foundation for the critical analysis skills the students will need in their future careers as public servants.

The Office of Graduate Career Services offers career development counseling, resume writing workshops, and presentation skills seminars. The curriculum also includes a diversity awareness workshop. It is essential for future policy leaders to learn (or strengthen) how to effectively communicate and engage in productive dialogue on diversity issues. The half day workshop is one of activity and participation; participants are encouraged to engage in thought provoking exercises to prompt dialogue and stimulate ideas. As a result of attending these workshops and seminars, the students gain practical knowledge to assist their journey through the Wilson School, as well as provide them with the tools to transition out of the program at its completion through career planning, alumni connections, and mentorship opportunities.

An optional weekend retreat is offered at the Princeton-Blairstown Leadership Program, for day and a half of “outdoor action” in team- and leadership-building. The overnight program allows incoming students to get to know their fellow classmates and meet returning masters students usually in attendance. As a result of attending the Blairstown trip, students learn new and different ways to promote teamwork, develop leadership, group cooperation, and communication skills, in order to expand their repertoire of skills that they can bring to the classroom and their future careers as public servants.

These three weeks offer new M.P.A. and Ph.D. students an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming semesters, meet classmates, refresh quantitative skills, engage in training and workshops, to help them transition into the Woodrow Wilson School community.
 
M.P.P. candidates at the Woodrow Wilson School will arrive earlier for a six-week program of study that includes a curriculum in microeconomics, statistics, and an advanced seminar on policy analysis and leadership.