2023-24 Edition

Master of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) program is a two-year professional degree program administered by the School of Social Ecology. The program provides training for highly motivated and talented individuals to become leaders at the local, state, national, and international level in the development and management of policies that lead to a more effective public sector, a more productive private sector, and more vibrant communities.

The GRE is recommended, but not required, for any student – international or domestic – that has completed all the requirements for their high school diploma, bachelor's degree, or an advanced degree in an educational institution.

Requirements

Students are required to complete 72 units of graduate courses. In the first year, students will attend an introductory conference, participate in a workshop, and take seven core courses and two elective courses. In the summer after the first year, students will participate in a policy-relevant internship in an appropriate government, business, or nonprofit setting. In the second year, students take three core courses and five elective courses.

A part-time option is available for students. Part-time students take two courses per quarter over the span of three years. These students have the choice of completing the required summer internship in the summer after year one, or the summer after year two. The required capstone project takes place during the winter and spring quarters of year three.

Course Requirements
Year One
A. Complete:
UPPP 216 Statistics and Methods for Public Policy
UPPP 219 Information and Public Policy
UPPP 221 Public Policy
UPPP 225 Qualitative Methods for Public Policy
UPPP 240 Microeconomics and Public Policy
UPPP 283 Collaborative Governance and Public Management
SOCIOL 249 Special Topics: Political Sociology and Social Movements
B. Select two electives
Year Two
C. Complete:
UPPP 227 Economics of Government
UPPP 260 Policy and Ethics
Two quarters of Capstone research and briefing
D. Select five electives

Additional information is available at the Master of Public Policy website.