MPP Curriculum
An interdisciplinary curriculum—drawn from economics, political science, sociology, operations research and law—builds the skills and knowledge base required of a professional policy analyst. Through coursework, research and field experience, students gain an understanding of the policy process and the institutions and individuals involved in that process.
The Master of Public Policy requires 48 units of graduate work, with 28 units of core and 20 elective units divided between management, analytic and specialization areas. (A course in basic statistics is a program prerequisite.) A broad array of electives allows and encourages students to delve deeply into a specific area of concentration. Students have substantial latitude in selecting an area of concentration that matches interests and furthers career goals.
A unique component of the public policy core—the Policy Analysis Practicum—provides students with hands-on experience in policy analysis. During the Practicum, students work with a client on a specific public policy issue, assess policy alternatives, write an official report, and communicate their findings and recommendations to the client.