MPP Curriculum
Prerequisites
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program has two prerequisites: statistics and the MPP Lab.
» Statistics Prerequisite
» MPP Lab
» Qualifying for the MPP Lab
» Additional Information
Statistics Prerequisite
Statistics is a prerequisite for the Master of Public Policy (MPP). SPPD Faculty requires all entering students to demonstrate proficiency in relevant statistical methods.This prerequisite may be satisfied by completing the MPP Lab, passing the Statistics Competency Exam, or by passing Statistics in Policy, Planning and Development (PPD 404x) with a grade of "C" or higher.
MPP Lab
All entering MPP students must participate in the MPP Lab, which meets the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the commencement of the fall semester and for three full–day Friday sessions during the month of September.The purpose of the lab is to:
- offer a review of statistics
- ensure all students have an understanding of basic statistics and how to apply them to the USC MPP program
- acclimate new MPP students to the Los Angeles public policy professional community
- introduce students to the MPP program through an orientation to internship searches, resume review and interviewing techniques
- offer an introduction to writing for public policy
- provide a socialization venue for new MPP students to get acquainted with each other, the MPP faculty and the greater USC community
The MPP Lab will be offered every fall; therefore, students who begin their studies at USC in the spring or summer terms will enroll in the MPP Lab during their first fall semester. Completion of a college–level statistical course (with a grade of C or better) within four years of matriculation at USC is a prerequisite to the program and the MPP Lab. Students who have not fulfilled the statistics prerequisite will need to delay the lab, which may delay completion of the program.
Qualifying for the MPP Lab
Students who have not completed a college–level statistics course (with a grade "C" or better) within four years of matriculation at USC will be required to satisfy the statistics prerequisite in one of the following ways:- Passing Statistics in Policy, Planning, and Development (PPD 404x) with a grade of "C" or higher. Several sections of PPD 404x are offered each semester. PPD 404x does not carry graduate credit. Syllabi of current and recent sections of PPD 404x are available in RGL 108.
- Achieving a passing score on the SPPD Statistics Competency Exam. This test is administered once each semester in Los Angeles and at the USC State Capital Center. The statistics exam covers the following:
- types of variables (levels of measurement)
- descriptive statistics (central tendency, variability, association)
- statistical inference (including sampling distributions, estimation and confidence limits, and hypothesis testing using Chi-Square, t–tests, and F–tests)
- simple (one–way) analysis of variance (ANOVA) plus a conceptual understanding of complex (n–way) analysis of variance and covariance
- simple least–squares regression plus a conceptual understanding of multiple regression.
The examination consists of 100 multiple–choice questions. Most are of a general nature intended to call upon the student's conceptual understanding of basic statistics. A few simple calculations are required so students should bring calculators. Students are also expected to identify basic statistics in output from statistics software (SAS, the Statistical Analysis System).
This exam may be taken only once. If a passing score is not earned, students will be required to enroll in PPD 404x.
Additional Information
For additional information or to sign up for the Statistics Competency Exam contact:
Cynthia Clayton, Student Services Advisor
School of Policy, Planning, and Development
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall 108
Tel: (213) 740–0525
Fax: (213) 740–7573
E-mail: cclayton@usc.edu