Dec 21, 2024

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Public Policy (MPP)

Program Educational Goals:

Master of Public Policy (MPP) Educational Goals

Students completing the MPP are expected to have a strong foundation in theory of economics, research methods, statistics, and the policy process that they can apply to a range of complex issues that face our society. Students should have a clear understanding of democratic systems and processes in the development of public policy. Specifically, we believe that students should understand and be able to:

1. Analyze Policy Problems and Think Critically to Develop Innovative Solutions to a Broad Range of Policy Problems.

a) Understand and critique research methodologies and indicators used in policy analysis.

b) Synthesize data to execute and interpret statistical analysis using a variety of research methodologies.

2. Articulate and Apply Public Service Perspectives in an Organization.

a) Recognize the political, institutional, economic, and structural dimensions of both the policymaking process and the implementation of policy.

b) Evaluate programs for accountability, efficiency, equity, and effectiveness to inform decision making in a public service organization.

3. Perform Professional Policy Analysis

a) Demonstrate proficiency in communicating policy advice that meet the needs of diverse constituents, verbally and in writing, both individually and in groups.

4. Develop Expertise in One or More Substantive Policy Field that will Equip Graduates for Professional Relevance and Impact

a) Acquire deep knowledge and specialized research skills in a policy area that informs a set of policy problems and potential solutions from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Requirements for the Degree:

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree requires completion of 42 credits: a core of 27 credits, electives of 9 credits, an internship, and a 6-credit capstone course.

Policy Foundations:

6 credits

UAPP 701 - Public Policymaking Credit(s): 3
UAPP 707 - Public Policy Analysis Credit(s): 3

Research Methods and Tools:

21 Credits: 18 credits of required courses; 3 credits completed from the second Research Methods and Tools list.

Required Courses

SPPA 704 - Advanced Quantitative Methods Credit(s): 3
UAPP 684 - Performance Management and Program Evaluation Credit(s): 3
UAPP 691 - Quantitative Analysis in Public and Nonprofit Sectors Credit(s): 3
UAPP 693 - Economics in Public & Nonprofit Sectors Credit(s): 3
UAPP 702 - Research Methods in Urban and Public Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 709 - Advanced Topics in Economics for the Public and Non-Profit Sectors Credit(s): 3

Note:

May be waived out of UAPP 691 , UAPP 693 , or UAPP 702 with equivalent coursework. If so, substitute courses must be approved to reach the required degree credits.

Choose one of the following:

HBNS 634 - Health Science Data Analysis Credit(s): 3
MAST 663 - Decision Tools for Policy Analysis Credit(s): 3
MAST 672 - Benefit-Cost Analysis Credit(s): 3
PHIL 613 - RAISE: Research Ethics Credit(s): 0-3
SPPA 718 - Survey Research Methods Credit(s): 3
SPPA 721 - Data Science Tools for Evidence-based Policy Credit(s): 3
SPPA 722 - Machine Learning for Public Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 694 - Financial Management in Public & Nonprofit Sectors Credit(s): 3

Restricted Electives:

Each student will design a plan of study in consultation with their assigned faculty advisor, built around the student’s substantive policy interests.

9 Credits

DISA 650 - Overview of Disaster Science and Management Credit(s): 3
DISA 651 - International Comparative Analysis of Disasters Credit(s): 3
DISA 670 - Issues in Disaster Response Credit(s): 3
DISA 690 - Natural Hazards Credit(s): 3
EDUC 659 - Urban Schools in Urban Landscapes Credit(s): 3
EDUC 839 - Education Policy and Governance Credit(s): 3
GEOG 630 - Food Geographies & Food Justice Credit(s): 3
SOCI 671 - Disasters, Vulnerability & Development Credit(s): 3
SOCI 837 - Criminology and Systems of Criminal Justice Credit(s): 3
UAPP 613 - Planning Theory and Urban Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 627 - World Heritage Sites Credit(s): 1
UAPP 639 - Community Development Theory, Concepts and Practice Credit(s): 3
UAPP 649 - Civil Rights Law and Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 657 - Health Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 661 - Comparative Public Administration and Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 666 - Special Problem Credit(s): 1-12
UAPP 668 - Government Budgets and Fiscal Federalism Credit(s): 3
UAPP 687 - State Government Policy and Management Credit(s): 3
UAPP 703 - Urban Society and Public Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 706 - Plan Sustainable Communities & Regions Credit(s): 3
UAPP 715 - Media, Citizenship & Public Policy Credit(s): 3
UAPP 730 - Topics in Public Policy Credit(s): 1-3
UAPP 823 - Social Policy Credit(s): 3

Internship

Complete a non-credit-bearing internship, ideally during the summer between years.

UNIV 554 - Graduate Intership Semester Credit(s): 0

Note:

Can be waived for part-time or mid-career applicants.

Capstone

Complete the following capstone experience in the last spring semester (6cr):

UAPP 714 - Policy Studio Credit(s): 6

Public Policy (MPP)

Program Educational Goals:

Program Policy Document:

Requirements for the Degree:

Policy Foundations:

Research Methods and Tools:

Required Courses

Note:

Choose one of the following:

Restricted Electives:

Internship

Note:

Capstone

Credits to Total a Minimum of 42

Last Revised for 2022-2023 Academic Year