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Educational Program
The curriculum consists of Basic, Topics, Practical Training, and Case Study courses.
Basic courses provide students with a strong foundation in the disciplines of law, politics, and economics, and aim to develop their analytical and quantitative reasoning skill-sets.
Topics classes are highly focused, specialized courses in a chosen field. Students are encouraged to utilize these Topics courses to best fit their desired career path post-graduation.
Practical Training courses are designed to give students the opportunity to study the policy-making process under real-world conditions, and offer insight into the intricacies involved in public policy careers. Professors of these courses are all career practitioners with proven track records of public service excellence.
Case Studies focus on specific issues as they relate to public policy, and teach students how to apply social science methodologies to analytical pursuit. Mastering effective communication and presentation skills are also an important aspect of the Case Study.
Research paper and research thesis
Although a Master’s thesis is not required for completion of the program, students may choose to write one in lieu of an elective course.
Total credit units required
The MPP degree requires the completion of a minimum of 46 course credits in order to become eligible to graduate. All students must complete 4 credits from each of the three main topic areas- law, politics, and economics, as well as 8 Case Study credits. Additionally, each division (sub-specialization) sets secondary prerequisites and credit requirements for graduation.