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Public Policy, MPP

Public Policy, MPP

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Public Policy, MPP

City Manager, County Government, Diversity, Econometrics, International, Negotiation, Political, Program Evaluation, Public Relations, analysis, economic, economics, markets, urban

Learn to understand complex public problems and develop and implement innovative policy solutions. Through coursework and hands-on projects in this highly ranked program (No. 20 Public Policy Analysis by U.S. News & World Report, 2023), you can gain the analytic skills required for addressing society's most challenging problems.

Program description
Degree awarded: MPP  Public Policy

The MPP program equips students with the analytical tools they need in order to understand and address public policy issues. Students also develop skills in managing the process of policy development, approval, implementation and evaluation, as well as gain policy-specific knowledge on issues such as poverty, education, the environment and public safety.

At a glance
Concurrent program options

Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests by working with their academic advisor during or after their first semester of study. Some concurrent combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum; students should speak with their academic advisor for more details.

This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with the following:

Accelerated program options
Degree requirements

42 credit hours including the required capstone course (PAF 509)

Required Core (27 credit hours)
PAF 501 Public Service Research I (3)
PAF 502 Public Service Research II (3)
PAF 504 Microeconomics of Public Policy I (3)
PAF 505 Public Policy Analysis (3)
PAF 540 Advanced Policy Analysis (3)
PAF 541 Program Evaluation (3)
PAF 570 Microeconomics of Public Policy II (3)
PAF 573 Applied Econometrics (3)
PAF 574 Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public Change (3)

Electives (12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
PAF 509 Public Policy Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
  3. two letters of recommendation
  4. written statement
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Additional requirements for international students are available on the Admission Services website.

The letters of recommendation must be from faculty or other academic staff who can evaluate applicant's academic performance.

The one- to two-page written statement should state the applicant's educational and career goals; it also is used as a sample of the applicant's writing abilities.

Applicants may also submit a resume or other documents.

Fees increase after the deadline.

Students enrolling in Master of Public Policy core courses must demonstrate minimum competency in statistics and American government, typically through the completion of an undergraduate social statistics course such as PAF 301 Applied Statistics and undergraduate coursework in American national government such as POS 310 American National Government. Completion of prerequisite courses is not a requirement for admission but they must be completed within one semester after starting the program. Students may also satisfy the American national government competency by successfully completing a noncredit online course offered to incoming students by the School of Public Affairs.

Applicants should email spa@asu.edu if they have questions about the application process.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

Graduates of this degree program are prepared for professional careers as policy analysts and leaders in public service involved in the creation and management of public policy at all levels of government and in the private and nonprofit sectors. This may include opportunities as either a manager or policy analyst in local, state or federal agencies; in nonprofit organizations; and in private organizations that interface with public sectors.

The program can also serve as a platform for preparation for doctoral studies in public policy, public administration, urban studies and other related programs.

Contact information

School of Public Affairs | UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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