Public Policy, MPP
City Manager, County Government, Diversity, Econometrics, International, Negotiation, Political, Program Evaluation, Public Relations, analysis, economic, economics, markets, urban
Are you passionate about understanding complex public problems and driven to develop and implement innovative policy solutions? Through coursework and hands-on projects in this highly ranked program, you'll gain the analytic skills required for addressing society's most challenging problems.
ASU ranks No. 17 for best graduate public policy analysis program by U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
The Master of Public Policy 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.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
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:
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.
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 Affairs Capstone (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework
- two letters of recommendation
- written statement
- 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 MPP 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.
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.
School of Public Affairs
|
UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450
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.
