Public Policy (Policy Informatics), MPP
Analytics, Business, Data, Governance, INFORMATIC, Information, Negotiation, Policy Analysis, Social science, Technology, government, law, sociology, systems
You've always loved solving puzzles and finding solutions to complex problems. Hone these pursuits with an advanced degree concentration that looks at problem-solving through a public policy lens. You will gain analytic skills and knowledge to advance a career addressing society's most vexing challenges.
The MPP program equips students with the analytical tools they need 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.
Through a focused set of electives, the policy informatics concentration provides knowledge and skills to students seeking careers in which they can use informatics tools, models and simulations to help individuals and groups deliberate and evaluate policy decisions and explore new governance infrastructures. Emphasis is placed on theories and research concerning decision-making, complexity theory and visualization of quantitative and qualitative information, collective intelligence, behavioral economics and persuasive technologies.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
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) Concentration (9 credit hours) Restricted Electives (3 credit hours Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
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 573 Applied Econometrics (3)
PAF 574 Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public Change (3)
PAF 591 Topic: Complexity in Public Policy and Management (3)
PAF 591 Topic: e-Public Administration (3)
PAF 591 Topic: Introduction to Policy Informatics (3)
PAF 509 Public Affairs Capstone (3)
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 a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Related fields include political science, planning, business, urban and metropolitan studies as well as other social science disciplines, although the department may accept applicants with undergraduate degrees from all educational backgrounds provided the minimum requirements for the degree program are met.
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 applicants must have 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
- 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 at the international graduate admission webpage.
The letters of recommendation should be from faculty or other academic staff who can evaluate the applicant's academic performance.
The written statement should be one to two pages in length and describe the applicant's educational and career goals. This statement is also used as a sample of the applicant's writing abilities.
Applicants may also submit a resume or other documents.
Application 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.
Graduates are prepared to pursue a career in a field related to public administration or public policy. This may include opportunities as either a manager or policy analyst in a local, state or federal agency; nonprofit organization; or private organization that interfaces with the public sector.
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
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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.
