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Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy), MPP

Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy), MPP

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy), MPP

Innovation Policy, Public Policy, Science & Technology Policy, Technology Management, Technology Policy, environmental policy

Are you passionate about understanding complex public problems and driven to develop and implement innovative policy solutions surrounding science and technology? Through coursework and hands-on projects, you'll gain the analytic skills required for addressing society's most challenging and pressing problems.

Program description
Degree awarded: MPP  Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy)

The Master of Public Policy program allows students to approach the study of public policy with a focus on public policy in the urban setting.

The program trains people to lead by making positive policy decisions; addressing the difficult questions associated with public policy; and managing the process of policy creation, approval, implementation and evaluation. Students also gain an understanding of policies addressing issues such as poverty, education, the environment and public safety. At the conclusion of the program, students are able to identify, analyze and interpret the challenges and dilemmas of public policies, especially those of urban areas. Students also are able to approach policy analysis with a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, and they're prepared to develop innovative processes and tools to deal with changing realities of public policy and address issues on a global, regional and local scale.

The MPP program with a concentration in science and technology policy provides knowledge and skills for students seeking or advancing careers in areas in which science and technology are either guided by public policy or play an integral role in the policy process. This concentration emphasizes theories and research concerning the role of science in decision-making, complexity theory, institutional design of knowledge production organizations, national innovation systems, innovation and industrial policy, technology transfer and research evaluation.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-1658
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Katherine Bonnesen
602-496-1928
Katherine.Bonnesen@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-1658
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
Graduate advisor
Katherine Bonnesen
602-496-1928
Katherine.Bonnesen@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468
Learn more about this program
Undergraduate advisor
Melissa Bryant
602-496-0264
Melissa.Bryant@asu.edu
General contact
602-496-0468

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.

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)

Concentration (6 credit hours)
HSD 501 Science and Technology Policy (3)
PAF 591 Topic: Innovation Policy and Management (3)

Restricted Electives (6 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.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

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.

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  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 at the international graduate admission website.

Applicants may also submit a resume or other documents.

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 and describe the applicant's educational and career goals. The written statement is also used as a sample of the applicant's writing abilities.

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.

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.
Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person Rolling
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person Rolling
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person Rolling
Career opportunities

Graduates with this degree 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 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.

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. 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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