Program Overview

Master of Public Policy Degree Requirements

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Portland State University is a rigorous, cohort-based graduate program designed for students passionate about creating meaningful change in public systems. Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, this two-year program prepares future policy analysts, advocates, and leaders to address complex social, environmental, and economic issues. With two distinct tracks—Policy Analysis and Policy Advocacy—students can tailor their studies to align with their career goals in government, nonprofits, or community organizations.

Program Description

The MPP program blends hands-on learning with research-driven policy education to advance public good. Applications are open each fall, and priority is given to applicants who apply by February 1.

General Degree Requirements

The Master of Public Policy is designed as a two-year, full-time master's program of 54 credits. In order to graduate from the program, students must obtain a minimum of 54 credits. Coursework is made up of a first-year core curriculum in policy leadership, analysis, and process, and then a second-year curriculum composed of policy tracks, policy specializations, a summative project, and a course that emphasizes diversity in public policy.

Core Courses

All MPP students are required to take all core courses (credit hours in parentheses).

• PAP 511 Introduction to Public Policy (3)
• PS 520 American Political Institutions (4)
• PS 533 Ethics and Public Policy (4)

Methods Core

• PS 591 Testing Theories in Political Science (4)
• PA 551 Qualitative Methods for Public and Nonprofit Managers (4)
• PA 552 Quantitative Methods for Public and Nonprofit Managers (4)

Elective Core

• PA 554 Policy Analysis Research (3)
• PA 538 Advocacy and Political Participation by Nonprofit Organizations (3)
• PA 579 Policy Tools in Policy Design (3)
• PAP 514 Institutional Dynamics of Public Policy (3)
• PS 576 Politics of Inequality in the United States (4)
• PS 515 Comparative Public Policy (4)

Summative Policy Project

The summative policy project is the highlight and summation of the MPP program. It is an opportunity for MPP students to begin the transition to professional life by engaging in a capstone project that engages the 6 skills and competencies that the program delivers in the setting of a client organization.

• PAP 509 Public Policy Project (3) / PS 509 Public Policy Project (3)

Track and Specialization Courses

Students choose one of the following two tracks as part of their course specialization work:

• Policy Leadership/Advocacy Track (9 credits)
• Policy Analysis Track (9 credits) In addition, students choose another 9 credits of specialization courses.

Policy Advocacy Track

Suggested courses include:

• PA 525 Fundamentals of Grantwriting and Fundraising (3)
• PA 538 Advocacy and Political Participation by Nonprofits (3)
• PA 539 National Policy Process (Washington, DC) (3)
• PA 560 Local Government Administration (3)
• PA 575 Foundations of Collaborative Governance (3)
• PS 516 Political Parties and Elections (4)
• PS 517 Interest Groups (4)
• PS 518 Contemporary Political Protest in America (4)
• PS 519 Political Reform (4)
• PS 531 State and Local Politics (4)
• USP 550 Participatory Planning (3)
• USP 584 Negotiations in the Public Sector (2-4)

Policy Analysis Track

Suggested courses include:

• CCJ 520 Analysis of Crime and Justice Data (3)
• CE 566/ESM 566 Environmental Data Analysis (4)
• EC 527 Cost-Benefit Analysis (4)
• HSMP 588 Program Evaluation & Management in Health Services (3)
• PA 555 Program Evaluation & Management (3)
• PA 556 Contract Management (3)
• PA 582 Public Budgeting Process (3)
• SYSC 525 Agent-Based Simulation (4)
• SYSC 551 Discrete Multivariate Modeling (4)
• USP 520 Demographic Methods: Population Dynamics (4)
• USP 591/GEOG 588 Geographic Information Systems I: Introduction (4)
• USP 592/GEOG 592 Geographic Information Systems II: Application (4)

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At some point within their program of study, students must satisfactorily complete one course, the primary focus of which is diversity. This does not require additional credit hours or coursework beyond the 54-credit requirement and can include courses taken as elective or track classes. Course options include, but are not limited to the following:

• PA 549 Communicating and Managing Across Difference (3)
• PA 593 Civil Rights in Public Service (3)
• PS 518 Contemporary Political Protest in America (4)
• PS 523 Civil Liberties (4)
• PS 524 Law, Politics, and Society (4)
• PS 525 Women and the Law (4)
• PS 571 Gender & Politics: A Comparative Perspective (4)
• PS 576 Politics of Inequality in the United States (4)