Program Overview

Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy), MPP

Program Description

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.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix, Tempe
• 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.

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)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university 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 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:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Written statement
  • Proof of English proficiency

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

• Fall: Rolling
• Spring: Rolling
• Summer: 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.