Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-06-24 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year, full-time program that equips students with analytical tools and skills for policy leadership. The curriculum combines core courses with electives, allowing students to specialize in areas such as economics, education, or health policy. Internships and joint degree options provide practical experience and career advancement opportunities. Graduates are prepared for careers in government, non-profits, the private sector, and international organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year, full-time on-ground professional degree program. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the analytical tools and skills needed to become policy leaders in a rapidly changing world. The program combines traditional policy education with a flexible and responsive approach, allowing students to design their own program of study. The MPP program aims to provide students with a diversified toolkit of quantitative and analytical skills, preparing them for real-world policy challenges. The program culminates in an advanced, team-based final project, the Applied Policy Project (APP), where students work together to develop policy solutions for a given problem.
Outline:
- Plan of Study: The MPP program requires a total of 21 courses (12 core courses and 9 elective courses). The core courses cover essential topics like economics, statistical methods, political science, and more. Electives allow students to specialize in their areas of interest.
- Areas of Concentration: While not required, an area of concentration allows students to gain in-depth knowledge and build their portfolio in a specific policy sector. The MPP Areas of Concentration Handbook (PDF) provides guidance on available classes. Common areas of concentration include:
- Economics Policy
- Education Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Health Policy
- Immigration Policy
- International Policy
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Social Policy (Racial Equity)
- Technology Policy
- Transportation Policy
- Internships: All MPP students are required to participate in a 400-hour field internship with a government agency, nonprofit group, private firm, or other approved organization. The internship is typically completed during the summer, but students can also fulfill the requirement during the academic year.
- Joint (Concurrent) Degrees: The Department of Public Policy offers joint degrees with the following programs:
- MPP/JD (Law): This four-year program combines the MPP with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, designed for students interested in the legal aspects of public policy.
- MPP/MBA (Management): This three-year program combines the MPP with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), preparing students for careers requiring expertise in policymaking and management.
- MPP/MD (Medicine): This program aims to equip physicians with the skills needed to assume leadership roles in policymaking within healthcare delivery systems.
- MPP/MPH (Public Health): This three-year program combines the MPP with a Master of Public Health (MPH), providing training in both policy analysis and health services expertise.
- MPP/MSW (Social Welfare): This three-year program combines the MPP with a Master of Social Work (MSW), allowing students to develop social policy that addresses the needs of individuals, families, and communities.
Careers:
The MPP program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in:
- Government: Policy analysts, legislative aides, program managers, and senior policy advisors at all levels of government (local, state, and federal).
- Non-profit organizations: Program directors, advocacy staff, research analysts, and development officers.
- Private sector: Policy advisors, consultants, and researchers for businesses and corporations.
- International organizations: Policy analysts and researchers working on global issues.
Other:
The MPP program includes a variety of opportunities for students to enhance their learning experience:
- Luskin-Wide Certificate Programs: Students can earn certificates in areas like Data Analytics, Leaders in Sustainability, and Global Public Affairs, providing them with additional skills and recognition.
- Study Abroad Programs: The program offers international exchange opportunities, including summer programs, internships, workshops, and exchange agreements with institutions like the Hertie School in Germany and the Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSSP) at the University of Tokyo in Japan.
- Michael S. Dukakis Internship in Public Service: This program provides stipends for students serving in non-partisan internships in government, particularly in California.
- International Practice Pathway: This program provides financial support for first-year students seeking summer internship placements in low and middle-income countries.
University of California
Overview:
The University of California (UC) is a public university system with 10 campuses across California. It is known for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and commitment to research. UC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its campuses are located in various settings, from bustling cities to coastal towns.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UC campuses offer a vibrant and diverse student life experience. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, including sports, arts, and cultural events. Each campus has its own unique character and atmosphere, with some campuses known for their urban setting and others for their more rural or coastal locations.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
UC is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world, with renowned faculty and cutting-edge research.Financial Aid:
UC offers generous financial aid packages, with tuition fully covered for many California students.Diverse Student Body:
UC campuses are known for their diverse student populations, representing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.Research Opportunities:
UC campuses are leaders in research, offering students opportunities to participate in groundbreaking projects.Campus Locations:
UC campuses are located in various settings across California, offering students a choice of urban, suburban, or rural environments.Academic Programs:
UC offers a wide range of academic programs across its 10 campuses, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Literature, history, philosophy, music, art, theaterSocial Sciences:
Psychology, sociology, economics, political science, anthropologySciences:
Biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer scienceEngineering:
Mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, biomedicalBusiness:
Management, marketing, finance, accountingHealth Sciences:
Medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacyLaw:
Juris Doctor (JD)Other:
UC is committed to providing a high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. The university system has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and support services to help students succeed.