Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) is a professional degree that equips students for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends research-based theory with practical, real-world applications.

Program Details

• Delivery: Online
• Length: Two years (four semesters + internship)
• Start Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer
• Credits: 39
• GRE Required?: No
• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall: July 15
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: April 20
• Degree Awarded: Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)

Core Curriculum

The 39-credit-hour program consists of:

• 21 credit hours of core classes
• 12 credit hours of specialization credits
• an internship
• a capstone project Core classes include:
• PPA 500 - Research Methods for Public Policy and Administration
• PPA 501 - Program Evaluation and Quantitative Methods
• PPA 530 - Civic Engagement
• PPA 551 - Public Human Resources Management
• PPA 552 - Public Budgeting and Finance
• PPA 553 - Public Organizational Management and Behavior
• PPA 587 - Internship
• PPA 665 - Public Policy Analysis
• PPA 670 - Capstone in Public Policy and Administration

Specializations

The program offers two specializations:

Public Policy and Management

This specialization equips students with a broad understanding of U.S. public and nonprofit sector organizations, managerial and technical competencies to effectively manage organizations, and foundational skills on how to propose, evaluate, and structure policy solutions.

• Public Policy and Management Specialization Electives (12 credits total):
  • PPA 543 - Evidence-Based Decision Making
  • PPA 575 - Public Service Administration
  • PPA 559 - Nonprofit Management
  • PPA 561 - State and Local Government Finance
  • PPA 576 - Social Equity in Public Service
  • PPA 578 - Health and Justice
  • PPA 592 - Special Topics in Public Policy and Administration

International Policy and Management

This specialization equips students with a broad understanding of policy and management, both within and across countries, preparing them for careers in intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and United States foreign policy-making.

• International Policy and Management Specialization Electives (12 credits total):
  • PPA 540 - International Policy Toolkit
  • PPA 541 - Principles & Processes of International Management
  • PPA 542 - Policy Accountability: Non-Democratic Regimes
  • PPA 544 - Ethics and Efficacy: Global Policymaking

Career Opportunities

The demand for skilled professionals in public policy and administration is robust, with above-average job growth projected across public and nonprofit sectors. MPPA graduates are equipped to excel as executives, managers, analysts, and planners in public sector agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Degree Comparison Guide

The MPPA program is compared to other graduate degrees, including the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and Master of Business Administration (MBA), highlighting the unique aspects and career pathways of each degree.

Admission Requirements

• Cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Bachelor’s degree awarded prior to beginning the MPPA program
• Evidence of public service motivation
• No standardized exam score required The MPPA program requires the following materials when applying:

1. Transcripts from all previous universities attended
2. A statement of application outlining the motivation for pursuing the MPPA degree (300-500 words)
3. A current resume
4. Two letters of recommendation

Application Process

1. Submit the graduate school application online
2. Upload application materials
3. Check application status

Cost of Attendance

The program provides information on the cost of attendance, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships to support students in their educational journey.

Best and Brightest Management Fellowship

The MPPA program has partnered with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to offer the Best and Brightest Management Fellowship to MPPA students, providing a unique opportunity for students to complete their graduate degree while gaining invaluable real-world learning experiences.