Program Overview

School of Public Policy

The School of Public Policy offers various academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Academic Programs

• Undergraduate Programs
  • BA in Public Policy
  • BA/MPP Program
  • Minor in Public Policy
• Graduate Programs
  • Master of Public Policy
    • Admission Requirements & FAQs
    • MPP Curriculum
    • Tuition & Fees
    • Client-Based Capstones
  • BA/MPP Program
  • Science to Policy
  • MD/MPP
  • Designated Emphasis in Public Policy
  • Graduate Preparation Program in Public Policy and Leadership

Student Success Programs

• Info for Current Students
• Career Services
• Internships and Fellowships
• Robert Heath Global Policy Scholars Program
• Peer Academic Advisor Program
• Ambassador Program

Peer Academic Advisor Program

Overview Statement

Peer Academic Advisors (PAAs) are current public policy students who assist undergraduate students with academic advising, registration, course planning, and navigating advising resources. Along with student advising, PAAs create workshops, provide mentorship, and knowledge of campus resources.

Why Meet with a Peer Academic Advisor?

Peer Academic Advisors are professionally trained by the School of Public Policy Student Affairs team to provide academic and professional guidance for students to achieve their educational plans.

Benefits of Being a Peer Academic Advisor

• Extensive training on UCR policies, regulations, and procedures, SPP policies, student services, and academic resources.
• Gain paraprofessional academic advising experience.
• Personal branding, leadership, and management development opportunities.
• Qualifies for the PBPL 198i Policy Practicum requirement.
• Public speaking development opportunities.
• Opportunities to learn from and interact with policy professionals.

Qualifications

• Current SPP student with at least 2 quarters in the SPP major.
• Undergraduate student in good academic standing, minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA.
• Must be willing to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings or events.
• Commitment required for Spring 2025 - Spring 2026

Research

Research Areas

The School of Public Policy conducts research in various areas, including:

• Research Areas
• Books
• Journal Articles
• Working Papers
• Awards
• Policy Solution Centers
  • Center for Community Solutions
  • Presley Center of Crime & Justice Studies
  • Center for Geospatial Sciences

External Engagement

Policy Solution Centers

• Center for Community Solutions
• Presley Center of Crime & Justice Studies
• Center for Geospatial Sciences The School of Public Policy engages with the community through various centers and initiatives, providing solutions to real-world problems.