Program Overview

Introduction to the Master in Public Policy Program

The Master in Public Policy (MPP) program at the University of New Hampshire is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field of public policy. The program is ideal for students who want to make a difference and create change in their communities, state, country, and planet.

Program Overview

The MPP program is a 40-credit degree that can be completed in as little as 16 months. The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis, and students can choose to specialize in one of two tracks: Strategy and Communication or Policy Analysis.

Curriculum and Requirements

The MPP program consists of five core courses, four experiential learning activities, two public policy track courses, and four elective courses. The core courses include:

• Fundamentals of Policy Analysis
• Economics for Public Policy
• Quantitative Methods for Policy Research
• Policy Across Borders
• Strategy and Practice of Public Policy

The experiential learning activities include:

• A Washington, D.C. colloquium
• A policy internship
• A capstone project
• A policy capstone planning course

Tracks

The MPP program offers two tracks:

• Strategy and Communication Track: This track is for students who want to pursue careers as leaders, spokespeople, or strategists in the field of public policy. Students in this track must take:
  • PPOL 812: Strategies for Policy Impact
  • PPOL 822: Media Strategy and Communication
  • At least one additional course from a list of approved courses
• Policy Analysis Track: This track is for students who want to pursue careers as policy researchers, data analysts, or evaluators. Students in this track can choose to focus on one of several areas, including:
  • Research Design and Evaluation
  • Advanced Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Survey Research and Public Opinion

Electives

Electives are available in many substantive areas, including communication and strategy for policy impact, community development, data analysis for public policy, education and schools, environment and natural resources, families, youth, and children, health and health policy, interpersonal violence, organizational leadership, and poverty and inequality. Students may also propose additional electives that meet their interests and academic plan.

Accelerated MPP for UNH Students

The University of New Hampshire offers an accelerated MPP program for current UNH undergraduate students. This program allows students to take up to four courses during their senior year and double count these credits for both undergraduate and graduate education. Students will then follow the standard MPP curriculum beginning the semester following completion of their undergraduate degrees.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines:

• August 1 for fall admission
• December 15 for spring admission
• April 15 for summer admission

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MPP program requires:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal statement or essay
• A resume (optional)
• Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Carsey School of Public Policy offers a limited number of needs- and merit-based partial tuition scholarships to students who have submitted their online application and been accepted into the program. Additionally, students may be eligible for federal unsubsidized direct loans and other forms of financial aid.

Student Learning Outcomes

The MPP program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Apply basic methods of policy development and analysis to design and evaluate public policy
• Demonstrate competency in public speaking and writing related to public policy
• Demonstrate competency in strategic and tactical skills for achieving policy objectives
• Utilize data and research to inform policy design and advocacy
• Understand policy profession norms and ethics
• Apply critical thinking skills to address policy-relevant questions

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MPP program can pursue a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Policy/program/research/political staff/leadership
• Policy advocate
• Legislative staff/management
• Sustainability manager
• Communications professional
• Community outreach partner
• Government affairs/relations
• Consultant
• Non-profit president, CEO, executive director, COO
• Elected official
• Think tank research
• Policy analyst

Faculty and Research

The Carsey School of Public Policy has a faculty of experienced professionals and researchers who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students. The school is also home to a number of research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Social Innovation and the Center for Rural Studies.