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MPP Program Purpose/Overview

The primary purpose of the public policy graduate program is to provide students with the skills and experience necessary to understand policy choices at advanced professional levels. The program prepares students for professional careers in the public and private public policy sectors including public service, consulting firms, firms operating in regulated industries, not-for-profit organizations, foundations, trade associations, international organizations, and policy advocacy groups. Our public policy graduates report that the emphasis placed on analytic and quantitative skills offered in our program has been a valuable part of their preparation for employment which sets them apart from other policy analysts. The MPP program is a two year, non-thesis, interdisciplinary program which allows students to choose their area of policy emphasis and gives them the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty that are committed to public policy venues.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the MPP Program will be able to:

1. intelligently apply the policy analysis framework in approaching policy problems. In particular, they will be able to:

a. conduct extensive background research relevant to a wide range of social problems.

b. identify the costs and benefits accruing to different groups of people from different policy alternatives.

c. compare different normative criteria in making policy choices.

d. understand the policy-making process, particularly the political realities associated with adopting, implementing, and evaluating policy.

2. successfully implement the technical tools of policy analysis. In so doing, they will

a. perform detailed statistical analysis, including multiple regression analysis, and will understand the strengths and limitations of statistical measures in conducting public policy research.

b. build analytical models to aid in the policy analysis process, including decision analysis, linear programming and forecasting.

c. develop a proficiency in computer software relative to conducting policy analysis, including statistical software and spreadsheets.

3. effectively communicate client-focused analysis in a real-world, professional environment. They will be able to:

a. write effectively for different audiences, including elected officials and other policy decision makers, policy analysts, and the public.

b. achieve excellence in making oral presentations to different kinds of audiences and master presentation software.

c. work effectively with others in conducting analytical projects.