Master of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a policy-focused degree program that provides students with the analytical skills necessary to address important regional policy concerns like border security, environmental sustainability and natural resource policy. By focusing on regional policy issues, the program prepares students to lead the way in formative policy analysis that will directly affect their community and state.
This MPP program prepares students to work in several different areas of the public sector, such as federal, state, and local government agencies, nonprofit agencies, as well as private consulting firms as researchers and analysts. MPP programs place an emphasis on analyzing policy, creating policy, and solving existing policy problems using quantitative and qualitative data. Earning an MPP degree at the University of Arizona prepares students to start or continue public and private sector work with a better understanding of policy and policy development. Because of the academic rigor of the program, this can also prepare students to continue on to certain PhD programs.
The mission of our program is to prepare a diverse group of graduate students, including public and nonprofit professionals and pre-service students, to effectively manage, govern and lead as dedicated public servants working in local, state, and federal government and non-profit organizations. We equip our students with essential skills in analysis, communication, and management. Our faculty and curriculum model public service values such as civility, ethics, and accountability, and emphasizes leadership skills that include a commitment to diversity and social justice. We accomplish our program mission by advancing the knowledge of public policy and management through dedicated teaching, research, and public service.
The two-year course of study for the Master of Public Policy includes 42 required credit hours divided among three components: 24 core units, 15 elective units, and 3 units of a capstone project. The MPP program leadership and faculty members will work with students to find appropriate electives to help develop expertise in the student's policy area of interest.

Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate coursework. If multiple college/university institutions were attended, please include that coursework as well. (Unofficial transcripts are required as part of the admissions process. Official transcripts are only required for applicants who are offered admission.)
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission by the Graduate College.
Statement of Purpose speaking to the subjects of career objectives, education and work experience, and future advancement.
Resume describing relevant experiences, responsibilities and achievements.
Two letters of recommendation from persons able to provide verification and a specific assessment of your professional and/or academic performance and capabilities.
Evidence of quantitative analysis capability, in the form of one of the following:
the successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate course in statistics, quantitative analysis, calculus, or a related higher level mathematics course (typically this means a grade of B or higher)
strong quantitative GRE scores
extensive use of data, math, statistics, or quantitative analysis in an employment setting
if you feel that you have evidence of quantitative abilities that should be considered, but is not listed above, please contact the program directly
GRE test scores are not required for admission to the Master of Public Policy program, however, it may be taken and submitted to reflect evidence of quantitative analysis capability.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum scores of 79 iBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15). Individual MyBest scores must also be dated within 2 years of the enrollment term to be considered valid.
The TOEFL Essentials test with a minimum band score of 9.5 is also acceptable.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6.