Master of Public Policy

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

  • Baccalaureate Field No restrictions.
  • Grade Point Average At least 2.75/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study, including all work taken in the term in which the student began the final 60 semester hours of study. 
  • Minimum English Competency Test Score
    • TOEFL iBT 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21, OR,
    • IELTS Academic 6.5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,
    • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
  • Personal Statement Required. Applicants must submit a brief statement of their professional goals and academic interests.
  • Additional Materials
    • Required: Applicants must submit a resume.
    • Optional: Applicants may submit a 5–10 page writing sample and up to three letters of recommendation. These letters should be from instructors familiar with the applicant’s academic training or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences. 
  • Nondegree Applicants Nondegree Applicants must submit an official transcript from their baccalaureate institution, resume, and a letter stating which courses they would like to take and why they feel nondegree admission would be beneficial.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

  • Minimum Semester Hours Required 54.
  • Coursework
Required Courses (38 hours)
PA 401
Foundations of Public Service
PA 402
Principles of Data Analysis
PA 403
Economics for Management and Policy
PA 433
Data Management
PA 506
Public Policy Development and Process
PA 526
Public Policy Analysis
PA 528
Public Program Evaluation
PA 541
Advanced Data Analysis I
PA 590
Public Administration Capstone
PA 591
Managing Your Career
PA 592
Professional Portfolio
Policy Area Specialization (8 hours)
Select 8 semester hours within a policy area specialization in health policy, educational policy, environmental policy and urban planning, housing and community development, or a specialization approved by the director of graduate studies or advisor.
Electives (8 hours)
Select 8 semester hours with the approval of the advisor.
  • Grade Point Average Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.00/4.00 in the program in order to graduate and must receive a C or higher in all required courses.
  • Comprehensive Examination: None
  • Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Coursework only. No other options available.