MPP

The Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) one of several public policy degrees, is a master's level professional degree that provides training in policy analysis and program evaluation at public policy schools. The MPP program places a focus on the systematic analysis of issues related to public policy and the decision processes associated with them. This includes training in the role of economic and political factors in public decision-making and policy formulation; microeconomic analysis of policy options and issues; resource allocation and decision modeling; cost/benefit analysis; statistical methods; and various applications to specific public policy topics. MPP recipients serve or have served in the public sector, at the international, national, subnational, and local levels.

Master of Public Policy (MPP) courses may be one or two years long, depending on the country and whether you choose to study full or part-time. As well as the MPP, they could be offered as Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Art (MA) qualifications.

The content of Master of Public Policy programs tends to overlap with that of Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees, due to the need for an understanding of public administration (how government policies are put into action) in order to fully analyze policies and programs. This means your public policy degree may be offered as dual major, alongside administration. 

You will study qualitative analysis/methods (analyzing issues without the use of quantitative measurement or statistics, but instead using methods such as case studies), policy analysis, program evaluation, management and politics, and also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular field of public policy – you can find out more about common specializations in the next tab. You may be given the opportunity to complete an internship during your degree, and in some cases this will count as one of your course modules.

You will usually be assessed through a written assignment at the end of each module and perhaps group projects. Most Master of Public Policy degrees conclude with a dissertation, allowing you to complete independent research.