Academic Programs

The School of Public Policy offers a wide variety of master's programs designed to meet the unique needs of the many different kinds of students attracted to the School.  The five primary master's programs though are:

• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Public Management - Policy Track (MPM)
• Executive Master of Public Management (EMPM)
• Master of Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP)
• Joint Bachelor's/Master's (BA/MPP) Program

The 48-credit Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree helps students become expert at analyzing, designing, evaluating, and advocating for policies that affect communities, states, the nation, and the world.  MPP graduates usually work directly for policy leaders or for organizations advising policy leaders, at all levels of government as well as in the non-profit and private sectors, helping them to make sense of the daunting array of data, studies, and positions to derive policies that will be both beneficial and politically viable.  The demanding and interdisciplinary curriculum requires that students come into the program possessing a strong undergraduate academic record, quantitative abilities, and communication skills.  MPP students select a specialization in environmental policy, international development, international security & economic policy, management & leadership, public sector financial management, or social policy.  Expedited and cost-efficient dual degree programs are available that provide students with both an MPP degree and either a master's degree in business (MPP/MBA), law (MPP/JD), or  conservation biology (MPP/MS), or a bachelor's (BA/MPP) degree.

The Master of Public Management (MPM) degree is available to students with at least five years of professional public policy or management experience.  It has dual tracks.  The 36-credit MPM policy track is intended for those wishing to focus on public policy and adopts a shorter version of the curriculum of the MPP program, with the same specialization opportunities and admission standards as the MPP program.  The 30-credit second track, known as the Executive Master of Public Management (EMPM) program, is intended for those wishing to focus on managing and leading public organizations.  Students in the EMPM program take mostly management, finance, and leadership courses, usually in the evenings and in a cohort format, and applicants are assessed as much on their demonstrated management/leadership potential as their prior academic record.

The 39-credit Master of Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP) degree program is offered jointly by the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering and School of Public Policy.  It addresses society's need for policy leaders who can help formulate sound policies to promote and govern technological progress.  Applicants must possess a BS in engineering or a closely aligned technical degree.