Public Policy MPP

Public Policy is a complementary but distinct academic arena that exists within and between the  social scientific disciplines of politics, law, economics, and government. Its broad aim is to  understand and expand knowledge about how governmental laws and policies influence and shape human lives. Public policy is pervasive throughout the public and private spheres, with public policy analysis and dissemination executed from the local town government all the way to the board rooms of major corporations. Public policy is a growing area that trains students in research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative methods, and the skills necessary to either work with or for public institutions.

After completing the MPP program, students will...

1. Explain policy outcomes as a product of governmental actors’ decision making;

2. Evaluate relevant public policies at various governmental levels through data informed analysis;

3. Conduct original data-driven research to evaluate and analyze public policy;

4. Articulate the socio-economic forces, including diversity and inequity, in democracies in addition to public policy advocacy from private and citizen interest outside actors.

5. Contrast theory and practice by reflecting on experiential learning acquired through an internship and utilizing data gathered during their internship to conduct preliminary policy analysis.

6. Develop strategic oral communication skills to better explain and advance public policy in both public and private settings.

7. Develop strategic written communication skills to better explain and advance public policy in both public and private settings.