Program Information
At The University of Utah we are dedicated to preparing public policy students for public service and the field of public policy analysis by advancing their understanding of the policy process, and by producing graduates equipped to research, analyze, and inform public policy making.
Since the MPP began in 2006, it has attracted students who aspire to be successful and are committed to their education and serving the public interest.
Why choose the University of Utah for your MPP?
Make a difference in your community:
University of Utah's MPP program integrates the analytical, methodological, and management skills you need to construct effective and lasting solutions to public policy problems in your community.
Earn your graduate degree at your own pace:
The MPP offers you the choice of attending full-time and completing the program in two years, or attending part-time and graduating in three to four years. You will build a foundation of analytical skills in the 10 core courses (31 credit hours); which include a series of quantitative classes. You can then develop expertise by taking three courses in a policy area of your choice (minimum 9 credit hours). The degree is a total of 40 semester credit hours.
Deepen your understanding of the policy process, better analyze policy options, and rigorously evaluate the effects of public policy:
The MPP program reflects the variety and interdisciplinary nature of public policy issues. With a solid foundation in theory, analysis, and evaluation, you will graduate with the skills needed to successfully analyze and evaluate public policy in a variety of fields.
Obtain your Masters at an affordable price:
University of Utah's MPP program is a proud member of the Western Regional Graduate Program which provides residents of Western states with tuition rates that equal in-state rates + 10%. Find out if you can pay this reduced rate through the Western Region Graduate Program.
Military members, reservists, and National Guard members assigned to Utah, along with their families, are eligible for in-state tuition. Veterans and their families living in Utah are also eligible.
You will gain the skills to be successful
The University of Utah Master of Public Policy program provides you with the skills and expertise needed to be successful in the public policy analysis field. You will sharpen your skills in analysis and deepen your knowledge base about the policy making process. You will learn to craft effective and practical solutions to real world policy challenges in a personal, attentive academic environment.
The MPP program seeks to balance economic and political approaches to policy analysis. With a solid foundation in theory, analysis, and evaluation and the ability to select from a range of interdisciplinary emphases, you will graduate from the program qualified to analyze and evaluate public policy in a variety of fields in the public, not for profit and private sectors.
Comparing the Master of Public Policy & Master of Public Administration
The University of Utah offers both a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree and a Master
of Public Administration (MPA) degree. Often times, we are asked about the differences
between these two programs. The programs have similar goals, but differ in focus,
curriculum and requirements. However, there is overlap, and the two programs work
closely together to assist students in making their decision about which degree to
pursue.
To start, we recommend asking yourself three questions:
- What are my career goals?
- What is the core set of professional skills I want to develop?
- What aspect of professional public service do I want to specialize in?
| MPP |
MPA |
|
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prepares graduates for public service careers in government, nonprofit, and private sectors | Prepares graduates for public service careers in government, nonprofit, and private sectors |
| Focus | Policy, planning, and research | Administration and management |
| Prerequisites |
U.S. National Government Microeconomics Applied Statistics |
U.S. National Government (co-requisite) |
| Required Core Courses |
Public Policy Theory and Application Quantitative Methods for Public Policy |
Administrative Theory |
| Elective Courses | Three (minimum of 9 semester hours), can be taken in other departments | Four (minimum of 12 semester hours), four can be taken in other departments |
| Total Semester Hours Needed for Degree | 40 | 39 |
| Internship | Offered as an elective, but not required | Students without at least six months in a public related job (Goverment organizations, Not-for-profit, AmeriCorps, PeaceCorps, University of Utah) must complete a paid internship |
| Concentrations or Emphasis | Family & Social Welfare Policy Health Policy Community Policy Environmental Policy International Context of Policy Education Policy Economic Policy Business Policy Regulations Urban Affairs Policy |
Criminal Justice
Education (K-12 & Higher Ed) |
| Joint Degree Programs |
Juris Doctor |
Juris Doctor Master of Health Administration Master of Public Health Master of Social Work Ph.D. in Social Work Ph.D. Educational Leadership & Policy |
| Program Formats | Evening – core courses are offered in the evening, designed for the working adult | Evening – designed for the working adult, evening classes Executive – designed for students with at least five years of administrative experience in public or nonprofit organizations, weekend classes and week-long evening intensive class. |
| Writing Requirement | Applied Policy Project | N/A |
| Time Required | Two years of full time study, up to four years of part time study | Two years of full time study, up to four years of part time study |
| Tuition | Follows the U of U graduate tuition rate, plus a differential tuition rate on some core classes of $357.89 per credit hour. Rates typically increase annually. |
Evening program follows U of U graduate tuition rate, plus a differential tuition rate on core classes of $353.64 per credit hour. Rates typically increase annually. Executive program varies, but is around $25,000 inclusive *This is an estimate. |
| Student Association | PAGE- Public Affairs Global Enterprise | PAGE- Public Affairs Global Enterprise |
| Honor Society | Pi Alpha Alpha | Pi Alpha Alpha |
| Application Deadline | January 15 priority deadline April 1 final deadline |
January 15 for the Evening Program April 1 until filled for the Executive Program |
| Undergraduate Grade Point Average Required | 3.0 | 3.2 |
| What are the Types of Jobs Graduates Have? | Policy analyst, data analyst, policy consultant, government relations officer, research associate, economic development manager, investigator/auditor, fiscal analyst, budget analyst, planner, foreign service officer | Nonprofit director, city manager, state and county department or division director, HR manager, public safety (e.g., police, fire, paramedic), government relations/communications specialist, armed forces administrators-foreign and domestic settings |
Want to learn more about the MPP?
Please call 801-585-7834 or email for more information or to schedule an appointment!
Contact Information
Master of Public Policy Program
260 S Central Campus Drive
Gardner Commons, Suite 3050
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Telephone Number: 801-585-7834
mpp@utah.edu