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The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a specialized graduate program designed to equip students with critical thinking and analytical capabilities for tackling pressing regional policy challenges, including border security, environmental conservation, and natural resource management. With its regional focus, the curriculum empowers graduates to pioneer impactful policy research that shapes their local communities and state.
This MPP degree opens doors to diverse public sector careers, including roles in government institutions at all levels, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting firms as policy researchers and analysts. The curriculum prioritizes policy evaluation, formulation, and problem-solving through both quantitative and qualitative research methods. By completing the MPP at the University of Arizona, students gain enhanced policy expertise to launch or advance careers in both public and private sectors. The program's academic intensity also provides strong preparation for doctoral studies in related fields.
Our program's core purpose is to train a varied cohort of graduate students—including working professionals and aspiring policymakers—to become effective leaders in government and nonprofit sectors at local, state, and national levels. We develop students' analytical, communication, and management competencies while instilling public service values like ethical conduct, responsibility, and respect for diversity. Our faculty and coursework exemplify these principles while fostering leadership qualities centered on social equity. We fulfill our mission through rigorous academic instruction, policy research, and community engagement.
The MPP's two-year curriculum comprises 42 credit hours structured across three components: 24 core credits, 15 elective credits, and a 3-credit capstone project. Program advisors collaborate with students to select electives that align with their specific policy interests and career goals.