Master of Public Policy
Make data-driven decisions and evaluate policies and programs that make a difference in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
The UConn Masters of Public Policy (MPP) provides students with the analytic and quantitative skills necessary to design, analyze, and evaluate the success of policies.
Housed in UConn’s nationally-ranked School of Public Policy, the MPP program is centered on the analysis of real-world problems, combining theory, quantitative methods, and practical applications. MPP students hail from all undergraduate fields, including economics, English, and history. They’re taught by faculty who are experts in policy analysis and program evaluation research, with specific expertise in areas like education, health, environmental policy, budgeting, and finance.
As an MPP student, you’ll gain a strong foundation in the core areas of economic and policy analysis, methods of analysis, and policy and organizational environments. You can choose to develop additional professional expertise in a focus area of your choosing. You’ll also get hands-on experience in our Internship in Professional Practice (IPP), which provides a paid internship and full-year tuition scholarship with a top Connecticut state agency, municipality, or nonprofit organization.
Why Choose UConn
#8
National ranking of public finance and budgeting programs, U.S. News & World Report.
#46
National ranking of public affairs programs, U.S. News & World Report.
100+
Mentors in our Alumni Mentor Network.
100%
Students placed in paid internships with tuition scholarships.
97%
Job placements 6-months after graduation.
UConn Hartford
Flexible program located on the UConn Hartford campus.
Outcomes and Careers
Alumni of UConn’s MPP program go on to successful careers as policy analysts, research associates, program analysts, and finance/budget analysts. Their successes contribute to our school’s national reputation and our ability to attract high-caliber students from around the world.
By earning your MPP through the UConn School of Public Policy, you'll join our network of talented alumni – many of whom engage as mentors to current students.
This program not only prepares one for civil service, but elected office as well.
Jessica Weaver '20 MPP
Senior Research Analyst, Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation
Academics
Program Requirements
Effective fall 2023, the 42-credit MPA program is organized around:
- Core courses (24 credits).
- Focus area/elective courses (12 credits).
- A supervised internship (six credits).
The UConn MPP program has 24 credits of core courses (eight classes). These courses are designed to provide you with the skills necessary to understand policy problems, evaluate institutional context, devise and assess alternatives, and implement change.
There are three general areas of competency covered in the core:
Economic and Policy Analysis
- PP 5375. Economic Analysis for Public Policy and Management
- PP 5342. Policy Analysis
- PP 5347. Applied Policy Topics
Methods of Analysis
- PP 5314. Causal Program Evaluation
- PP 5331. Quantitative Methods for Public Policy
- PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods
Policy and Organization Environments
- PP 5340. Introduction to Public Policy and Management
- PP 5345. Project Management
The focus area allows you to develop additional expertise in a specific area. The MPP program requires 12 credits (four courses) to complete a focus area. You can choose from the list of possible focus areas below, develop your own with the help of your advisor, or choose to remain a generalist and complete the focus area with three generalized courses.
Examples of focus areas and possible courses include:
Law and Public Policy
Two approved School of Law courses are required (recommended: LAW 7600 Administrative Law) along with one PP course:
- PP 5304. Public Policy, Diversity, and Inclusion
- PP 5325. Labor-Management Relations, Negotiation & Contract Management
- PP 5329. Nonprofit Advocacy, Government Relations, and Law
- PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership
- Other courses as approved
Leadership and Public Management
- PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership
- PP 5349. Public Procurement and Contracting
- PP 5318. Financial Management for Public Organizations
- PP 5365. Human Resource Management
- PP 5325. Labor Management Relations
- PP 5368. Performance Management and Accountability
- PP 5364. Public Finance and Budgeting
Nonprofit Management
- PP 5319. Program Development
- PP 5328. Business Functions of Nonprofit Organizations
- PP 5324. Grant Writing and Government Contracting
- PP 5323. Leading and Governing Nonprofits
- PP 5329. Nonprofit Advocacy, Government Relations, and Law
- PP 5336. Fund Development and Nonprofit Sustainability
Public Financial Management
- PP 5373. Budgeting in Public Service Organizations
- PP 5318. Financial Management for Public Organizations
- PP 5317. Capital Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5364. Public Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5326. Public Investment Management
- PP 5374. Topics in Financial Management
State and Local Government Management
- PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership (required)
- PP 5325. Labor-Management Relations, Negotiation, and Contract Management
- PP 5317. Capital Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5349. Public Procurement and Contracting
- PP 5368. Performance Management and Accountability
- PP 5350. Urban and Regional Policy
Survey Research
- PP 5379. Principles and Methods I (required)
- Other courses as approved
Urban Planning
- PP 5348. Urban Planning Principles and Methods (required)
- PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership
- PP 5317. Capital Finance and Budgeting
- PP 5350. Urban and Regional Policy
- Other courses as approved from GEOG and LAW
Sample Course Sequences
Below is a model course of study for students pursuing full-time and part-time study in the UConn MPP program. Students can complete the requirements in two years of full-time study. Part-time students can move through the MPP program at a slower or faster pace than is outlined below. You can learn more about our courses on our course descriptions page.
Full-Time
Year 1 Fall
- PP 5340. Introduction to Public Policy and Management
- PP 5375. Economic Analysis for Public Policy and Management
- PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods
- Elective/Focus Area
Total Credits = 12
Year 1 Spring
- PP 5331. Quantitative Methods for Public Policy
- PP 5342. Policy Analysis
- Elective/Focus Area
- Elective/Focus Area
Total Credits = 12
Year 2 Fall
- PP 5347. Applied Policy Issues
- PP 5345. Project Management in the Public Sector
- Elective/Focus Area
- Internship (begins in Fall)
Total Credits = 9
Year 2 Spring
- PP 5314. Causal Program Evaluation
- PP 5390: Supervised Internship (six credits)
Total Credits = 9
Total Program Credits = 42
Part-Time
Year 1 Fall
- PP 5340: Introduction to Public Policy & Management
- PP 5375: Economic Analysis for Public Policy and Management
Total Credits = 6
Year 1 Spring
- PP 5365: Human Resource Management
- PP 5364: Public Finance and Budgeting
Total Credits = 16
Year 2 Fall
- PP 5376: Applied Quantitative Methods
- Elective/Focus Area
Total Credits = 6
Year 2 Spring
- PP 5370: Applied Research Design
- Elective/Focus Area
Total Credits = 6
Year 3 Fall
- Elective/Focus area
- PP 5361: Theory and Management of Public Organizations
Total Credits = 6
Year 3 Spring
- Elective/Focus area
- PP 5345: Project Management
Total Credits = 6
Total Program Credits = 36
Note: The above model program assumes waiver of internship requirement. Visit our internship page for waiver guidelines.
Supervised Internship
Internships are an integral part of the MPP program. Students test classroom theory during their internship and develop contacts that might lead to a position after graduation.
You can complete the internship requirement through the School of Public Policy’s Internship and Professional Practice Program (IPP) or a standard internship in the summer or during the school year. IPP internships span the entire academic year and provide the opportunity for you to become fully involved with a public service organization.
Earn a Joint Degree
MPP students can choose to pursue a joint master’s degree program in public policy. With this option, students are able to complete both degrees at an accelerated pace, saving both time and money.
Public Policy and Latino & Latin American Studies
Offered in conjunction with El Instituto: Institute of Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American Studies, this joint degree program prepares students with the functional skills and knowledge in public policy and at the same time engages them in interdisciplinary study and research related to the Latina/o, Caribbean, and Latin American world.
Students in this program will have nine credits counting toward their MPP waived, with a Master of Arts (MA) in International Studies concentration in Latina/o and Latin American Studies (LLAS) providing in-depth specialization in lieu of the MPP focus area. Students can waive another three credits toward the MPP if they take PP 5370. Applied Research Design or another appropriate public policy methodology course to satisfy the methods course requirement of the MA in LLAS.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPP and the MA in International Studies programs. Funding opportunities may be available through El Instituto or the School of Public Policy. To be considered for a graduate assistantship (GA), please submit your applications by February 15 and select “Yes” in the online application to the question: “Applying for a GA/Fellowship?”
Public Policy and Survey Research and Data Analysis
The School of Public Policy offers joint degree programs in public policy and survey research and data analysis, which prepare students with the functional skills and knowledge in public policy while at the same time engaging them in interdisciplinary study and research related to survey design, data collection, and data analysis techniques.
Students in this program will have three credits counting toward their MPP waived upon successful completion of PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods. An additional nine credits of public policy coursework toward the MPP will be waived, with courses within the MA in survey research providing in-depth specialization in lieu of the MPP “focus area.”
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPP and MA programs. Support through the School of Public Policy is competitively available through a limited number of graduate assistantships (GAs). To be considered for a GA, please submit your application by Feb. 15 and select “YES” in the online application to the question: “Applying for a GA/Fellowship?
Public Policy and Juris Doctor
Offered in conjunction with the School of Law, the joint MPP and Juris Doctor (JD) degree program prepares students with the functional skills and knowledge in public policy and at the same time engages them in interdisciplinary study and research related to law.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPP and the UConn JD programs.
Public Policy and Quantitative Economics
Offered in conjunction with the Department of Economics, a joint MPP and MS in quantitative economics (MSQE) provides students with an in-depth understanding of quantitative methods, economic principles, and analytic skills necessary to solve complicated economic problems.
Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPP and the UConn MSQE programs.
Admissions
Students apply to the UConn MPP program via the UConn Graduate School’s online application.
Application Deadlines
Fall
Priority decision: Feb. 15
Final Deadline: May 15
Spring
Final Deadline: Nov. 1
Fast Track
Rolling admissions
Applicants who apply by the fall priority decision date will be considered for additional funding opportunities such as graduate assistantships and merit scholarships.
Contact Us
For more information about the UConn MPP program, please contact:
Outreach Coordinator, School of Public Policy
Request Information
Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree?
The MPP program is centered on analysis of real-world problems and the policies and programs that address them. The program will provide you with high quality instruction in quantitative methods, policy analysis, policy development, and program evaluation. A hallmark of our program is its focus on combining theory and practice so that you can thrive in a professional workplace.
What can I do with a MPP degree?
The MPP is appropriate for you if you seek an analytical career that requires you to be able to judge policies and programs, plan and evaluate alternatives, and implement changes. MPP graduates go on to pursue a wide variety of careers in all three employment sectors (public, private and nonprofit) and work in positions such as policy analyst, research associate, program analyst and finance/budget analyst.
How long does it take to complete the MPP program?
The MPP curriculum can be completed in two years on a full-time basis; or in three years on a part-time basis, if the student is able to waive the internship requirement.
Where are classes held?
The School of Public Policy office is on UConn’s Hartford campus. Classes are held on the Hartford and Storrs campuses.
When are classes held?
Courses are held in the late afternoon or early evening on the Hartford Campus and meet once a week for two-and-a-half hours. Courses on the Hartford campus typically run from 4-6:30 p.m. or 6:30-9 p.m. Some courses are also held in the late afternoon or early evening on the UConn Storrs campus.
Can I work full time while completing my MPP degree?
Yes. The number of MPP courses you take each semester will depend on your need to balance courses, work, and life. The program does not encourage students to work full-time and take a full-time course load.
Academics
What is the MPP curriculum?
The program is built around core courses, electives, and an internship. Detailed curriculum information can be found here.
Is there an internship requirement?
Yes. The MPA and MPP program requires six internship credits. Internships can be completed at any time during enrollment, however students are encouraged to apply for the Internship Professional Practice (IPP) Program, which normally takes place in the second year of full-time study. These credits can be waived with permission from the school under certain conditions. For more information, contact spp@uconn.edu.
Can I earn two degrees at the same time?
Yes. Programs that students have pursued simultaneously with an MPP include the following:
- Quantitative Economics (MPP/MSQE)
- Survey Research (MPP/MA)
- Business (MPP/MBA)
- International Studies (MPP/MA)
- Law (MPP/JD)
- Public Health (MPP/MPH)
- Social Work (MPP/MSW)
Learn more about joint degree programs.
How many graduate credits can I transfer from another institution?
Students may transfer up to six credits from another institution with the school’s approval.
Will I have an advisor?
Yes. Upon entering the program, the Graduate School will alert you to your faculty advisor, however, the Director of Student and Academic Affairs should be considered your first point of contact. Advisors and the program directors help students prepare course schedules and plan for careers after graduation. You can change your advisor at any time by contacting the Director of Student and Academic Affairs.
Admissions
What is required to apply to the MPP program?
See the full list of application requirements on our Apply Now page.
How can I submit my GREs?
Beginning with the fall 2022 application cycle, the GRE is not required; however, the admissions committee will be looking for evidence that the applicant can successfully complete all necessary coursework, which requires strong writing and analytic/quantitative skills. If an applicant wishes to submit their GRE scores, they can do so in the following ways:
- The best method is to use the GRE codes (Institutional Code: 3915 and Program Code: 1903) to have the scores sent directly to the School of Public Policy. After you take the test, it will be approximately four weeks until your scores arrive.
- You may call the Administrative Program Director to directly report your GRE scores. As a test taker, you will receive the results of your verbal and quantitative GRE sections immediately following your test. All scores are verified upon acceptance of admission. This option may be particularly useful for test takers who can only schedule their exam close to the Feb. 15 deadline.
- You may send a PDF or JPG of your scores. All scores are verified upon acceptance of admission.
What is the deadline?
For fall admission, the priority deadline is Feb. 15. The final deadline for fall is May 15. For spring admission, the deadline is Nov. 1. Please contact the school directly at spp@uconn.edu prior to applying for spring admission due to the sequential nature of the program.
Is work experience a requirement for the MPP program?
Prior work experience is not required. A strength of our programs is the diversity of experience that students bring to the program. Students range from recent college graduates with internship or volunteer experience to senior-level professionals.
Can I begin the MPP as an undergraduate student?
Yes, if you are a University of Connecticut undergraduate student and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3, you can apply to the fast-track program and take MPP courses. If accepted into the fast-track program, you will still need to apply to the MPP program.
What are your admission statistics?
- Undergraduate GPA (Middle 50%): 3.40-3.71
- Average Class Size: 27
- Average Verbal GRE Scores: 157
- Average Quantitative GRE Scores: 156
- Average Age of Students: 26
- % Female: 55
- % Full Time: 90
Is there a minimum GPA required for admission?
Please see the Graduate School’s Admission Requirements regarding GPAs on your official transcript. The Admissions Committee holistically reviews all components of an applicant’s application.
Who should write my letters of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation should be written by people who know you and your work very well. Your writers may be current or past supervisors, college professors, or professional colleagues. For current and recent undergraduates, we recommend they are from recent professors.
How do I submit letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Recommending individuals can upload their letters when prompted via email by the application system. Individuals can also elect to email spp@uconn.edu directly to submit their letter. Applicants may not directly submit their letters of recommendation.
Can I defer my admission?
Yes. Admission can be deferred for up to one year. You must communicate your intention via email to spp@uconn.edu prior to the first day of the semester.
Should I plan to visit campus?
We encourage you to visit the campus; meet with faculty and students; and attend one or more classes. Visit our Information Sessions page for more information or email spp@uconn.edu.
Cost and Financial Aid
How much does the MPP cost?
Tuition and fee schedules for the MPP program can be found on the Office of the Bursar's page for graduate students. Please note that students pay an adjusted General University Fee because the School of Public Policy is based at the UConn Hartford campus. Students do not pay the Student Health & Wellness Fee or the Student Rec Center Fee.
Can I take a course as a non-degree student first? If, so, how much does that cost?
Yes. You can take up to six credits with our school before applying to the MPP program. If it is within five years, the six credits can be transferred into your program and count toward your degree. You should consult with the Director of Student and Academic Affairs or the Graduate Program Director on what courses are best for non-degree study. The cost of non-degree study for 2023-2024 with the School of Public Policy is $1,000 per credit, all-inclusive for tuition and fees.
What type of tuition, financial or graduate assistantship opportunities do you offer?
Need-based financial aid is administered through the University of Connecticut Office of Student Financial Aid Services. Please visit their website for further financial aid information. For information about financial support from the School of Public Policy, please visit our Cost and Financial Aid page.
Student Life
What extracurricular activities are available?
There are many opportunities for students to get involved in the UConn community outside the classroom. The School of Public Policy, the Graduate Association of Public Policy Students, Pi Alpha Alpha, and the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration offer social, professional development, and public service events throughout the year.
What are my housing options?
Enrolled students live in and around Hartford or commute from further distances. There is no on-campus housing available. UConn's Off-Campus Housing page provides a variety of resources and information.
What are my transportation options?
Most students at UConn’s Hartford campus travel by car or public transportation. The student parking lot is located in the Connecticut Convention Center Parking Garage. Please visit the Hartford Campus’ Parking Services site for more information. The Connecticut Department of Transportation also offers bus service in and around the Hartford area. In-person students have the opportunity to obtain a U-Pass which allows students to ride buses and trains in Connecticut for free.
Will I have the opportunity to meet alumni?
Yes. Alumni of the MPP program are engaged with current students. They routinely organize and attend events for current students. All students are also assigned to an alumni mentor.