Core Courses (24 credits)

The MPP has 24 credits of core courses (eight classes). These courses are designed to provide you with the skills and competencies 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: policy and organizational environments, economic and policy analysis, and methods of analysis. The required core courses are listed below.

Policy and Organizational Environments

PP 5340. Introduction to Public Policy and Management
PP 5345. Project Management

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

Focus Areas/Electives (12 credits)

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:

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

Social Policy

PP 5346. Child and Family Policy (required)
PP 5303. Race and Policy
PP 5344. Social Policy
Other courses as approved from POLS, PUBH, SOCI, SSW

State and Local Government Management

PP 5363. Local Government Management and Leadership (required)
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

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

Public Policy, Diversity, and Inclusion

PP 5304. Public Policy, Diversity, and Inclusion (required)
PP 5346. Child and Family Policy or PP 5344: Social Policy
PP 5303. Race and Policy
Other courses as approved from POLS, SOCI, WGSS

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

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

Supervised Internship (6 credits)

The MPP requires six credits of an internship. The internship allows you to hone your professional skills while gaining experience in an area of interest to you. The internship is a very important part of the UConn MPP educational experience. 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. The IPP internships span the entire academic year and provide the opportunity for you to become fully involved with a public service organization. Learn more about our paid internships.

Students can choose to pursue a joint master’s degree program in public policy.

Joint Masters Degree Program in 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 engage 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 MPA waived, with a Master of Arts 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?”

Joint Masters Degree Program in Public Policy and Survey Research

The School of Public Policy offers joint degree programs in public administration and survey research, which prepares students with the functional skills and knowledge in public administration and at the same time engage 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 in survey research 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 February 15 and select “YES” in the online application to the question: “Applying for a GA/Fellowship?”

Joint Masters Degree Program in 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.

Joint Masters Degree Program in Public Policy and Quantitative Economics

Offered in conjunction with the Department of Economics, the joint MPP and MA 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.

Joint Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Social Work

Offered in conjunction with the School of Social Work, the joint MPP and Master's of Social Work (MSW) 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 social work.

The MSW degree has three concentrations: Policy Practice, Community Organizing, and Individuals, Groups, and Families. In applying to the MSW program, a student selects one of them to pursue. All MSW concentrations give students a holistic understanding of the systems of oppression that stifle the ability of some members of society to thrive, which pairs well with either the MPA or MPP.

Applicants must apply to and be accepted by both the MPP and UConn MSW programs.

What is a Master of Public Policy degree?
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is centered on analysis of real-world problems and the policies and programs that address them. The MPP 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 analysts, research associates, program analysts and finance/budget analysts.

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.

When are classes held?
Courses are held in the late afternoon or early evening on the Hartford Campus and meet once a week for 2.5 hours. Courses on the Hartford campus typically run from 4:00PM to 6:30PM or from 6:30PM to 9:00PM. Some courses are also held in the late afternoon or early evening on the UConn Storrs campus.

Where are classes held?
The School of Public Policy office is on UConn’s Hartford campus. Classes are held on the University of Connecticut’s Hartford and Storrs campuses.

Can I work full time while completing my MPP degree?
Yes. The program does not encourage students to work full-time and take a full-time course load. The number of MPP courses you take will depend on your individual needs to balance courses, work and life.

What is the MPP curriculum?
The program is built around core courses, electives, and an internship. Detailed curriculum information can be found above.

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 if relevant and significant past work experience satisfactorily meets learning objectives.

Can I earn two degrees at the same time?
The MPA program encourages students to investigate pursuing degrees simultaneously with other University programs. We have setup a model program with economics that leads to an MPP and an MS in Quantitative Economics and a program with Survey Research that leads to an MPA and an MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis.

• MPP/MS in Quantitative Economics - The MS in Quantitative Economics and the MPP share a common orientation toward methodological rigor and skill development. Students completing both degrees will be highly skilled in economic analysis as it applies to public policy problems. They will have a substantial amount of practice applying these skills to policy issues through their coursework and internship. The MS in Quantitative Economics and the MPP can be completed in two calendar years of full-time study (two academic years and one summer). The joint degree will be of particular interest to students with an undergraduate background in economics, strong mathematical abilities, and a desire to work in the public policy arena with state governments; “think tanks” such as Rand Corporation or Brookings Institution; or policy/program evaluation organizations such as MDRC, Mathematica, or ABT Associates. Students need to apply and be admitted to both the MS in Quantitative Economics and the MPP program. The MS in Quantitative Economics is highly quantitative and requires students to learn mathematical skills beyond what is required for the MPP. While there is no set requirement for admission to the MS in Quantitative Economics, calculus is usually required. Students are also strongly encouraged to have some familiarity with linear algebra and probability & statistics.
• MPP/MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis- The School of Public Policy offers a structured, 60 credit, simultaneous degree in Public Policy and Survey Research and Data Analysis. Students should plan on a minimum of five semesters to complete the necessary course work.
• Other programs that students have pursued simultaneously with an MPP include the following:
  • Business (MPP/MBA)
  • International Studies (MPP/MA)
  • Law (MPP/JD)
  • Public Health (MPP/MPH)
  • Social Work (MPP/MSW)

How many graduate credits can I transfer from another institution?
Students may transfer up to 6 credits from another institution with the school 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.

What is required to apply to the MPP program?
Applicants are expected to submit the following to the Graduate School's online Slate system:

• Completed online application
• Personal Statement
• Unofficial transcripts (for review, once accepted official transcripts must be sent)
• Current Resume
• Two letters of recommendation (one letter for executive track)
• $75 application fee
• For non-native English speakers, TOEFL, IELTS, or the PTE exam scores are also required.

Can I waive the 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’s record of prior coursework does not demonstrate these abilities the applicant might benefit from submitting GRE scores or having recommendation writers specifically address such skills in their letters. With questions about the GRE please email us at spp@uconn.edu.

What are the GRE codes?
The GRE codes are: Institutional Code = 3915, Program Code = 1903
PLEASE NOTE: GRE scores are not required for MPA Fellow applications

How can I submit my GREs?
The GRE’s can be submitted in the following manners:

• Using the GRE codes to have the scores sent directly to the Public Policy School at the University of Connecticut is the best method to send your scores to us. After you take the test, it will be approximately 4 weeks for your scores to arrive to us.
• Contacting us to report directly what your GRE scores are. 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 February 15th deadline.
• Sending 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 February 15. The final deadline for fall is May 15. For spring admission the deadline is November 1. Please contact the school directly at publicpolicy@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 some 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 least a 3.3 cumulative GPA. You can apply to the Fast-Track program and begin taking MPA and MPP courses while an undergraduate student. If accepted into the Fast-Track program you will still need to apply to the MPA or 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 or GRE score required for admission?
Please see the Graduate School’s Admission Requirements regarding GPAs on your official transcript. The program accepts a range of GRE test scores. 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 the letters are from recent professors.

How do I submit letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Letters can be uploaded to the application by the recommending individual when prompted via email from the application system. Or they can email publicpolicy@uconn.edu directly to submit their letter. Letters can not be received directly from the applicant.

Can I defer my admission?
Yes. Admission can be deferred for up to one year. You must communicate your intention via email to publicpolicy@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 publicpolicy@uconn.edu.

How much does the MPP cost?
Tuition and fee schedules for the MPA and MPP programs 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 also 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 6-credits with our School before applying to the MPP program. If it is within 5 years, the 6-credits can later be transferred into your program to 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 your non-degree study. The proposed cost of non-degree study with the School of Public Policy for 2023-2024 is $1,050 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.