Master of Public Policy (MPP)
The fully online Master of Public Policy at the CU Denver School of Public Affairs is a rigorous program unique in its focus on the role of public policy in a democratic society.
The Master of Public Policy program provides the tools for policy design, implementation, analysis, and advocacy, while focusing on the intersection and impact of democracy, politics, and power. You will develop quantitative and analytical skills as they relate to policy design and implementation and a strong understanding of the policy process and policy advocacy to equip you to navigate challenges and hurdles when advocating for change.
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Degree LevelMaster's -
School & CollegeSchool of Public Affairs -
Application Deadline(s)May 1, 2025 -
Total Credit Hours36 -
Class TypeOnline -
Time CommitmentFull-Time or Part-Time
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Program Overview
The Master of Public Policy program provides the tools for policy design, implementation, analysis, and advocacy, while focusing on the intersection and impact of democracy, politics, and power. The program is closely connected to the Center for Policy and Democracy, a hub for research, teaching, and community engagement on public policy and democracy.
Working across disciplines, states, and countries, faculty and students bring various perspectives to the study and research of how policies and politics impact the most important issues facing democratic societies today.
Tuition Breakdown
| Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|
| $613 per credit | $736* per credit |
*WRGP participating program
Example Courses
Students complete seven required core courses, four elective courses of their choice, and a required capstone course. Students with less than one year of relevant professional experience must also complete a 3-credit internship, bringing the total number of credits to complete the program from 36 to 39.
Research & Analytic Methods (PUAD 5003)
Explore research methods for public and nonprofit settings, including literature review, research design, data collection, sampling strategies, and data analysis.
Economics & Public Finance (PUAD 5004)
Examine the government's role in public goods, welfare, microeconomics, taxation, fiscal federalism, budgeting, and expenditure theory with analytical tools.
Public Participation, Political Equity & Government (PUAD 5380)
Examine public engagement in policy, governance, service delivery, and political mobilization across government levels, addressing equity, participation, and impact assessment.
Specializations
You will learn how K-12 education is governed, financed, and regulated in the United States, and become familiar with the interaction between federal, state, and local policies and with the context in which education policy is formulated and implemented.
You will gain an understanding of how our natural environment is governed and affected by relationships between governments, nonprofits, private sector organizations, and the public, as well as the design and performance of environmental policies that these entities create to address a range of environmental issues and problems.
You will gain training and build additional quantitative and qualitative skills used in traditional public policy analysis.
You will prepare for a career that involves developing and advocating for policy solutions in your areas of interest.
Careers
The MPP program prepares you for policy-focused roles across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Graduates of the program can seamlessly transition into meaningful careers at all government levels, in non-profit organizations focused on policy advocacy, with research think tanks, and more. Whether you’re interested in working for a nonprofit, taking a role in local government or even supporting an organization in the private sector, the outlook for public administration professionals is strong. Depending on your focus and career, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that the job outlook for public administration careers could anticipate as high as a 17% anticipated growth from 2014-2024.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
Admission into the MPP requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. In addition to completing the admission application, applicants must also provide:
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- A resume
- A personal statement
- Evidence of quantitative competency
- Application fee
Get Personalized Support for Your Application
When you’re ready to apply to the MS in Management program, our CU Denver Enrollment Team will help walk you through the entire process, from gathering required materials and submitting your application to checking your admission status and enrolling in CU Denver. After you submit your completed application and required materials, you will be able to check your admission status online. You’ll receive a final admission decision by email within two to three weeks of completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
The MPP program requires a minimum of 36 semester credit hours of graduate coursework.
The normal course load for a full-time student is 9 credit hours per semester. You are required to carry five semester credit hours if you wish to be a full-time student. This is often important for financial aid. We do not recommend carrying more than six semester hours if you are also working full-time.
Although the MPP program does require an intensive commitment, it does not require full-time study. On average, MPP students complete the program in two and a half years but can take as many as six years to complete.
Investing in your future is a big decision. However, becoming a fully online student at CU Denver is a high-quality and affordable option for learners of all types. Visit our tuition and financial aid page for more information. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Residents of Western U.S. States and Territories pay the resident tuition rate through the Western Regional Graduate Program. Students who are fully online and not from participating Western U.S. States and Territories pay the nonresident online tuition rate.
Experience flexible, career-focused programs with CU Denver’s renowned quality—100% online—taught by expert faculty in engaging courses within a supportive community, all at an affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships available.
Flexible, career-focused programs with the same CU Denver quality—100% online.
Expert faculty, engaging courses, and a supportive online community.
Affordable tuition with financial aid and scholarships for online students.
Take the Next Step
Ready to lead in public policy? Take the first step toward earning your online degree by filling out the form above for more information or calling us at 303-860-5604.