What is public policy?
Public policy is a professional discipline that seeks to solve
public problems through policy analysis and design, program and
project management, and community and public advocacy. The field
brings together political science, economics, statistics, management,
and other social science disciplines to shape the development of
policies and programs at the local, national, and international
levels.
More about
public policy
Learn more about the field
What will you learn?
The MPP requires 45 semester credits, including approximately 20
credits in core courses, a 3-course concentration (9 credits minimum),
and a course to fulfill the professional paper requirement.
The remaining credits are taken in elective courses. A 400-hour
professional internship also is required, unless a student is exempted
based on relevant previous employment.
More about
the curriculum
Research and practice
The Humphrey Institute's policy
research and outreach centers provide MPP students with opportunities
to conduct research and work in the field. In addition, students
collaborate with faculty members on research, journal articles,
and other projects.
Some recent faculty publications include:
More about
the faculty
What we expect from you
We expect MPP applicants to have:
- A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S.
university or foreign equivalent;
- Basic competence in college-level algebra (including facility
with functional notations; algebraic manipulation of polynomials,
logs, and exponentials; and graphic representation of equations);
- Completed the equivalent of an introductory course in microeconomics
(grade of B-minus or better);
- Basic competence in the use of computers;
- Completion of an undergraduate course in political science
that analyzes political institutions (state and local, national,
comparative, or international) and presents basic concepts in
political analysis is strongly recommended.
Applicants who have inadequate preparation in these prerequisites
but who are otherwise qualified for admission may be considered
for admission (at the discretion of the faculty admissions committee)
but may be required to take the relevant courses before beginning
the program or taking core courses.
If you have questions about your academic preparation for the MPP
program, contact the admissions office at (612) 626-7229 or hhhadmit@umn.edu.
A variety of financial aid options may help you finance your education.
Click here
to learn more.
Learn more about our program
To find out more about the public policy program at the University
of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, visit,
call, or e-mail us.
Frequently
Asked Questions |
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"I chose a degree in public policy so I can gather the skills necessary to combat problems in housing and community development. I like studying at the Humphrey Institute because the twin Cities offers a great laboratory in which to observe the interaction of governments, the role of regional planning, and neighborhood self determination."
~ Erik Hansen, '03
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