Public Policy (M.P.P.)

What the Program Covers

The Master in Public Policy (MPP) program builds skills in policy analysis, strategic communication, leadership, and policy development. Students can focus their degree on policy analysis or strategic communication, with an option to add the Recreation Management and Policy track to specialize in recreation administration.

Graduates learn how to apply analytical frameworks, interpret policy research, and design policy solutions. Coursework is reinforced through internships, capstone projects, and direct engagement with policymakers, government agencies, and advocacy organizations. Note that the GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Washington, DC, Colloquium: One week in DC meeting with leaders in Congress, the White House, government agencies, and advocacy groups.
• Policy Internship: Applied work for a policy organization to gain practical experience in analysis, communication, or program evaluation.
• Capstone Project: A written report and presentation demonstrating the application of skills to a specific policy issue.

Program Delivery and Options

Core MPP courses are offered in person on the Durham campus. Students may take approved MPP or RMP courses on UNH campuses or online. The Washington, DC Colloquium is completed off-site in Washington, DC.

Degree Requirements

Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Master in Public Policy program (MPP degree) are required to complete a forty (40) credit program, consisting of:

• 5 CORE Curriculum Courses   
• 4 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Activities
• 2 PUBLIC POLICY TRACK Courses (Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track)
• 4 ELECTIVE Courses and/or optional Recreation Management and Policy Track Courses (Choose a minimum of 3 RMP Courses to replace Elective course program requirements)

These provide the foundational analytical, strategic, and communication skills for a successful career in the world of public policy making. Students focus their public policy studies by choosing a Public Policy Track: Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track. Students can choose an additional specialization in recreation administration by adding on the Recreation Management and Policy Track to their Public Policy Track. Courses in all tracks can also be taken as open electives. Further opportunities for depth and specialization in substantive policy areas are provided by open elective courses which vary by semester. As culminating graduate experiences, students apply what they've learned through an MPP internship at a policy-oriented organization as well as conducting a capstone project by delving deeply into a policy area of interest. These experiences are provided with guidance from faculty mentors.

Students are advised to have taken an introductory level economics class prior to starting the MPP program such as a “principles of economics” (macro or micro). Students should consult with their Graduate Academic Advisor to confirm that the course(s) previously taken are sufficient or for suggestions of which courses could be taken prior to starting the MPP program.

¹

In special cases and with your Graduate Academic Advisor's permission, the Policy Internship may be taken for credit (PPOL 998, 3 credits), supervised by a faculty member who will provide the academic structure to parallel the applied experience. If this is the case, the required number of MPP-Approved Elective courses is reduced to 3 courses or if the Recreation Management and Policy Track is pursued, the number of RMP courses is limited to a maximum of 3 courses. 

²

In Consultation with their advisor, students choose 2 courses from either the Strategy and Communication Track or the Policy Analysis Track (see Master in Public Policy webpage for list of suggested courses). Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open Elective courses.

³

MPP-Approved Elective courses are available in many substantive areas. Students pursuing the Recreation Management and Policy Track specialization should select a minimum of 3 RMP courses to fulfill the Track requirements.  Students may also propose additional Electives if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with your departmental Graduate Academic Advisor, including Recreation Management & Policy if pursuing the Recreation Management and Policy Track, should inform this choice.

MPP Sample Degree Plans (40 Credits)

Fall Start (Typical)

Spring Start

¹

In special cases and with your Graduate Academic Advisor's permission, the Policy Internship may be taken for credit (PPOL 998, 3 credits), supervised by a faculty member who will provide the academic structure to parallel the applied experience. If this is the case, the required number of MPP-Approved elective courses is reduced to three (3) courses. 

²

Students choose 2 courses from their Public Policy Track: Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track.  Students pursuing an optional Recreation Management and Policy Track specialization should choose 3 or more Recreation Management & Policy (RMP) courses to fulfill 3 or more Elective course program requirements. Courses in all tracks can be taken as open Elective courses.  

³

MPP-Approved Elective courses are available in many substantive areas. Students pursuing the Recreation Management and Policy Track specialization should select a minimum of 3 RMP courses to fulfill the Track requirements.  Students may also propose additional Electives if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with your departmental Graduate Academic Advisor, including Recreation Management & Policy if pursuing the Recreation Management and Policy Track, should inform this choice.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential.

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Public Policy (M.P.P.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s): 

College of Health and Human Services

COLLEGE OF LIFE SCIENCES AND AGRICULTURE 

College of Liberal Arts

College of Professional Studies - Manchester

College of Professional Studies - Online

• Apply basic methods of policy development and analysis to design and evaluate public policy
• Demonstrate competency in public speaking and writing related to public policy
• Demonstrate competency in strategic and tactical skills for achieving policy objectives
• Utilize data and research to inform policy design and advocacy
• Understand policy profession norms and ethics
• Apply critical thinking skills to address policy-relevant questions