Master of Public Policy (MPP)
A STEM-Designated Program
Shape the Future of Policy with Impactful Leadership
You’re interested in using data-driven research to understand and design policies to address today’s most pressing domestic and international challenges. With the Master of Public Policy program, you will build the skills to assess the real-world consequences of policy decisions using data and empirical methods — giving you the tools to transform data into actions, which in turn lead to better outcomes for people and communities. If you’re looking to drive change and shape a better world through effective policy — join us.
Program Highlights
Pace & Duration
Full-time, 2 Years
Delivery
On-campus
Total Units
92
Cost
$33,278 (California Residents)
$45,523 (Non-California Residential)
Power Your Policy Career with a STEM Advantage
Master the tools that power today’s policy decisions and apply them in real-world contexts that matter. This STEM-designated MPP degree provides highly sought-after skills in industries such as technology, public service and global consulting.
For international students, our STEM designation may grant you a two-year OPT extension, giving you more flexibility to build your career in the U.S.
Curriculum
The MPP requires 92 units for completion. All students take 8 required core courses during the first year and a capstone course in the second. Students in the program select 1 specialization.
Foundational Courses
8 courses in the core subject areas:- Economics
- Management
- Policy
- Political Science
- Quantitative Methods
Capstone Project
The course requires a research paper that examines an existing public or nonprofit sector policy or managerial problem.
Areas of Specialization
5 courses in a functional area:- Economic Growth and Development*
- Environmental Policy
- Government Regulation, Innovation, and Business*
- Inequality and Social Policy
- Peace and Security
- Program Design and Evaluation
* effective Fall 2026
Although proficiency in a foreign language is not required, 24 units may be counted toward the degree as long as the language matches an elective regional or country specialization.
What is public policy, exactly?
It’s a term used a lot, but what does it actually mean? Dean Caroline Freund and GPS faculty members explain in this feature its goals, its methods and the variety of disciplines it draws from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What careers do graduates pursue after graduation?
The MPP degree is a STEM-designated program that prepares you to launch a purpose-driven career at the intersection of data, policy and impact. By combining rigorous technical training to use quantitative methods and evidence-based approaches to design, evaluate and improve public policies, you'll gain the skills to lead and innovate across government, nonprofit and private sectors.
Graduates go on to shape public policy in roles such as policy analyst, data scientist, government affairs specialist and social impact strategist.
Whether you're passionate about fighting poverty, improving education, advancing racial equity, reforming the justice system or addressing climate change, the MPP program not only gives you the tools to meet employer demands but also makes a lasting impact in your industry.
Recent Graduate Spotlights
Joe Bettles, MPP ’21
Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, Copenhagen, Denmark
“I learned so much from GPS and am so thrilled to be taking the tools I learned into the real world to try and make a difference. In my job, I am using the same skill of working with a global problem that has a wide range of sources and an even larger range of solutions. I’m looking for specific actionable questions that can be answered.”
Valeria Andrea Buelna Sainz, MPP ’19
International Organization for Migration (IOM) – UN Migration, Tijuana, Mexico
Valeria shared that the Program Design and Evaluation course gave her a new perspective. “You get to study these diverse projects, from their initial design through their implementation and the final impact.”
Isabelle Heilman, MPP ’19
Director, Sustainability Performance Office at U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.
Isabelle shared that the data literacy training from GPS has been critical for her success. “Being able to understand numbers and communicate them to my leadership has been a key skill in my job.”
Is there an online option?
We do not currently offer online or distance-learning courses or programs. All courses are conducted in person. While some courses are held in the evening hours, most of the classes are during the day.
Are there scholarship opportunities?
The GPS Admissions Committee evaluates every complete application submitted by Jan. 15 for fellowship awards. Fellowships range from nearly full support for the program to awards that cover fees or other expenses.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens and residents complete the FAFSA between Oct. 1 and June 30. You must complete a FAFSA to be considered for federal loans. Learn more detailed information on financial resources here.
Deadlines
Looking to apply for Fall 2026? The application opens on Sept. 3, 2025.
The deadline for early applications is Dec. 4 (early); for standard applications, the deadline is Jan. 15.
After Jan. 15, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
All required application documents must be on file by the posted deadline. If documents are missing, your application may be moved to the next round.
More detailed information can be found here.
More FAQs
We invite you to explore additional frequently asked questions here.