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.
Program at a Glance
- Degree Duration
- 2 years (full-time, on-campus)
- Total Units
- 92 quarter units
- Curriculum Structure
- 8 core courses, 1 area of specialization, 1 capstone research project
- Estimated Tuition
- $35,381 per year for California residents; $47,626 per year for non-residents (See tuition and fee details for full breakdown)
What You Will Gain
- Data-Driven Rigor: Master core tools in economics, econometrics, quantitative methods and data evaluation to measure real-world policy outcomes.
- Global & Pacific Rim Focus: Compare policy frameworks across Latin America, Asia and North America to understand modern regulatory and geopolitical realities.
- Hands-On Experience: Solve real-world challenges through a capstone project in the second year.
- STEM Designation: Gain technical proficiency in policy analytics, spatial data (GIS) and big data methodologies highly sought after by technology companies, research institutes and public agencies.
- Global Network Access: Connect with a diverse cohort, renowned faculty and an international alumni network leading organizations worldwide.
Curriculum Overview
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
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 is the curriculum for the MPP degree?
Our rigorous core curriculum ensures you learn the fundamental disciplines of effective policy design, analytical evaluation and strategic management.
- Microeconomics for Policy and Management
- Policy Analysis and Public Welfare
- Quantitative Methods I
- Policy-Making Process
- Market Failures and Policy Interventions
- Quantitative Methods II & Introduction to Regression Analysis
- Public Finance and Taxation
- Policy Analysis and Decision Theory
- Managing the Macroeconomy
- Quantitative Analysis of Public Opinion and Electoral Choices
- Big Data for Policy, Government, and Management
- Cost Benefit Analysis
- Evaluating Social Programs
See the general catalog for a complete list of available courses. All courses, faculty listings, and curricular and degree requirements described are subject to change or deletion without notice. Course availability varies by academic quarter and year.
Please consult with a GPS academic advisor at gps-studentaffairs@ucsd.edu for real-time requirements, a full list of elective courses per areas of specialization and current course schedules.
What are the requirements for the MPP areas of specialization?
Tailor your MPP degree to align with your personal passion and career goals. You will gain targeted expertise by selecting 1 specialization. Each area requires 5 courses: 1 required course, 1 course selected from a designated pair and 3 elective courses.
- Economic Growth and Development: Analyze macro-level economic trends and build policy solutions that promote sustainable economic opportunity.
- Environmental Policy: Position yourself at the forefront of sustainability, resource management and environmental equity.
- Government Regulation, Innovation, and Business: Lead at the intersection of public policy, technological disruption, and private-sector regulation.
- Inequality and Social Policy: Address fundamental challenges surrounding human rights, labor, social safety nets and educational access.
- Peace and Security: Explore modern national security, international law and conflict resolution mechanisms.
- Program Design and Evaluation: Master cutting-edge empirical tools to design, evaluate and optimize public programs.
What is the STEM advantage?
This is an official STEM-designated degree designed to give you the tools to master the quantitative, data-driven tools powering modern policy decisions.
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.
Is an online or part-time option available?
No. MPP is an in-person, full-time degree program held on the UC San Diego campus. While some courses are held in the evening hours, most of the classes are during the day.
Are financial aid and scholarships available?
Yes. 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 application to be considered for federal loans. Learn more about financial resources.
When are the application deadlines?
The application portal opens on Sept. 2, 2026 for Fall 2027.
The deadline for early applications is Oct. 30; 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 not be moved to the next round. View application deadlines and requirements.
I’ve got more questions. Where can I go?
We invite you to explore additional admissions FAQs.