The Masters in Public Policy (MPP) prepares students interested in public policy to serve the common good and advance a just society, in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. The MPP degree develops effective leaders in nonprofit and government professions. Students will develop public policy and leadership skills through the School of Public Service curriculum, which stresses ethics, problem-solving and research skills, and the ability to implement public policy.
This degree is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Mission Statement
The Master in Public Policy degree prepares students to conduct public policy analysis with an emphasis on analytic skill building, community advocacy, and ethical leadership development. We promote compassion for marginalized communities and service to all with sensitivity, professionalism, accountability, transparency, and justice.
| Program Requirements | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 40 |
| Elective Courses | 12 |
| Total hours required | 52 |
The MPP may also be expanded to include select graduate certificate programs covering particular areas of interest. Students participating in a combined MPP/certificate program should consult with their academic advisor (SPSAdvising@depaul.edu) to determine what coursework might count toward both programs. A separate application process for the certificate may be required. Students who are interested in any of the following combination programs should contact the Graduate Student Services Office for additional information.
- Masters in Public Policy + Community Development Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Critical Ethnic Studies Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Emergency Management Administration Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Geographic Information Systems Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Global Health Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Health Care Administration Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Metropolitan Planning and Development Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Social Research Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Strategic Writing and Advancement for Nonprofits Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Sustainable Urban Food Systems Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Translation and Interpreting Certificate
- Masters in Public Policy + Women's and Gender Studies Certificate
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Lead ethically in the field of public policy.
- Create and assess plans for citizen involvement in policy planning, advocacy, and implementation.
- Understand, apply, and consider the trade-offs in social equity, political accountability, and economic efficiency.
- Communicate effectively through oral and written media.
- Become engaged and informed citizens, active in public policy and service.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
Students complete a total of 13 courses (52 credit hours). Ten courses (40 credit hours) of core coursework and three courses (12 credit hours) of electives are required.
Core Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MPS 500 | INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT | 4 |
| MPS 533 | APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (USING EXCEL) | 4 |
| or MPS 536 | APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE (USING SPSS) | |
| MPS 541 | ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
| MPS 542 | POLICY DESIGN AND ANALYSIS | 4 |
| MPS 543 | POLICY IMPLEMENTATION | 4 |
| MPS 546 | ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING | 4 |
| MPS 563 | LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY | 4 |
| MPS 583 | RESEARCH METHODS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
| MPS 593 | INTEGRATIVE SEMINAR | 4 |
| MPS 594 | ETHICAL LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SERVICE | 4 |
Internship Capstone Option
Students may choose to replace MPS 593 with MPS 610 Internship Capstone option.
Elective Courses
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select three from the following: | 12 | |
| SUSTAINABLE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT | ||
| BEHAVIORAL STRATEGIES FOR PUBLIC SERVICE | ||
| HEALTH CARE POLICY | ||
| GIS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ||
| PRINCIPLES OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING | ||
| PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING | ||
| METROPOLITAN PLANNING | ||
| POVERTY, INEQUALITY AND PUBLIC POLICY | ||
| HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT | ||
| STUDY ABROAD SEMINAR | ||
| ENERGY POLICY AND THE ENVIRONMENT | ||
| ENVIRONMENTAL CONFLICTS AND MEDIATED SOLUTIONS | ||
| URBAN RESILIENCE AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION POLICY | ||
| SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS | ||
| PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNSHIP | ||
| SPECIAL TOPICS | ||
Student Handbook
Students in the School of Public Service will follow many of the requirements, rules, and regulations set by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the DePaul University Graduate Handbook. There are additional academic regulations specific to students in the School of Public Service. Please see information below.
Academic Probation
All students within the School of Public Service must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher as part of their requirements for graduation. As a result, any student who earns a cumulative GPA below 2.7 (B-) is placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation are required to meet with the Assistant Director for Academic Advising (SPSAdvising@depaul.edu) to discuss their performance and determine a plan for improvement.
Dismissal
Students who are not able to raise their cumulative GPA to a minimum of 2.7 within two academic quarters (after being placed on academic probation) are subject to dismissal from the program.
Readmission
If a student is dismissed from the program (as outlined in the dismissal policy), he or she may reapply through the formal admission application process.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from the program, students must complete all program requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher. If a student's cumulative GPA is below a 2.7, he or she may be denied graduation.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
While School of Public Service courses are open to non-degree seeking graduate students, pre-requisite requirements for certain courses may be enforced.