Program Description
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at Portland State University is a rigorous, cohort-based graduate program designed for students passionate about creating meaningful change in public systems. Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, this two-year program prepares future policy analysts, advocates, and leaders to address complex social, environmental, and economic issues. With two distinct tracks—Policy Analysis and Policy Advocacy—students can tailor their studies to align with their career goals in government, nonprofits, or community organizations. Applications are open each fall, and priority is given to applicants who apply by February 1. Learn more about how PSU’s MPP program blends hands-on learning with research-driven policy education to advance public good.
General Degree Requirements
The Master of Public Policy is designed as a two-year, full-time master’s program of 54 credits. In order to graduate from the program, students must obtain a minimum of 54 credits. Coursework is made up of a first-year core curriculum in policy leadership, analysis, and process, and then a second-year curriculum composed of policy tracks, policy specializations, a summative project, and a course that emphasizes diversity in public policy.
The inclusion of both a traditional Policy Analysis track as well as a separate Policy Advocacy and Leadership track makes the Portland State University MPP a unique program in the field. The MPP core courses draw from courses offered by programs in Public Administration, and Politics and Global Affairs, while the specialization and track courses can be taken in other departments across PSU.
Core Courses (11 credits)
All MPP students are required to take all core courses (credit hours in parentheses).
- PAP 511 Introduction to Public Policy (3)
- PS 520 American Political Institutions (4)
- PS 533 Ethics and Public Policy (4)
Methods Core (10 credits)
- PS 591 Testing Theories in Political Science (4)
- PA 551 Qualitative Methods for Public and Nonprofit Managers (4)
- PA 552 Quantitative Methods for Public and Nonprofit Managers (4)
Elective Core (9-11 credits)
- PA 554 Policy Analysis Research (3)
- PA 538 Advocacy and Political Participation by Nonprofit Organizations (3)
- PA 579 Policy Tools in Policy Design (3)
- PAP 514 Institutional Dynamics of Public Policy (3)
- PS 576 Politics of Inequality in the United States (4)
- PS 515 Comparative Public Policy (4)
Summative Policy Project (3 credits)
The summative policy project is the highlight and summation of the MPP program. It is an opportunity for MPP students to begin the transition to professional life by engaging in a capstone project that engages the 6 skills and competencies that the program delivers in the setting of a client organization.
- PAP 509 Public Policy Project (3) / PS 509 Public Policy Project (3)
Track and Specialization Courses (18 credits)
Students choose one of the following two tracks as part of their course specialization work: (1) Policy Leadership/Advocacy Track (9 credits), or (2) Policy Analysis Track (9 credits). In addition, students choose another 9 credits of specialization courses.
Track courses may come from a variety of policy-related fields, both within and outside the Hatfield School of Government. All Track courses should be taken in consultation with students’ faculty advisors.
Students identify a policy issue-area or sector and take 10 credits of courses relating to that sector in order to develop policy-domain specific knowledge as well as professional networking and experiential application opportunities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At some point within their program of study, students must satisfactorily complete one course, the primary focus of which is diversity. This does not require additional credit hours or coursework beyond the 54-credit requirement and can include courses taken as elective or track classes. Course options include, but are not limited to the following:
PA 549 Communicating and Managing Across Difference (3)
PA 593 Civil Rights in Public Service (3)
PS 518 Contemporary Political Protest in America (4)
PS 523 Civil Liberties (4)
PS 524 Law, Politics, and Society (4)
PS 525 Women and the Law (4)
PS 571 Gender & Politics: A Comparative Perspective (4)
PS 576 Politics of Inequality in the United States (4)