USC Price provides a rigorous public policy education with breadth and depth that sets our MPP program apart.
USC Price degree programs weave together classroom and experiential learning. Faculty engage students through an immersive curriculum that develops professional and practical skills for policy- related careers. Rigorous courses challenge students to synthesize knowledge working toward solving real-world problems.
USC Price is truly an interdisciplinary school. But we also take this a step further by fostering holistic integration of research and scholarship to solve problems, locally and globally. Price students enjoy the flexibility to explore complex policy issues of the 21st century.
L.A. is a unique, vibrant urban area filled with cultural and economic diversity. This dynamic city looks today like the society of tomorrow. Students who study here have abundant resources to better grasp the problems and solutions that affect quality of life. The more you explore, the more clear it becomes: policy today is leading from the west!
Many institutions say they are "global." USC, however, gives this meaning. We don't simply offer international experiences — the university is designed to reflect and infuse global society. Critical policy issues transcend boundaries, so USC Price students are trained to address them with broad perspective.
Leaving campus does not mean you leave USC. Over 16,000 Price alumni from all 50 states and over 40 countries form a vast, supportive network. Our alumni are deeply engaged. They serve as mentors and professional resources — united by a uniquely enduring bond to the Trojan family.
Research is a hallmark of USC Price. Faculty are frequently called upon to provide expertise at local, national and international levels. USC is among the top-10 nationwide in federally funded research — we set the cutting edge by providing resources, technology and agility for those who boldly approach challenging issues.
Price MPP students develop both the skills and mindset required to solve public challenges and foster community betterment. In addition to the foundational tools provided by the core curriculum, students are given autonomy to pursue their personal interests and align their training with their professional ambitions through their choice of analytic and specialization electives.
Skills cultivated through core courses are applied to a client-driven project in the Policy Analysis Practicum. Students work in small groups on a year-long project that requires them to conduct extensive research and analysis and ultimately provide detailed recommendations through a written report and client presentation. The Practicum reinforces and integrates the skills developed in the MPP program, while providing policy analytic service to a community organization, firm, or public agency in addressing a policy dilemma or challenge.
Price MPP students acquire and apply a robust set of proficiencies to be successful and impactful across sectors and institutions in our complex, diverse, and rapidly-changing world. With a focus on analytic skills as well as policy processes and institutions, Price MPPs also graduate with exceptional communication skills and experience in both individual and collaborative work. MPP graduates develop particular proficiency in:
Economic analysis
Statistical analysis
Policy issue diagnosis and policy design
Cost-benefit analysis
Policy evaluation and implementation
Professional written and verbal communication