MPP Course Sequencing

Most MPP students have full-time status and complete the 48-unit program in four semesters.  Part-time status is also available and can be a good option for students who need to balance the demands of a rigorous master’s program with other professional and personal obligations.

Here is the standard sequence for a full-time student completing the program in four semesters:

1st Semester Fall – 12 units

PPD 503 — Economics for Public Policy (4)
PPD 554 — Foundations of Policy Analysis (4)
PPD 558 — Multivariate Statistical Analysis (4)

2nd Semester Spring — 12 units

PPD 555 — Public Policy Formulation and Implementation (4)
PPD 560 — Methods for Policy Analysis (4)
(Analytic or Specialization Elective) (4)

3rd Semester Fall – 13 units

PPD 561a — Policy Analysis Practicum (1)
(Analytic or Specialization Electives) (12)

4th Semester Spring – 11 units

PPD 561b — Policy Analysis Practicum (3)
(Analytic or Specialization Electives) (8)

Part-time students’ sequencing can vary on a case-by-case basis.  The MPP academic program administrator works closely with each student to determine the sequence that works best for them. Here is a common course sequence for a part-time student completing the program in six semesters:

1st Semester Fall – 8 units

PPD 503 — Economics for Public Policy (4)
PPD 554 — Foundations of Policy Analysis (4)

2nd Semester Spring — 8 units

PPD 555 — Public Policy Formulation and Implementation (4)
PPD 560 — Methods for Policy Analysis (4)

3rd Semester Fall – 8 units

PPD 558 — Multivariate Statistical Analysis (4)
(Analytic or Specialization Elective) (4)

4th Semester Spring — 8 units

(Analytic or Specialization Electives) (8)

5th Semester Fall – 9 units

PPD 561a — Policy Analysis Practicum (1)
(Analytic or Specialization Electives) (8)

6th Semester Spring – 7 units

PPD 561b — Policy Analysis Practicum (3)
(Analytic or Specialization Elective) (4)