Master of Public Policy

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Master of Public Policy (MPP, formerly MUAP) prepares students for challenging careers in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies that require both the comprehension of complex urban issues and the application of tangible solutions. The program is organized around select public policy issues that focus on the economic/community development, environmental or healthcare challenges in the urban milieu. Because urban issues are complex, the program is interdisciplinary in character, curriculum content, and faculty. It provides a stimulating and inclusive environment for intellectual curiosity, rigorous inquiry and creativity and for developing new knowledge and putting it to work in the service of environmentally and economically sustainable healthy urban communities to ultimately improve the quality of life. It is designed to attract candidates that have technical expertise but desire to advance their knowledge of the dynamics of public policy in twenty-first century metropolitan regions.

Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, question, challenge and shape urban policy. They draw on a core of economics, political science and sociology to analyze and interpret multiple types of data in order to critically evaluate problems and provide alternative courses of action.

The 39 to 42 hour curriculum is comprised of five core courses that address the social context from which public policy emanates. These courses demonstrate the role of economics, politics and society in identifying urban social issues and developing policies to address them. Four required research and analysis courses prepare the student with the requisite techniques for evaluating the need for and the effect of public policy. The courses range from introductory statistics to cost benefit analysis. The next portion of the curriculum, nine hours, depends upon the student’s interests in one of the three policy areas of Healthcare Policy, Environmental Policy or Economic and Community Development Policy. Students complete the mandatory course for the emphasis area in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs and six additional hours from within CAPPA or from a department elsewhere on the UTA campus. The student has the option to complete their degree with a three-hour professional report or a six-hour master’s thesis.

Evening classes are held on campus and are scheduled for the working professional. Each class meets once per week for three-hour sessions. We welcome part-time students who carry three or six hours per semester. Students can expect to complete the degree in approximately two years.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more general information about the MPP for more information, contact Dr. Alejandro Rodriguez or complete the information request form.