School of Public Policy 4+1 Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Suggested Coursework Timeline
SENIOR YEAR: 7 Credits
12 credits (500+ level) can double count towards your undergraduate degree and the MPA.
The Policy Seminar is the only course that is required for senior year but we recommend
students take at least three graduate courses before the graduate year.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPP 613 | Public Policy Seminar | 3 |
| SPP | SPP Core or Graduate Elective* | 3 |
| SPP 614 | Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
SUMMER: 3 Credits
Students find a 150-hour internship and get academic credit for it.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPP 598 | Summer Internship/Practicum*** | 3 Online |
FALL: 14 Credits
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPP 601 or SPP 611 |
Politics of the Policy Process OR Comparative Public Policy |
3 |
| SPP 605 | Economics and Public Policy | 3 |
| SPP 607 | Policy Methods | 3 |
| SPP Program Elective* | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective* (500+ level) | 2 |
SPRING: 13 Credits
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPP 608 | Intro. to Statistical Methods for Pub. Policy | 4 |
| SPP 603 | Public Policy Analysis** | 3 |
| SPP Program Elective* | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective* (500+ level) | 3 |
Total Credits: 37
Notes:
*Students must spread Program Electives among SPP’s categories (Policy, Management, Methods) with at least one three-credit elective in each of three categories. See the SPP Requirements document for details. Relevant graduate level courses from other departments may be taken with SPP approval.
**Economics must be taken before Policy Analysis.
***The internship may be replaced by a class with an experiential component or client-based project; or, waived based on full time work experience. Students may fulfill the internship requirement without taking the internship class but then must make up the academic credits through additional class(es). No internship academic credits will be awarded for an internship without the class.