Program Details
The MPPA is a professional degree that provides the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in public service. The 39-credit-hour program consists of
- 21 credit hours of core classes,
- 12 credit hours of specialization credits,
- an internship,
- and a capstone project.
Through applied case studies, in-depth discussion, and service-learning, students will hone and apply their skills in research, analysis, and evaluation.
Specializations
Public Policy and Management
The public policy and management specialization equips students with a broad understanding of U.S. public and nonprofit sector organizations, will be provided managerial and technical competencies to effectively manage organization, and provided foundational skills on how to propose, evaluate, and structure policy solutions. Students completing this specialization will be well equipped to serve as a manager or professional policy analyst in public and nonprofit organizations.
International Policy and Management
The international policy and management specialization equips students with a broad understanding of policy and management, both within and across countries. Students pursuing this specialization will be prepared to pursue careers in intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and United States foreign policy-making.
Accelerated Master's Program
The Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) gives undergraduate students a jumpstart on their graduate coursework, allowing them to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years. The AMP is available to students majoring in:
- Political Science
- Economics
- International Studies
- Sociology
- Agricultural Business
- Agricultural Education
- Environmental and Natural Resources
Graduate Certificate Program
Earn your graduate certificate in Public Policy Analysis or Public Management in as little as two semesters. You'll advance your career by building skills like forecasting future impacts of new policy proposals and anticipating complications before they occur. This 12-credit program is offered exclusively online to help you balance your academic studies with professional obligations.
People
MPPA faculty are more than just leading researchers and educators, they are also current public servants who bring real-world experience and expertise to the classroom.
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Ben Burnley
- Assistant Professor
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Martín Carcasson
- Professor
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Alexis R. Kennedy
- Assistant Professor
-
Trenten Robinson
- Instructor
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Allison White
- MPPA Director
- Associate Professor
Career Opportunities
The demand for skilled professionals in public policy and administration is robust, with above-average job growth projected across public and nonprofit sectors. According to a 2019 NASPAA alumni survey, an impressive 96% of graduates secured employment or opportunities in the field within just six months of graduation. With an MPPA, you’ll be well-positioned to step into high-impact roles such as executives, policy analysts, program managers, or nonprofit leaders, driving meaningful change in communities worldwide.
Cost of Attendance
Ready to take the next step in your career with the MPPA program? We’re here to help make it happen! Discover a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities designed to support your educational journey. Explore your options below and start building a brighter future today!
Best and Brightest Management Fellowship
The Master of Public Policy and Administration has partnered with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to offer the Best and Brightest Management Fellowship to MPPA students. The Best and Brightest Fellowship Program partners with counties, municipalities and universities across the state to meet the needs of communities, engage future leaders, and connect students to community work that sparks their curiosity and leads them to work in public service. The program connects local governments, students and educators through two-year paid fellowships.
Fellowship program objectives:
- To provide a unique opportunity for students to complete their graduate degree while gaining invaluable real world learning experiences
- To develop potential local government managers, planners, economic and community development directors
- To provide a way for DOLA to support small and/or rural jurisdictions in meeting their administrative staffing needs in the most cost effective way possible
Upon completion of the two-year program, students will have completed all of the requirements for the MPPA while, at the same time, having gained two years of invaluable applied experiences. Students will receive an annual salary and benefits package totaling at minimum $42,000 and may be eligible for tuition reimbursement once they are formally admitted into the program or after successfully completing the Fellowship. For more information about participating in the program, please contact Alexis Kennedy.
Best and Brightest Management Fellow Q&A
Learn more about Emily Myler and how she is applying her MPPA degree while working for the town of Avon.
Admission Requirements
In general, MPPA applicants should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree awarded prior to beginning the MPPA program as well as evidence of public service motivation. Students are not required to submit a standardized exam score.
The MPPA program requires the following materials when applying:
- Transcripts from all previous universities attended
- A statement of application outlining the motivation for pursuing the MPPA degree (300-500 words)
- A current resume
- Two letters of recommendation