The Master of Art in Public Policy (MAPP) builds knowledge of current government programs through debate and student engagement. Students learn a variety of technical skills, including assessment of political influence on policy choices, how to design more effective programs, evaluation strategies for the impact of existing programs.

While skills learned have wide applicability, the program is particularly strong in urban issues. CGU’s location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area provides firsthand exposure to the most pressing social and economic issues in the country, such as the growth of immigrant populations, suburban sprawl and traffic congestion, transformation of the economy from manufacturing to international trade and finance, education reform, and restructuring government to increase responsiveness. Concentrations allow students to focus on particular areas such as local education policy, behavioral and organizational evaluation, and health policy. These approaches complement the emphasis on modeling program impacts and evaluating the causal effects of government policies. 

Degree Requirements

Coursework.  40 units are required, with specific requirements in research and policy analysis.  Areas of substantive emphasis allow students to focus on a field of individual interest. Minimum requirements for specialization in a distinct tract are listed below.  Students may, however, take additional courses. Advisor approval is required for all enrollments.

Practical Experience Requirement.  Students who do not already have work experience in the government or nonprofit sector must gain experience while enrolled in the program.  Options available for obtaining such experience are provided below.

• Policy Clinic.  Enroll in a course classified or designated a policy clinic.  Participation in a policy clinic may meet another program requirement at the same time.
• Internship. Undertake an internship with a government or nonprofit organization.  With program approval, certain internships may qualify as credit-earning courses and may be used toward course requirements in the student’s area of substantive emphasis. Students interested in an internship opportunity should contact Career Management for assistance in identifying and qualifying for an internship.

Final Paper Portfolio. All students are required to submit two papers to the program office.  One paper must be written during the student’s first semester in the program.  A second paper should represent the student’s best work and may come from any subsequent semester that the student is enrolled in the program.  Papers are used for accreditation reviews of the program.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Academic Policies  section of the Bulletin apply.