CGU’s Masters of Public Policy (MPP) program is designed to develop policy analysts with strong quantitative skills joined with political knowledge, equipped with boundary-crossing tools and mindsets to foster positive, sustainable, and strategic change. The program is distinguished by four signature pillars: a customizable curriculum that aligns with your passions and possibilities, an emphasis on social justice and human flourishing, transdisciplinary inquiry, and physical proximity to a living laboratory within the complex and exciting climate of Southern California.
Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.
University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.
Program Highlights
Graduate-only education is offered in small, seminar-style classes taught by highly knowledgeable policy scholars.
General Requirements
Coursework: The MPP program can be completed with 32 units of coursework for students who already meet the microeconomic and statistics prerequisites described below. Students who do not meet the microeconomic and statistics prerequisites detailed below will require 4 to 8 additional units.
Final Paper Portfolio: All students in the Department of Politics and Policy are required to submit two papers to the program office. One paper should be written during the student’s first year (preferably the first semester.) 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.
Degree Requirements
Core Courses (20 units):
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PP 482 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (Prerequisite: PP 481 or equivalent)
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PP 487 - Applied Data Analysis (various letters and topics) (Prerequisites: PP 482 or equivalent)
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TNDY 488 – Transdisciplinary Public Policy Capstone (Prerequisites: Final semester of coursework) OR Doctorate in Economics and Data Analysis (DEDA) Capstone Course
Evaluation Requirement (4 units)
Either
Specialized Topics Requirement (8 units)
In consultation with faculty, students choose two courses (8 units) specializing in one area of policy analysis. Suggested areas of specialization include Social Justice and Inequality, Environmental Policy, Leadership and Human Flourishing, and Advanced Analysis Tools.
Microeconomics and Statistics Degree Prerequisites (4 to 8 units):
The CGU MPP prerequisite requirements for microeconomics and statistics prepare graduate students for rigorous and agile training to tackle the world’s complex policy issues. The prerequisite requirements must be met within ONE year of program matriculation.
Prior to MPP coursework:
The microeconomics requirement may be met through the successful completion of -
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ECON 313 – Microeconomic Analysis OR
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SPE 313 - Microeconomics & Public Policy OR
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Another college-level Microeconomics Course (evaluated by program faculty)
The statistics requirement may be met through the successful completion of:
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CGU Introductory Social Statistics course PP 481 – Introduction to Statistical Analysis OR
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Proficiency demonstrated through passing a Claremont Graduate University Division of Politics and Economics statistics examination (recommended only for students who have already completed a college-level statistics course.)