MPP curriculum

The coursework in Oregon State's online Master of Public Policy program provides you with practical experience in working collaboratively with the public and prioritizing the desires of citizens, communities and society at large. This is accomplished through:

• Experience conducting original policy research that extends the knowledge of both policy and other social science disciplines.
• Practical exercises navigating our increasingly interconnected world through connecting with stakeholders from various backgrounds and addressing policy fields relevant to a variety of populations.
• The development of a public service ethic through service learning projects incorporated into courses that involve public partners in mutually beneficial, community-driven efforts.

Oregon State’s Master of Public Policy program is officially recognized for its commitment to inclusivity by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. The recognition is given to NASPAA member programs that demonstrate exemplary commitment in these four areas:

• Civic engagement
• Inclusion
• Sustainability
• Globalization

Degree requirements

This master's program requires the completion of 54 credits to graduate. Degree requirements and curriculum information are available on OSU's academic catalog or the School of Public Policy's website.

Sample course topics

• Microeconomic theory
• Econometrics
• Public policy analysis
• Public organizations and leadership
• Professional development
• Public policy theory
• Social research
• Quantitative methods for policy analysis
• Applied research methods
• Rural sociology
• Environmental politics and policy
• Natural resources and community values
• Rural development economics and policy
• Environmental sociology

Specialization and certificate options

You can select an area of focus from a variety of established concentrations, graduate certificates, or self-design a concentration with an advisor and approval of the public policy graduate program director. A minimum of 24 credits is required.

Additional program features

Internship

If you have minimal work experience in public service, the nonprofit sector or the international context, we will strongly encourage you to engage in a supervised internship. This internship will allow you to work closely with experienced mentors who will help you integrate theory with practice and introduce you to a professional network. You will work with an advisor to create an internship or select from several options available through OSU.
 
If you have relevant work experience, you can substitute coursework for internship credits.

Capstone course

As a public policy master’s student, you’ll complete an 11-week policy lab capstone course online, in which students work in teams to conduct policy research and analysis for an OSU School of Public Policy client partner. This collaborative effort challenges you and your classmates to apply methods and theory knowledge to emerging and relevant policy topics.
  
The policy research skills and knowledge you gain will be broadly applicable toward your career. At the conclusion of the course, you will present your findings and be evaluated on your contribution and quality of work. Each student will be assessed individually.