Public Policy

Overview

The graduate degree programs in the Department of Public Policy at Michigan State University are designed to help students become thoroughly grounded in the knowledge base and research methods of political science. 

Learning outcomes

Training is given in the following major fields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, public policy, political thought, formal theory, and research methodology.

The goal of the MPP is to provide high-quality graduate-level instruction in quantitative analysis, program development, policy implementation, public finance, and policy evaluation.

The MPP program is designed for students who want to pursue professional careers in policy analysis, program management, and policy advocacy within the public, private, or non-profit sectors.The program teaches students to address complex societal problems, reconcile conflicting political and ethical values in policymaking, make informed decisions about program activities, and provide effective leadership in policy development and implementation.

So, if you are committed to public service and interested in working on policy issues at the local, state, or national level, the Master of Public Policy Program at Michigan State University is for you!

The Master of Public Policy Program at Michigan State is jointly administered by the Department of Political Science and the Department of Economics. Since the 1970s MSU has been committed to training well-rounded professionals for policy-related careers. In the earlier years the program focused on public administration, but with the growing faculty expertise and excellence in policy analysis and policy processes, in 2007 the program was successfully revamped to focus on public policy.