Program Description

The Master in Public Policy degree (MPP) offers you the opportunity to learn the skills you need to succeed in today’s public policy jobs—analytical expertise, strategic vision, clear and compelling communications, and the tools of leadership. This public policy master's program is ideal whether you will be completing your bachelor’s degree in the near future or are currently working in a policy-related field. You can choose a track focused on public policy analysis or strategy and communications—and select from a broad range of electives to personalize your degree. Built into the unique curriculum are a variety of experiential learning opportunities to deepen and broaden what you learn in the classroom, such as:

Colloquium in Washington, DC: You will be immersed in the capital scene – meeting with leaders in Congress, the White House, government agencies, political parties, advocacy groups, think tanks, and more.
Policy Internship: You will work in a policy-focused organization to gain practical, real-world experience and a valuable perspective on careers in public policy.
Capstone Project: You will employ the MPP skills you have gained to delve deeply into a specific policy area to produce a comprehensive written report and oral presentation.

You can earn your MPP degree in as little as 14 months (or 12 months for UNH Accelerated Master's students). You can also choose to earn your MPP degree over a longer period by attending part time.

Program Delivery & Location: Academic courses are offered in person on the UNH Durham campus with a portion of the experiential learning taking place offsite: Washington, DC, for the Colloquium and at the Internship site location during the MPP Internship experience.

Accelerated Masters Eligible: Yes

Degree Plan

16-MONTH FULL-TIME DEGREE COMPLETION PLAN (Typical)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
PPOL 806	Fundamentals of Policy Analysis	3
PPOL 904	Economics for Public Policy	3
PPOL 908	Quantitative Methods for Policy Research	3
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
	Credits	12
January Term
PPOL 950	Washington DC Colloquium	3
	Credits	3
Spring
PPOL 902	Strategy and Practice of Public Policy	3
PPOL 910	Policy Across Borders	3
PPOL 990A	Policy Capstone Planning	1
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective Course) ³		3
	Credits	13
Summer
PPOL 998A or PPOL 998	Policy Internship ¹ or Policy Internship	0
	Credits	0
Second Year
Fall
PPOL 990	Policy Capstone	3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective course) ³		3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective course) ³		3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved Elective course) ³		3
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	40

14-MONTH FULL-TIME DEGREE COMPLETION PLAN

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Summer		Credits
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	6
Fall
PPOL 806	Fundamentals of Policy Analysis	3
PPOL 904	Economics for Public Policy	3
PPOL 908	Quantitative Methods for Policy Research	3
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
	Credits	12
January Term
PPOL 950	Washington DC Colloquium	3
	Credits	3
Spring
PPOL 902	Strategy and Practice of Public Policy	3
PPOL 910	Policy Across Borders	3
PPOL 990A	Policy Capstone Planning	1
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	13
Second Year
Summer
PPOL 990	Policy Capstone	3
PPOL 998A or PPOL 998	Policy Internship ¹ or Policy Internship	0
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course)		3
	Credits	6
	Total Credits	40

24-MONTH PART-TIME DEGREE COMPLETION PLAN

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
PPOL 806	Fundamentals of Policy Analysis	3
PPOL 904	Economics for Public Policy	3
	Credits	6
January Term
PPOL 950	Washington DC Colloquium	3
	Credits	3
Spring
PPOL 902	Strategy and Practice of Public Policy	3
PPOL 910	Policy Across Borders	3
PPOL 990A	Policy Capstone Planning	1
	Credits	7
Summer
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	6
Second Year
Fall
PPOL 908	Quantitative Methods for Policy Research	3
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
	Credits	6
January Term
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	3
Spring
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	6
Summer
PPOL 990	Policy Capstone	3
PPOL 998A or PPOL 998	Policy Internship ¹ or Policy Internship	0
	Credits	3
	Total Credits	40

36-MONTH PART-TIME DEGREE COMPLETION PLAN

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
PPOL 904	Economics for Public Policy	3
	Credits	3
January Term
PPOL 950	Washington DC Colloquium	3
	Credits	3
Spring
PPOL 902	Strategy and Practice of Public Policy	3
	Credits	3
Summer
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	3
Second Year
Fall
PPOL 806	Fundamentals of Policy Analysis	3
PPOL 908	Quantitative Methods for Policy Research	3
	Credits	6
January Term
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	3
Spring
PPOL 910	Policy Across Borders	3
PPOL 990A	Policy Capstone Planning	1
	Credits	4
Summer
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	3
Third Year
Fall
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
	Credits	3
January Term
Elective Course (choose an MPP-Approved elective course) ³		3
	Credits	3
Spring
PPOL 998A or PPOL 998	Policy Internship ¹ or Policy Internship	0
Elective Course (choose a course from the Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track) ²		3
	Credits	3
Summer
PPOL 990	Policy Capstone	3
	Credits	3
	Total Credits	40

NOTES:

In special cases and with your MPP Advisor's permission, the Policy Internship may be taken for credit (PPOL 998, 3 credits), supervised by a faculty member who will provide the academic structure to parallel the applied experience. If this is the case, the required number of MPP-approved elective courses is reduced to three (3) courses.

Students choose two (2) courses from either the Strategy and Communication Track or the Policy Analysis Track. Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open elective courses.

MPP-Approved elective courses are available in many substantive areas. Students may also propose additional electives if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with your MPP Academic Advisor should inform this choice.

Requirements for the Program

Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Master in Public Policy program (MPP degree) are required to complete a forty (40) credit program, consisting of:

Five (5) CORE Curriculum Courses
Four (4) EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Activities
Two (2) PUBLIC POLICY TRACK Courses (Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track)
Four (4) ELECTIVE Courses

These provide the foundational analytical, strategic, and communication skills for a successful career in the world of public policy making. Students focus their public policy studies by choosing either the Strategy and Communication Track or the Policy Analysis Track and completing two courses in one of the tracks. Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open electives. Further opportunities for depth and specialization in substantive policy areas are provided by open elective courses which vary by semester. As culminating graduate experiences, students apply what they've learned through an MPP internship at a policy-oriented organization as well as conducting a capstone project by delving deeply into a policy area of interest. Both of these experiences are provided with guidance from faculty mentors.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
MPP CORE Curriculum Courses (5 Courses):
PPOL 806	Fundamentals of Policy Analysis	3
PPOL 902	Strategy and Practice of Public Policy	3
PPOL 904	Economics for Public Policy	3
PPOL 908	Quantitative Methods for Policy Research	3
PPOL 910	Policy Across Borders	3
MPP EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Activities (4 Courses):
PPOL 950	Washington DC Colloquium	3
PPOL 990A	Policy Capstone Planning	1
PPOL 990	Policy Capstone	3
PPOL 998A	Policy Internship ¹	0
or PPOL 998	Policy Internship
PUBLIC POLICY TRACK (2 Courses): ²		6
Two (2) courses are selected based upon the chosen track: Strategy and Communication Track or Policy Analysis Track
ELECTIVE Courses (4 Courses): ^1,3		12
Four (4) open elective courses are selected in substantive areas approved by the MPP program (or 3 open elective courses if the Policy Internship is taken for credit, PPOL 998) ¹
Total Credits		40

Notes:

Students choose two (2) courses from either the Strategy and Communication Track or the Policy Analysis Track. Courses in both tracks can also be taken as open elective courses.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Apply now

Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

Fall: March 15 (for Carsey School Scholarship); July 1 (preferred); Aug. 15 (final)
Spring: Dec. 15
Summer: April 15
Special: N/A

Application Fee: See important notes below

Campus: Durham

New England Regional: ME RI

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester and UNH Non-Degree work.

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must request one official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. International transcripts must be translated into English. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Letters should include academic and professional references.

Test Scores: GRE Required

GRE test scores are normally required but Accelerated Master's applicants are not required to submit GRE test scores and will be waived after the application has been submitted by the Graduate School.

Applicants who have taken the GMAT test or the LSAT test may request to have those used in lieu of the GRE. If you plan on providing the LSAT or GMAT scores please notify us via email of this so we may update your application accordingly. Request official test scores to be sent directly to the Graduate School by the testing service (if using the LSAT please ask your law school to send us a copy).

Test scores more than five years old are not acceptable. Student copies and photo copies of scores are not considered official. Our CEEB code is 3918.

For general information about test scores required for admission into our programs please visit our Test Scores webpage.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions:

Please note that when applying to the Public Policy and Analytics Dual Degree program you will need to provide a combined personal statement - one that addresses the Public Policy program and one that focuses on the Analytics program. This one is for Public Policy. This should be a clear, concise statement of the applicant’s relevant past experiences, including academics, research, and/or work experience. The statement should also include an expression of interests and an explanation of the student’s goals in pursuing a master's degree.

Statements must be included with your submitted application.

Resume

Resume is optional but recommended.

Additional Department Requirements

Applicants may be asked to interview either in person or by conference call with the program director and/or the graduate program coordinator.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program specific application questions.

Additional Details for International Applicants

While international applicants to this master’s program are not required to file a pre-application on the graduate school website prior to applying to the program, please see the International Applicants Instructions page for additional requirements. TOEFL scores are required if English is not your first language.

Explore Program Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Application

When can I start the Masters in Public Policy program and what are the application deadlines?

Applicants can apply to start in the fall, spring, or summer terms, by the following deadlines:

Fall Term Start: March 15^th (for Carsey School Scholarship); July 1^st (preferred); August 15^th (final)
Spring Term Start: December 15^th
Summer Term Start: April 15^th

International students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to insure visa’s and other necessary paperwork are obtained in a timely manner. Please contact Sanjeev Sharma, Admissions and Academic Advising, with any admissions questions.

How do I apply?

All applications are submitted online through the University of New Hampshire Graduate School. Instructions, link to the online application, and list of required documents can be found on the Graduate School’s Application site. If you are unable to apply online, contact Sanjeev.Sharma@unh.edu or 603-862-1871.

Does the MPP program have prerequisites?

The MPP does not have any specific courses that must been taken as an undergraduate.

Can I get an MPP on a part-time basis?

Carsey welcomes part-time students, although it requires some day-time availability and other time commitments that may not be possible for all. Those interested should contact us to discuss scheduling possibilities. In general, part-time students should expect to take four or more courses per-year—including the fall semester, January Term, spring semester, and summer sessions. Please note that the five core classes are offered during the day—each taught one day per-week. In addition, the January Term Washington Colloquium requires spending a week in Washington, DC. Some electives are offered online and in the evening.

Is there a required minimum score on the GRE, which I must achieve to be admitted?

No. A GRE score is one of many pieces of information in an applicant’s file, all of which are reviewed carefully by the admissions committee. The ability of the GRE to predict admissions or graduate program success varies widely among students. GRE scores, like all aspects of a student’s record, are considered in context as a part of the overall application.

I took the GRE more than once. What score will you look at?

We only evaluate the highest score received.

Financial Aid

Does this program offer any Scholarships?

The Carsey School of Public Policy offers a limited number of needs- and merit-based partial tuition scholarships to students who have submitted their online application and been accepted into the program. In order to be considered for a Carsey School Scholarship, please complete and submit your Online Scholarship Application Form by April 20. Applicants will be notified if they qualify for an award within two to three weeks after submitting a completed application. We also encourage students who are awarded a scholarship to leverage their award by seeking additional funding opportunities from other sources.

Additionally, all applicants to the program will be considered for the Tara and J. Morgan Rutman Scholarship which will be awarded to one or more students of outstanding ability who are in need of financial support.

What happens to my Carsey Scholarship award if I need to defer?

Carsey Scholarships based on financial need are considered and awarded to individuals for the program year of application. If an admitted student who has been awarded a Carsey Scholarship needs to defer his/her start date due to financial reasons, their scholarship application will also be deferred and given priority reconsideration for the new program start date.

Does the program offer any Fellowships?

The Carsey School offers a limited number of fellowship opportunities for MPP students during the academic year. Student fellows work 15 hours per week while classes are in session and receive a stipend of $4,600 per semester. After applying and being accepted into the MPP program, Fellowship applicants should complete the online Master in Public Policy Fellowship Application for consideration.

What alternative funding opportunities are available?

We strongly encourage you to look into other outside scholarship opportunities. Domestic students are eligible for both private and federal loans. More detailed information can be found on the UNH Grad School’s Financial Aid webpage or at Tuition Management Systems.

Other

What are available housing options at UNH?

On-campus housing is available and there are many options in the seacoast region including in Durham itself as well as surrounding communities, such as Dover, Portsmouth, and Newmarket, served by a UNH-run bus service for which there is no additional charge above the mandatory student transportation fee. Learn more about off-campus housing options.

What is the Capstone Project?

Students are tasked with demonstrating their competency through a comprehensive project that includes a substantial piece of written work. Capstone projects will be completed under the direction of faculty mentors and outside experts. The purpose of the capstone is to demonstrate student capabilities and to provide an opportunity to work with expert mentors aimed at enhancing post-graduation employment options.

Does tuition cover the travel and meal costs of the Washington, DC, Colloquium during the January Term?

Accommodations in Washington, some meals, and local transportation are covered for the Colloquium which takes place during the January Term. Travel to and from Washington, DC, are the student’s responsibility. Reasonable air, bus, and train fares are typically available to and from Washington from most locations in the United States at this time of year. Car-pooling is also an option.

Degree Tracks

Strategy and Communication Track

The Strategy and Communication track is for students who want policy careers as leaders, spokespeople, or strategists. Students selecting the Strategy and Communication Track are required to take:

PPOL 812: Strategies for Policy Impact
OR
PPOL 822: Media Strategy and Communication

And at least one additional course from among:

PPOL 812: Strategies for Policy Impact
PPOL 822: Media Strategy and Communication
ADMN 952: Organizations, Leadership, and Environment
LPI 928: Lobbying and the Legislative Process
NR 885: Systems Thinking for Sustainable Solutions
PA 812: Leadership Theory and Practice
PA 815: Art of Negotiation

Students may also propose courses to fulfill the track requirement that meet their own needs and career plans. Discussion with an advisor should inform this choice.

Policy Analysis Track

The Policy Analysis track is for students who want policy careers as policy researchers, data analysts, and/or researchers specializing in evaluation.

Several possible areas of focus within the track are:

Research Design and Evaluation
Students selecting this area will gain skills in designing and carrying out research in real world settings, including evaluation and assessment, and experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Courses focus on different aspects of research design and data collection and on the tools of evaluation research.
Courses (2 minimum)
One course in Advanced Research Design
- EDUC 882: Introduction to Research Methods
- SOC 902: Research Design Assessment
One course (minimum - more can be taken as open electives) in one area below:
Evaluation (one of the following)
- SOC 794/894: Evaluation Research
- EDUC 972: Introduction to Education Evaluation
- PA 804: Research Design and Evaluation Qualitative Inquiry
Qualitative Inquiry
- SOC 904: Qualitative Research Methods
- EDUC 904: Qualitative Inquiry
Assessment
- EDUC 885: Introduction to Assessment
- EDUC 886: Issues in Assessment Qualitative Inquiry
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Advanced Statistics and Data Analysis
Students selecting this area will gain skills in advanced statistics—logistic regression, time series analysis, econometrics, multi-level modeling—and data analysis—analyzing data from randomized controlled experiments, especially in a policy context, working with complex data sets (census, administrative data, available survey data like ADD Health), and graphic presentation of data.
Courses (2 minimum)
- SOC 903: Advanced Social Statistics
- DATA 801: Foundations of Data Analytics
- DATA 802: Analytical Tools and Foundations
- DATA 803: Introduction to Analytics Applications
- EDUC 979: Applied Multilevel Modeling
- PSYC 907: Research Methods and Statistics II
- PSYC 909: Advanced Seminar in Quantitative Methods
- ECON (TBD: They will add an 800-level section to a 700-level econometrics course; 900 level econometrics courses not appropriate)
- GSS 800: Elements of Geospatial Science
- GSS 805: Applied GIS for Research
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Survey Research and Public Opinion
Students selecting this area will gain skills in designing, carrying out, and interpreting survey research, particularly in the context of measuring public opinion about policy issues. Focus on survey sampling, measurement, data management, and interpretation of survey data.
Courses (2 minimum)
- SOC 897: Sociological Methods: Survey Research
- POLT 811: Public Opinion and Survey Research
  (One credit modules to be developed in sampling, measurement, interviewing)
Show additional info

Students may also design their own focus by proposing courses to fulfill the track requirement that meet their own needs and career plans. Discussion with an advisor should inform this choice.

Electives

Electives are available in many substantive areas. Topics and courses are added on a continuing basis. In addition, independent studies with leading experts can be arranged to match specialized student interests. Recent examples include independent studies on trade policy and tax policy.

Students may propose additional electives if those electives make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with an advisor should inform this choice.

Elective Courses are offered in many Substantive Areas, including:

Communication and Strategy for Policy Impact
Community Development
Data Analysis for Public Policy
Education and Schools
Environment and Natural Resources
Families, Youth, and Children
Health and Health Policy
Interpersonal Violence
Organizational Leadership
Poverty and Inequality

Departments throughout UNH offer Elective Courses, including:

Analytics
Business Administration
Education
Health Policy and Management
History
Human Development and Family Studies
Natural Resources
Political Science
Sociology
UNH School of Law

Accelerated MPP for UNH Students

Application Fee & GRE are not required for UNH undergraduate students applying for accelerated master’s admission!

For current University of New Hampshire undergraduates, there is an exciting opportunity to accelerate the MPP program. Students can take up to 4 courses during their senior year and double count these credits for both undergraduate and graduate education. Students will then follow the standard MPP curriculum beginning the semester following completion of their undergraduate degrees. This enables students to complete their MPP degree with just one additional year of studies. For details, please visit our Accelerated Master's Programs webpage.

Master in Public Policy MPP