Twin Cities campus

This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.

 
Twin Cities Campus

Public Policy M.P.P.

HHH Administration
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-3800; fax: 612-626-0002)
Email: hhhadmit@umn.edu
Website: http://www.hhh.umn.edu
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2020
  • Length of program in credits: 45
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Public Policy
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The master of public policy (MPP) curriculum is built upon a core of required theoretical and methodological courses. In remaining courses, students choose either to emphasize more advanced study of analysis or management, or to focus on a particular substantive area of public policy. Structured concentrations include advanced policy analysis methods; economic and community development; gender and public policy; global public policy; human rights; politics and governance; public and nonprofit leadership and management; science, technology, and environmental policy; and social policy. Students have multiple opportunities to apply the concepts learned in their coursework to real-life policy problems, including cases presented in courses, their internships, and workshops. Dual degrees include MPP/master of business administration; MPP/juris doctor; MPP/master of public health; and MPP/master of social work.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited US university or foreign equivalent at time of enrollment.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
While no specific experience or academic pathway is required, students with a strong liberal education background and sound quantitative and analytical skills will be best prepared for academic success at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Previous coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics is recommended. Past applicants needing to strengthen this part of their skill set have found courses in introductory microeconomics, college algebra, and introductory statistics to be helpful preparation.
Special Application Requirements:
A complete application will include a University of Minnesota application, personal statement, resume or C.V., transcripts, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (if applicable), at least three letters of recommendation, and an optional diversity statement.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 100
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 600
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 7.0
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan C: Plan C requires 45 major credits and 0 credits outside the major. There is no final exam.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 2.80 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Core (12 credits)
Take the following courses:
PA 5011 - Dynamics of Public Affairs Organizations (3.0 cr)
PA 5012 - The Politics of Public Affairs (3.0 cr)
PA 5021 - Microeconomics for Policy Analysis (3.0 cr)
PA 5002 - Introduction to Policy Analysis (1.5 cr)
PA 5003 - Introduction to Financial Analysis and Management (1.5 cr)
Economics (3 credits)
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· PA 5022 - Applications of Economics for Policy Analysis (1.5-3.0 cr)
· PA 5431 - Public Policies on Work and Pay (3.0 cr)
· PA 5503 - Economics of Development (3.0 cr)
· PA 5521 - Development Planning and Policy Analysis (4.0 cr)
· PA 5722 - Economics of Environmental Policy (3.0 cr)
· PA 5805 - Global Economics (3.0 cr)
Foundational Methods (10 credits)
Foundational Methods includes a 4-credit Statistics course and a total of 6 Methods credits.
Statistics (4 credits)
Select one of the following courses in consultation with the advisor:
PA 5031 - Statistics for Public Affairs (4.0 cr)
or PA 5045 - Statistics for Public Affairs, Accelerated (4.0 cr)
Methods (2-6 credits)
Select at least one of the following courses in consultation with the advisor. With advisor approval, students can complete the 6-credit Methods requirement by taking PA 5041 plus PA 5032 or PA 5044.
PA 5032 - Applied Regression (2.0 cr)
PA 5044 - Applied Regression, Accelerated (2.0 cr)
PA 5041 - Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts (4.0 cr)
Additional Methods (0-4 credits)
Select courses if needed, in consultation with the advisor, to complete the 6-credit Methods requirement.
PA 5033 - Multivariate Techniques (2.0 cr)
PA 5043 - Economic and Demographic Data Analysis (2.0 cr)
PA 5271 - Geographic Information Systems: Applications in Planning and Policy Analysis (3.0 cr)
PA 5311 - Program Evaluation (3.0 cr)
PA 5521 - Development Planning and Policy Analysis (4.0 cr)
PA 5928 - Data Management and Visualization with R (1.5 cr)
PA 5929 - Data Visualization: Telling Stories with Numbers (2.0 cr)
PA 5932 - Working with Data: Finding, Managing, and Using Data (1.5 cr)
PA 5933 - Survey Methods: Designing Effective Questionnaires (2.0 cr)
Concentration: 9 credits
Select courses in consultation with the advisor to complete chosen concentration.
Professional Paper (1-3 credits)
Select one of the following in consultation with the advisor. PA 8921, if selected, can be taken for 1-3 credits with approval of the advisor.
PA 8081 - Capstone Workshop (3.0 cr)
or PA 8082 - Professional Paper-Writing Seminar (3.0 cr)
or PA 8921 - Master's: Professional Paper (Individual Option) (1.0-3.0 cr)
Electives
Select electives in consultation with the advisor to complete the 45-credit minimum.
Joint- or Dual-degree Coursework:
This program offers options for four dual degrees. Each dual degree option within the MPP allows for a different number of credits in common between the two programs: MPP/MBA: 24 credits in common allowed; MPP/JD: 29 credits in common allowed; MPP/MPH - Public Health Practice: 26 credits in common allowed; MPP/MSW: 21 credits in common allowed for full program, 15 for advanced standing, 11 for direct practice.
 
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· Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs

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PA 5011 - Dynamics of Public Affairs Organizations
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Critical analysis of organizations in the world of public affairs from multiple levels - including the individual, group, organization, and sector - and the dynamics of relationships among them. Develop actionable recommendations to improve organizational effectiveness in the context of multiple (often contested) prosocial purposes and conflicting stakeholder demands. Memo writing, case analyses, simulations, guest speakers, and self-awareness exercises
PA 5012 - The Politics of Public Affairs
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Politics is how we make collective decisions about matters of shared consequence. This course examines politics and introduces students to key concepts and skills needed for effective political analysis. The central themes of the course focus on power; institutions and organizations; discourse; and citizenship.
PA 5021 - Microeconomics for Policy Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to tools useful for public policy. Intermediate microeconomics.
PA 5002 - Introduction to Policy Analysis
Credits: 1.5 [max 1.5]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Process of public policy analysis from problem structuring to communication of findings. Commonly used analytical methods. Alternative models of analytical problem resolution.
PA 5003 - Introduction to Financial Analysis and Management
Credits: 1.5 [max 1.5]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Finance/accounting concepts/tools in public/nonprofit organizations. Fund accounting. Balance sheet/income statement analysis. Cash flow analysis. Public/nonprofit sector budgeting processes. Lectures, discussions. Cases. prereq: Public policy major/minor or major in development practice, public affairs or liberal studies or grad nonprofit mgmt cert or instr consent
PA 5022 - Applications of Economics for Policy Analysis
Credits: 1.5 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Application of economic reasoning to a wide range of contemporary public policy issues. The following topically-focused courses also fulfill the MPP economics requirement: PA 5431: Public Policies on Work and Pay, PA 5503: Economics of Development, PA 5521: Development Planning and Policy Analysis, PA 5722: Economics of Natural Resource and Environmental Policy, and PA 5805: Global Economics. prereq: 5021 or equiv
PA 5431 - Public Policies on Work and Pay
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: HRIR 5655/PA 5431
Typically offered: Every Fall
Public policies affecting employment, hours of work, and institutions in labor markets. Public programs impacting wages, unemployment, training, collective bargaining, job security, and workplace governance. Policy implications of the changing nature of work. prereq: [[PA 5031 or equiv], grad student] or instr consent
PA 5503 - Economics of Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Economic growth, inequality, poverty, rural/urban labor markets, risk/insurance. Investments in human capital, credit markets, gender/household economics, governance/institutional issues. Microfinance, conditional cash transfers, labor/education policies. prereq: PA 5501 or concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in PA 5501
PA 5521 - Development Planning and Policy Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Techniques of development planning/policy analysis at national, regional, and project levels. Effects of external shocks and government interventions on national/regional economies. Macroeconomic modeling, input-output analysis, social accounting matrices/multipliers, project evaluation. prereq: 5031 or equiv recommended or instr consent
PA 5722 - Economics of Environmental Policy
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to economic principles and methods as they apply to environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and water quality. Course will cover benefit-cost analysis, methods of environmental valuation, as well as critiques of market-based solutions to environmental challenges.
PA 5805 - Global Economics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Prerequisites: [5021 or equivalent] or #
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Global trade, exchange rates, finance, international business, and migration in context of theories and evidence that inform the policies pursued at national level. Operation of main international organizations dealing with these issues will also be examined. prereq: [5021 or equivalent] or instr consent
PA 5031 - Statistics for Public Affairs
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic statistical tools for empirical analysis of public policy alternatives. Frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, elementary probability/probability distributions, statistical inference. Estimation/hypothesis testing. Cross-tabulation/chi-square distribution. Analysis of variance, correlation. Simple/multiple regression analysis.
PA 5045 - Statistics for Public Affairs, Accelerated
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduces a range of quantitative tools that are commonly used to inform issues in public affairs. The course provides an introduction to descriptive statistics, probability, and statistical inference, with an emphasis on the ways in which quantitative tools are applied to a diverse range of practical policy questions. PA 5045 is an accelerated treatment of applied statistics for public affairs and serves as a more mathematically and conceptually rigorous alternative to PA 5031.
PA 5032 - Applied Regression
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Bivariate/multivariate models of regression analysis, assumptions behind them. Problems using these models when such assumptions are not met.
PA 5044 - Applied Regression, Accelerated
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Bivariate/multivariate models used in regression analysis, including assumptions behind them/problems that arise when assumptions are not met. Course covers similar topics as PA 5032 but delves deeper into theory/application of methods. prereq: Students who register for PA 5044 must take PA 5044 and PA 5033 in the same semester. The same grade will be issued for PA 5044 and PA 5033 after PA 5033 is completed.
PA 5041 - Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Qualitative analysis techniques, examples of application. Meet with researcher. Hands-on experience in designing, gathering, analyzing data.
PA 5033 - Multivariate Techniques
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Use of bivariate and multivariate statistical approaches for analyzing and evaluating public affairs issues and the assumptions behind the analytical approaches. Designed to help students read, understand, interpret, use, and evaluate empirical work used in social sciences by policy analysts and policy makers. prereq: Students who register for PA 5033 must take PA 5044 and PA 5033 in the same semester. The same grade will be issued for PA 5044 and PA 5033 after PA 5033 is completed.
PA 5043 - Economic and Demographic Data Analysis
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Economic/demographic data analysis techniques for planning. Exposure to most important data sources. Conceptual understanding of range of methods/hands-on experience in applying these methods. prereq: Major or minor in urban/regional planning or instr consent
PA 5271 - Geographic Information Systems: Applications in Planning and Policy Analysis
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to GIS. Applications in public planning and policy analysis. Operational skills in GIS software. Mapping analysis of U.S. Census material. Local/state government management/planning. Spatial statistical analysis for policy/planning. prereq: Major in urban/regional planning or instr consent
PA 5311 - Program Evaluation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
This course covers the core principals, methods, and implementation of evaluation research. Students will learn through an applied partnership with a nonprofit or state/local government clients. The course is designed for both students interested in a potential career in evaluation and those that want to be better consumers of research. Past programmatic/policy areas included health and human services, education, environment science, economic development, transportation, and evidence-based policymaking.
PA 5521 - Development Planning and Policy Analysis
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Techniques of development planning/policy analysis at national, regional, and project levels. Effects of external shocks and government interventions on national/regional economies. Macroeconomic modeling, input-output analysis, social accounting matrices/multipliers, project evaluation. prereq: 5031 or equiv recommended or instr consent
PA 5928 - Data Management and Visualization with R
Credits: 1.5 [max 1.5]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to R Studio software. Use of R Studio to carry out R file and related database management functions. Tools and techniques for data analysis and statistical programming in quantitative research or related applied areas. Topics include data selection, data manipulation, and data and spatial visualization (including charts, plots, histograms, maps, and other graphs). Prerequisite knowledge: Introductory statistics; ability to create bar graphs, line graphs, and scatter plots in MS Excel; and familiarity with principles of data visualization.
PA 5929 - Data Visualization: Telling Stories with Numbers
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Tools for communicating quantitative information in an intelligent, effective and persuasive way. Topics covered include 1) writing and speaking about data; 2) data management in Excel in order to prepare data for charting; 3) understanding and ability to deploy core concepts in of design, layout, typography and color to maximize the impact of their data visualizations 4) determining which types of statistical measures are most effective for each type of data and message; 5) determining which types of design to use for communicating quantitative information; and 6) designing graphs and tables that are intelligent and compelling for communicating quantitative information.
PA 5932 - Working with Data: Finding, Managing, and Using Data
Credits: 1.5 [max 1.5]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Hands-on experience with common issues that arise when using secondary data sets. After successful completion of the course, students should be able to: 1. Determine where to find data and information about data (metadata) for policy-related topics. 2. Repurpose, manipulate, and/or clean data collected by someone else or for a different purpose in order to answer questions. 3. Determine appropriate units of analysis, weights, data structure, and variables of interest in order to answer policy-related questions. 4. Document workflow to allow reproducibility and protect the confidentiality of the data. 5. Conduct basic data manipulation tasks (making tables) using existing software including Excel and Stata. 6. Learn how to find answers for questions through online support. This course will focus on Excel and Stata equally. Previous experience in Stata is preferred, but the course will include a brief introduction to relevant skills.
PA 5933 - Survey Methods: Designing Effective Questionnaires
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Applied (hands-on) introduction to survey questionnaire design. Student teams design a questionnaire for a client. For example, students may draft and revise questions about respondents' demographics and employment; life histories; knowledge, use, and opinions about services; and/or anxiety and well-being. The syllabus evolves depending on the needs of the client and the class' decisions about how to build the survey; a complete syllabus will not be available at the beginning of class for this reason. Readings include a textbook and articles related to the client's survey. Students actively engage in class and in groups about draft questions, thus learning how to improve them, with regular feedback from the instructor. Questions are tested on volunteers. Students learn: the process of questionnaire design in a team; pitfalls of survey design; and how to track questions, coded responses, and prompts for interviewers. This class is not a substitute for a comprehensive survey research class or a statistical course on sampling and weighting. Students will learn: - The process of questionnaire design in a team - Basic pitfalls of survey design ? names, definitions, examples. - How to use Excel to track questions, coded responses, and prompts for interviewers - How to use interviewing software SurveyToGo This class is not a substitute for a comprehensive survey research class or a statistical course on sampling and weighting.
PA 8081 - Capstone Workshop
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Project for external client on issue agreed upon by student, client, and instructor. Students apply interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives from core courses. Written report with analysis and policy recommendations. Oral presentation. Topics vary by term. prereq: completion of core courses or instr consent
PA 8082 - Professional Paper-Writing Seminar
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Facilitates completion of research paper on current issues in public policy, management, and science, technology and environment. Students apply interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives studied in core courses. Written report includes analysis of issue, policy recommendations. All topics accepted. Plan A students welcome. prereq: completion of core courses, or instr consent
PA 8921 - Master's: Professional Paper (Individual Option)
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Students work under guidance of paper adviser and committee members to complete their Professional Paper (individual option). prereq: instr consent