112 Cina Hall, 1123 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812 (218-726-6711; fax: 218-726-6780)

This applied degree is designed for residents of Minnesota and western Wisconsin with experience or interest in having an impact on and changing public policy. Graduates of this program generally go on to positions as local community leaders, labor leaders, government relations specialists in businesses, nonprofit sector policy advocates, inter-governmental relations specialists, political operatives, lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, staff to policy makers, and citizens. The program seeks to create a professional group of ethically grounded advocates and organizers. Students come from throughout the region with many already working in one of the above interest areas. Cohorts of up to 15 students will form at the beginning of each semester and progress together through the four semesters required to complete the program. The program is 32 credits composed of 12 cohort course credits, 15 elective course credits, and 5 advocacy internship course credits. Classes meet 11 weekends each semester, and are scheduled in 3-hour time periods on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday afternoon. Students may choose to concentrate in one of three fields: community leadership (advocacy in the public sector), nonprofit advocacy, or labor organizing and leadership.

Other requirements to be completed before admission:

Admission to the master of advocacy and political leadership program is based on the following criteria: - Applicant must hold a bachelor's degree with transcripts demonstrating the ability to handle graduate-level work. - Prospective students must complete the program application. - Two letters of recommendation and a short statement of interest must be submitted along with the application. - Applicant must demonstrate experience in public service, which includes activities such as volunteering with nonprofits, involvement in student government, or activity in political/civic life. - There is no entrance exam required for admittance to the program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. New cohorts are admitted each semester.

Elective course credits - 15 credits, to be selected from the following: MAPL 5110 - Ethics in Politics (3 cr) MAPL 5111 - Labor Organizing (3 cr) MAPL 5113 - Labor and Political Economy (3 cr) MAPL 5200 - Advocacy and Lobbying: Strategies and Tactics (3 cr) MAPL 5202 - Nonprofits and Government (3 cr) MAPL 5301 - Campaigns and Elections (3 cr) MAPL 5311 - Advocacy in the Public Sector: Service in the Elected Branch (3 cr) MAPL 5312 - Advocacy in the Public Sector: Service in the Executive Branch (3 cr) MAPL 5308 - Impact of Art and Social Change (3 cr) MAPL 5309 - Legal System and Public Policy (3 cr) MAPL 5315 - Sustainable Development Policy and Advocacy (3 cr) MAPL 5400 - Political Organizing and Advocacy in the Digital Age (3 cr) MAPL 5405 - Impact of Group Identity on the Policymaking Process (3 cr) Advocacy Internship course credits: 5 credits MAPL 6009 - Advocacy Internship I (2 cr) MAPL 6008 - Advocacy Internship II (3 cr) If they wish, students can complete nine electives in one of three fields of concentration: labor organizing and leadership, nonprofit advocacy, or community leadership (public sector), as described below. Concentration classes are open to all students and count toward the general elective requirements. It is not necessary for students to declare a concentration.