Why Public Policy?

Real Life Experience

William Handsfield, MPP 2008, pictured here with Senator Peter C. Groff culminated his graduate degree with a Policy Memorandum on qualified parking and transportation policy. He is now living in Washington D.C. and working for Transportation for America. 

Interaction with Local Leaders

MPP Alumni participate in events and continuous education programs offered throughout the Institute for Public Policy Studies. Alumni are effective leaders in public policy in the federal, state and city government, as well as in the private and non-profit sectors.

Earn a Master's Degree as an Undergrad

Save time and money! The Institute for Public Policy Studies allows undergraduate students to earn their BA and MPP in only 5 years! The 4 + 1 Program encourages students to earn their Master's degree while completing their Bachelor's degree simultaneously.

Diverse Policy Applications

From immigrant rights, non-profit advocacy, healthcare systems, to local government - the MPP program gives students the opportunity to learn and work in diverse policy areas.  Elective courses provide a diverse range of application for these policy skills.

Connect with other Professionals

The intimate class sizes of the MPP program allow students and faculty to interact in a personal manner. Class provide a dynamic atmosphere of intense discussions and analysis. Students build important professional relationships with each other, faculty and local policy professionals.

Public Policy Professionals

Students enjoy professional networking events throughout the year designed to connect MPP Alumni, current students and local policy experts. The Good Society also hosts several discussion opportunities throughout the year with topics pulled from recent policy headlines.

Event Spotlight

The early application deadline for Fall 2013 is quickly approaching! Apply by February 15th for scholarship consideration!

Student Spotlight

Caitlin Tedesco
1st Year MPP Student

What brought you to DU?
I was attracted to the University of Denver by the professors and the future possibilities the University of Denver had to offer that other programs could not.

What type of work would you like to be doing after graduation?
I would like to have expanded into a purely policy analysis position without the lobbying aspect. I also plan to further my education at some point either obtaining my PhD to teach or my law degree.

Read more about MPP students