What are the differences between the MPP (Master of Public Policy) and the MPA (Master of Public Administration)?
The Graduate Program in Public Policy offers the MPP, not the MPA. Although there is overlap between the two, the MPP focuses more on public policy analysis, while the MPA focuses on the administration of public entities, as the names suggest. Students who earn the MPP degree are able to work as policy analysts in the private sector (it is estimated that up to 40% of MPP graduates nationwide work in the private sector), as well as the public and non-profit sectors.
Are classes conducted during the days or evenings or weekends?
All full-credit courses are conducted from 5-7:50 p.m. once a week during the fall, winter and spring quarters. The two-credit Great Issues Forums are conducted on a Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. five times a year (2 fall forums, 2 winter forums, 1 spring forum).
How many new students enroll in the MPP program each year?
Approximately 15.
Are there minimum or average GPA and GRE requirements?
We admit competitive, above-average students. The average undergraduate GPA of our admitted student is well above 3.0 and the average test scores are above the 60th percentile.
Are there course prerequisites? I wasn't a political science or public policy major as an undergrad. Is this a problem?
There are no course prerequisites. Most students have undergraduate majors in the social sciences, such as sociology, political science, or economics, but we admit students from virtually any discipline. Students from non-policy related disciplines are expected to rapidly fill in any gaps they may have in their knowledge of policy-related material.
Can I complete the MPP in 2 years?
Yes. There are three regular quarters in the academic year: fall (September-November), winter (January-March) and spring (March-June). To complete the MPP in two years, a student must take about 10 hours each of the three quarters for two years, totaling 60 hours. Ten hours each quarter equals two regular courses (4 hours each) and one Great Issues Forum (2 hours). Ten hours is considered full-time status; however, if a student wishes to take more than 10 hours each quarter, then he or she may complete the MPP in less than 2 years.
Are there specializations / concentrations in particular policy areas?
About 40 hours of the MPP student's coursework is required. The remaining 20 hours should be completed by taking a combination of Graduate Program in Public Policy elective coursework, additional Great Issues Forums, internship credit, independent study/research credit, and approved coursework in other departments at DU. There are no specialty tracks per se, but students can tailor their internships, independent studies, and/or policy memorandum topics to fit their specific policy interests/career goals. Courses taken outside of the Graduate Program in Public Policy (for example, in the Graduate School of International Studies, the College of Education, the Graduate School of Social Work, or the Daniels College of Business) must be approved by the MPP director.
How many years of experience does the average MPP student have?
Approximately one-third of the students who are admitted to the Program are very recent graduates of undergraduate colleges or universities. Another third of the students have 1-5 years of public policy related experience (or other non-public policy professional experience) prior to being admitted to the Program. The remaining third of the students are current DU graduate students pursuing the JD/MPP or another dual degree.
Do most MPP students work full or part time when they are students in the program?
Yes, most students work full or part time to help finance their education. The MPP program is a professional degree (as opposed to an academic degree that provides fellowships) and, therefore, students are expected to fund most of their education or obtain loans offered by the Student Financial Services Office. Employment is also a good opportunity to gain practical public policy experience while completing your coursework.
Is it possible to begin my studies in the winter or spring instead of the fall quarter?
Yes, however most financial aid is awarded to students beginning in the fall. There is also a recommended sequence to the coursework that is designed for students who enter in the fall. Beginning your studies in the winter or spring has a few downsides, but if there isn't another option, your application will be reviewed for the winter or spring and considered on a space-available basis.
Should I have my transcripts mailed directly to DU?
If the colleges/universities give you the option to have the transcripts mailed directly to you instead of DU, (then you mail them with the rest of your application materials), this is preferable because you can keep track of if/when the transcripts were mailed.
Do I need to request transcripts from every college or university, even if I only took one or two summer classes?
Yes. University policy requires transcripts from every college or university, even if you only enrolled in one or two courses.
What are the specific details of the personal statement in terms of length, format, and content?
Your personal statement (application essay) should be approximately 2-3 pages, preferably double-spaced, and should address your reasons for wanting to earn the MPP degree, what you could contribute (academically and intellectually) to the program, how the MPP will help further your career goals, what those career goals are, etc.
Do all three letters of recommendation need to be from professors, or can I include professional recommendations?
If you are currently an undergraduate student (or a very recent graduate), then, yes, the letters of recommendation need to be from professors who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities needed for success in graduate school and beyond. If you have been out of school for a number of years and you would find it difficult to track down three former professors, then you may use professional recommendations.
Can I pursue a dual degree at DU?
The MPP program has arranged a formalized MPP/JD dual degree program with the DU College of Law. The MPP/JD can be completed in approximately 4 total years (if you are admitted to the day division at the law school, or 5 years if admitted to the evening division). Students must apply to both programs separately and, if admitted to both, can then pursue the dual degree.
Students may apply to pursue a flexible dual degree between the MPP and any other Master's level degree program at DU (but not a Ph.D. program). Students must apply to each program separately, and if admitted to both, can then complete a "Flexible Dual Degree Proposal," which will be submitted to the Graduate Council for approval. Examples of flexible dual degrees include the MPP/MBA; MPP/MS in Finance; MPP/MSW; MPP/MA in International Studies; and the MPP/MA in Education, among others. For information on flexible dual degrees at the University of Denver visit http://www.du.edu/learn/graduates/degreeprograms/index.html
I'm a University of Denver law student. Do I need to re-submit all of the application materials?
Yes. However, the DU Law School will provide us with your LSAT scores, if you choose to submit LSAT scores in place of the GRE.
