Combined BA or BS in Economics or Political Science and MPP

Earn your Bachelors and Masters in Five Yearsgraduation

The Combined BA or BS and MPP degree program provides an opportunity for students of recognized abilities to earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science in economics or political science and a Master of Public Policy in five years rather than the normal six years. This program enables students to complete their undergraduate education and prepare themselves, at the graduate level, for a career in public policy in a somewhat expedited time frame.

What are the advantages of a Combined BA or BS and MPP degree?

The purpose of the BA or BS and MPP combined degree is to enhance your knowledge of economics and/or political science with valuable training in public policy. It allows you to earn a Bachelors and Masters degree in about five years, compared to the six  or more years it would take if done separately.


What would I learn in the MPP program?

The MPP curriculum offers students a solid foundation in policy theory, analysis and evaluation as it prepares students for careers as policy analysts and leaders in private, non-profit or public organizations. Public policy is becoming increasingly challenging and complex. The need is greater than ever to educate and train leaders who can understand, analyze, and evaluate policy issues. MPP students choose one of the following specific policy-related areas for their emphasis:

  • Family and Social Welfare
  • Health
  • Community
  • Environmental
  • International Context
  • Education
  • Economics
  • Urban Affairs


How does the Combined Degree work?

During the first three years of your undergraduate education, you should complete all major and general studies requirements. You may apply for admission to the 5 year program during your junior year (or when 90 credit hours will be completed). Once admitted and during your senior year, you will take up to six graduate courses in the Public Policy Program. At the end of your fourth year, you should have completed all undergraduate requirements and receive your bachelor's degree. During your fifth year, you complete your graduate studies and receive the MPP degree.


How to prepare for the BA or BS and MPP?

  • Prerequisite courses:
    • Introductory Statistics
    • Micoreconomics
    • U.S. National Government
  • Maintain a 3.5 cumulative grade point average or better
  • Take the Graduate Record Exam during your junior year.

How to Get Into the Program?

Discuss the program with your undergraduate academic adviser and notify the MPP program of your intent to apply by contacting Angie Stefaniak, MPP program manager (801-585-7834).
Apply to the MPP program by March 1 of your junior year. Application requirements include:

Application to the Graduate School with transcripts
MPP Departmental Application
Statement of Purpose essay
Three letters of recommendation
GRE scores
Resume

Sample Program of Study

In addition to the undergraduate semester hour requirements, students complete the MPP course requirements to earn a graduate degree.

Senior year - Fall
PADMN 5/6320 - Public Policy Theory and Application – 3 semester hours
ECON 5/6300 - Public Finance – 3 semester hours
PADMN 5/6290 – Quantitative Analysis - 3 semester hours
Undergraduate courses as needed

Senior Year - Spring
PADMN 5/6323 - Policy Analysis – 3 semester hours
ECON 5/6380 - Law and Economics – 3 semester hours
PUBPL 6900 – Public Policy Research – 3 semester hours
Undergraduate courses as needed

Summer
MPP core or elective – 3 semester hours

Fifth Year - Fall
PUBPL 6563 – Program and Policy Evaluation – 3 semester hours
Policy emphasis elective – 3 semester hours
Policy emphasis elective – 3 semester hours

Fifth Year - Spring
PUBPL 6950 - Applied Policy Project – 4 semester hours
PADMN 6380 – Practice of Public Management or elective – 3 semester hours
Policy emphasis elective 3 semester hours
Policy emphasis elective – 3 semester hours

Note: students with limited work experience in the public policy arena will be encouraged to apply for and complete a paid or unpaid internship with a public, private or nonprofit agency. The internship counts toward fulfilling up to six hours of their graduate elective credit hours.
Contact us with questions or to make an appointment.

More Information

Course Descriptions
Application Process and Checklist
Prospective Students