Using data for good
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
earn an MPP from the Biden School
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware provides advanced analytic and substantive knowledge of public policy to educate professionals for work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors on issues of public concern at all levels, local to global. MPP education trains students to rigorously analyze policy components so that policy that is crafted and later implemented will effectively address the complex issues that face our society.
This interdisciplinary degree draws from multiple fields of study, including economics, political science, sociology, psychology, education, law, history, and public health. The Biden School MPP degree focuses on professional skills in public policy analysis, evaluation, and communication.
MPP students are educated in the well-known Delaware Model for Public Affairs education, where hands-on, real-world experience is necessary. Classroom experience in the MPP program is supplemented by applied policy research and internship opportunities offered by the Biden School, its affiliated programs and centers, and external partners.
learn what you can do with an master's in public policy degree
MPP graduates often serve as translators between researchers, advocates, and policymakers. They help policymakers understand complex data and research results that should inform public policy-making and stakeholder and constituent demands for public policy.
This translational role can be served within or outside of government, including in nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and other private businesses. Indeed, many public policy graduates work for both governmental and non-governmental organizations at some point in their careers.
Students completing the MPP are expected to have a strong foundation in theory of economics, research methods, statistics, and the policy process that they can apply to a range of complex issues that face our society. Students should have a clear understanding of democratic systems and processes in the development of public policy.
The MPP degree requires completion of 42 credits: a core of 27 credits, electives of 9 credits, an internship, and a 6-credit capstone course.
Biden School graduates work in academia, politics, government, law, policy, activism, non-profits, and the private sector.
start your application
- Apply online with the UD Graduate College
- Fill out the Biden School supplemental application form below
- Gather relevant documents to upload
- Submit your application
mpP Admissions Deadlines
- Fall: December 15 (priority); August 15
- Spring: December 15 (priority); January 15
ADMISSIONS FAQs
This form must be completed in addition to the University of Delaware Graduate Admission Application. Upload this completed form to your online application.
- The Biden School does not require the GRE for admission.
- The Biden School accepts the minimum English proficiency test scores listed in the Graduate Admissions Test scores section.
The UD Graduate College and the Biden School cannot waive fees solely based on financial hardship.
UD Graduate College Application Fee Waiver: Please see if you qualify for a Graduate College fee waiver here.
- Scroll down the page until you come to Application Fee Waivers. Click the “+” sign for more information.
- Questions regarding applying for a Graduate College-issued application fee waiver should be directed to Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@udel.edu.
Biden School Application Fee Waivers: If you do not meet Graduate College criteria for an application fee waiver, then you may be eligible for a fee waiver through the Biden School based on your academic merit.
You can begin an application and apply without submitting a payment.
Application review will begin on December 15, 2024. We cannot answer fee waivers until after the admissions committee has reviewed your application. Waivers are granted based on the Biden School goals below:
- Recognizing exceptional student achievement and merit.
- Increasing social mobility by supporting first-generation college students.
- Expanding the diversity of our student body by encouraging applicants who bring unique perspectives shaped by life experiences, such as overcoming significant barriers, navigating systemic inequities, or contributing to underrepresented perspectives.
- Expanding our cultural and experiential diversity by enrolling individuals with significant work experience, applied expertise, international perspectives, or military service.
Fee waiver decisions are typically made by the end of February.
Once the admissions committee has reviewed your completed application, you will receive an email indicating whether we can grant a waiver.
From Delaware to the World
4+1 accelerated MPP degrees
Complete your bachelor's degree and a master's program in just five years! Students complete a traditional four-year undergraduate program in four years and then pursue a master's program in the fifth (+1) year saving time and money.
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy/Master of Public Policy (BA/MPP)
- Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies/Master of Public Policy (BA/MPP)
- Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies/Master of Public Policy (BA/MPP)
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics/Master of Public Policy (BA/MPP)
- Bachelor of Science in Economics/Master of Public Policy (BS/MPP)
get to knoW the biden school faculty and their work
Biden School faculty embraces the “Delaware Model” of integrating research, teaching, and public service to prepare graduates to impact communities locally and globally. Our faculty are productive scholars, excellent teachers, and skilled practitioners with decades of experience in their field.
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Connect
184 Graham Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 bidenschool@udel.edu Phone (302) 831-1687