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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.

ALUMNI IN ACTION

Biden School alumni are a community of problem solvers and “fixers” committed to helping communities here in Delaware, the nation, and around the world. Our alumni work in academia, politics, government, law, policy, activism, non-profits and the private sector.  

ALUMNI SPOTlights

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. 

MPP CURRICULUM

Biden School graduates work in academia, politics, government, law, policy, activism, non-profits, and the private sector.

MPP CAREER OUTCOMES

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mpP Admissions Deadlines

  • Fall: December 15 (priority); August 15
  • Spring: December 15 (priority); January 15

From Delaware to the World

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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. 

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. 

FACULTY PROFILES