Master of Public Policy

Overview

This program is designed to attract candidates who have technical expertise but desire to advance their knowledge of the dynamics of public policy in 21st-century metropolitan regions. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyze, question, challenge, and shape urban policy.

About The Program

The Master of Public Policy prepares students for challenging careers in the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policies that require both the comprehension of complex urban issues and the application of tangible solutions. The degree places heavy emphasis on empirical methods essential in public policy analysis. The program is organized around select public policy issues that focus on the economic/community development, environmental, or healthcare challenges in the urban milieu. The MPP is not currently accepting students but expects to resume admissions by fall 2023.

Career Opportunities

• Policy analyst for governments (local, state, federal)
• Government relations for private companies
• Policy think tanks
• Management analyst

Degree Options

Master of Public Policy

Curriculum and Degree Requirements 39-42

Required Core Courses - 15

• PAPP 5305 - Theories of Urban Society - 3
• PAPP 5306 - The Urban Economy - 3
• PAPP 5309 - Local Politics in the Intergovernmental Setting - 3
• PAPP 5311 - Public Policy Formation and Analysis - 3
• PAPP 5324 - Urban Public Finance - 3

Required Research and Analysis Courses - 12

• PAPP 5302 - Foundations of Urban Research and Analysis - 3
• PAPP 5342 - Intermediate Data Analysis - 3
• PAPP 5346 - Big Data and Public Policy Analysis - 3
• PAPP 5345 - Evaluation Research - 3

Policy Emphasis Areas - 9

Healthcare Policy

• PAPP 5314 - Health Policy - 3
• The student chooses 6 additional hours from CAPPA or any UTA graduate program. MPP Director Approval is required. - 6

Economic/Community Development Policy

• PAPP 5312 - Economic Policy - 3
• The student chooses 6 additional hours from CAPPA or any UTA graduate program. MPP Director Approval is required. - 6

Environmental Policy

• PAPP 5365 - Foundations of Environmental Policy - 3
• The student chooses 6 additional hours from CAPPA or any UTA graduate program. MPP Director Approval is required. - 6

Professional Report

• PAPP 5396 - Project Report - 3

Thesis Option

• PAPP 5698 – Thesis - 6

Mikhail Nilov / pexels

Why Choose Us?

• Unique policy opportunities in planning, economic development, and urban design studies in the dynamic DFW region
• Mix theory and practice with outstanding faculty and senior, experienced government managers for instructors
• Build your resume and networks with real-world projects during your coursework

Admission Requirements

The Masters in Public Policy (MPP) program takes a holistic approach to the application review process. Each applicant's file is reviewed individually with equal consideration given to the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the student’s record. A complete application includes:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score: Writing (Exceptions: Outstanding UT Arlington graduates may qualify for GRE waiver providing they meet certain requirements)
• Undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA): The undergraduate GPA is based on the last 60 hours of course work as calculated by the Graduate School from the official transcript.
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores: Verbal and Quantitative (Exceptions: Outstanding UT Arlington graduates may qualify for GRE waiver providing they meet certain requirements)
• Letters of Recommendation attesting to the applicant’s potential to do Master’s-level work and complete the program. Letters for Master’s programs should be from professors or supervisors at work (download Letter of Recommendation form). Letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the CAPPA College Recruiter via email or postal service, CAPPA RECRUITER, Box 19108, Arlington TX 76019.
• Essay by applicant approximately one double-spaced page in length (approximately 250 words). The Essay is considered both for its content and quality of writing. The Essay should address the following questions: 1. Why do you want to earn a Master’s degree in the program for which you are applying? 2. What relevant background and experience do you bring to the program? The essay can also include other concerns you’d like to bring to the attention of the Graduate Advisor or Master’s Admissions Committee.
• Non-native English speakers only: TOEFL or IELTS scores (Exceptions: An applicant holding either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university is not required to submit a TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, or IELTS score for admission purposes.)

Waiver

1. Submission of GRE scores may be waived for applicants to CAPPA master’s programs who hold a bachelor’s degree from UTA with a 3.0 or higher GPA in their last 60 hours as calculated by the Graduate School.
2. Submissions of TOEFL or IELTS scores may be waived for applicants to CAPPA master’s programs who hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Types of Admission

Unconditional Admission

1. Applicants who meet all the following requirements will be considered for unconditional admission: a preferred minimum Writing GRE score of 4.0
2. Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
3. A preferred minimum Verbal GRE score of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 150), and preferred minimum Quantitative GRE of 450 (Revised GRE Test: 141), and a preferred minimum combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1,000 (Revised Test Combined 291)
4. Outstanding letters of recommendation
5. Strong, well-written personal essay
6. Non-native English speakers only: TOEFL scores of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (iBT) with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 Writing, 21 Speaking, 20 Reading, and 16 Listening; or, IELTS score of at least 6.5.

Probationary Admission

Applicants who do not meet all requirements for Unconditional admission will be considered for Probationary admission on the basis of the strength of all the listed admission factors. Test scores will not constitute the sole or primary basis for ending consideration of an applicant. Under Probationary admission, special course requirements or other conditions may be imposed by the CAPPA Master’s Admissions Committee. Applicants who meet all the standards for Unconditional admission except for deficiency in Writing GRE score will be considered for Probationary Admission conditional on completing an approved Writing course in their first semester.

Other types of admission decisions pertaining to Master’s applicants:

1. Deferred: Applicants who are unable to supply required application materials, or who must complete additional preparatory work before their admissibility can be determined, maybe deferred until records are complete.
2. Provisional: Applicants who are unable to supply all required documentation prior to the admission deadline but who otherwise appear to meet admission requirements may be granted Provisional admission pending submission of complete and satisfactory credentials before the start of classes in which they have registered in a Provisional status.
3. Denied: Applicants who fail to meet more than one of the admission requirements and for whom the CAPPA Master’s Admission Committee finds there is insufficient basis to justify any other kind of admission will be Denied admission. As the admission process is competitive, applicants meeting basic admission requirements who are less well qualified than other applicants may also be denied admission.

Scholarship/Fellowship Criteria

• Graduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or better who are enrolled in six hours or more are eligible to apply for competitive scholarships and fellowships.
• Scholarships and fellowships for Master’s and Doctoral students will be competitively awarded based on consideration of all admission criteria assessed by their admitting programs.