College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > School of Public Service > Graduate Programs > Public Policy (MPP) > About the Program

About the Program

Degree Chair: Joseph Schwieterman, PhD

Description:

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree challenges our students to think critically about current issues and analyze policies that shape government and international relations.

Mission:

The Master of Public Policy degree emphasizes field-based learning in public service to develop effective leaders in nonprofit and government professions. Students will develop public policy and leadership skills in the community. The degree stresses ethics, problem solving and research skills, and the ability to implement public policy with compassion for marginalized communities and service to all people with accountability, justice, professionalism, sensitivity, and transparency.

Faculty Committee:

Martin Luby
Meghan Condon
Adrienne Holloway
Ronald Fernandes

52 credit hours are required to complete the program. The length of time caries according to student need. Some students pursuing the degree full-time (2 courses per quarter) finish in two years. Others take one course a quarter and complete their program requirements in three to four years. Students often switch between full and part time status throughout their academic careers at SOS, deoendent on their personal and professional duties.

In 2016, the most recent year in which graduation rates were reported to NASPAA, for the cohort of students that began their LPS/MPP degree five years earlier, 36 percent graduated in 2 years, 60 percent graduated in 3 years and 76 percent graduated in 4 years.

Sectors:

  • National or central government in the United States: 0 (0%)

  • State, provincial, or regional government in the United States: 0 (0%)

  • City, county, or other local government in the United States: 2 (33%)

  • Foreign government (all levels) or international quasi-governmental: 0 (0%)

  • Nonprofit domestic-oriented: 0 (0%)

  • Nonprofit/NGOs internationally-oriented: 0 (0%)

  • Private Sector - Research/Consulting: 2 (33%)

  • Private Sector but not research/consulting: 0 (0%)

  • Obtaining further education: 1 (17%)

  • Military Service: 0 (0%)

Titles:

  • Senior Managing Director, School Systems Leadership - Teach For America

  • Senior Advisor, Millennium Reserve - Illinois Department of Natural Resources

  • Senior Project Coordinator - Northwestern University

  • Project Coordinator, Regulatory Affairs - MEDITECH

  • Vice President of Sales - Katz Radio Group

  • IT Administrative Assistant/Liaison to the DCFS Youth Advisory Board - Cook County Government

  • Sr. Corporate Relations Specialist - Excelon

  • Caring Communities Site Coordinator - Local Investment Commission (LINC)

  • International Project Manager - Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Department of Defense

  • Manager at CohnReznick Government and Public Sector Advisory Group - CohnReznick LLP

  • Interim Executive Director - 9to5 Wisconsin

  • Assistant Director, Health Economics - Becker Friedman Institute at The University of Chicago

  • Consulting Business Analyst - Clarity Partners LLC

  • Director of Lay Association - The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - West Medwest Community

  • Client Analyst - Marquette Associates

  • Excutive Director - Interest In the USA (IIUSA)

  • Director of Operations - Spantree Technology Group

  • Director of Policy - Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward-City of Chciago)

  • Budget and Policy Analyst, Division Advanced - State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services

  • Data Integrity Analyst - Mattersight Corporation

  • Fellow - Chicago Federal Executive Board

  • Manager, Sales & Tech Support - Alternative Fuel Supply, LLC

  • Paralegal/Case Manager - Tapia-Ruano & Gunn P.C.

  • Development Associate - Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.)

  • Public Policy Manager - Children's Home + Aid 

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