Understanding MPP Curriculum

Whether you are a prospective student exploring public policy careers or are simply interested in the field, understanding the MPP curriculum can help you decide if a Master of Public Policy is the right next step for you.

From foundational policy analysis core classes to specialized electives, we'll explore how the core coursework of an MPP program prepares leaders to tackle today's most pressing challenges.

MPP Course Structure: Core Courses

The core curriculum of the MPP program is designed to lay the groundwork for advanced policy analysis, blending disciplines such as economics, political thought, and research strategy. A structured series of 12 to 13 graduate-level courses, the makeup of the James Q. Wilson Core, is designed to equip students with the analytical abilities and foundational knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of the public sector. 

James Q. Wilson Core

Named after the esteemed political scientist James Q. Wilson, the James Q. Wilson Core curriculum at Pepperdine University emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding public policy, drawing on insights from policy leadership, ethics, and management. The Wilson Core fosters a shared understanding among students, preparing them for diverse challenges in public policy with a well-rounded perspective.

This comprehensive educational foundation is critical for students to appreciate the complexities of policy-making and to contribute meaningfully to the field of public policy. Courses comprising the James Q. Wilson core include the following:

Great Ideas: Ethics, Culture, Markets, Politics, and Technology 

This course surveys the "great books” that provide a philosophical, historical, and moral foundation for policy initiatives. It serves as a recurring touchstone for exploring enduring principles underlying American order, such as a belief in God, the dignity of man, and a moral order. The course will expose students to great leaders who have fashioned the public good over the centuries.

Course readings, which vary by professor and year, are organized around themes including: limited government, capitalism, the moral consequences of public action, and the tension between moral autonomy and dependence. This course establishes a foundation for the core themes students will examine throughout the MPP program.

Applied Economic Analysis of Public Policy I & II

These courses equip students to apply core economic principles to domestic and global policy challenges. In Part I, students develop foundational skills in economic reasoning, exploring concepts such as consumer choice, firm behavior, price mechanisms, public goods, market structures, externalities, and market failure. Part II builds on this foundation with a focus on both microeconomic and macroeconomic tools, examining the role of government, fiscal and monetary policy, the public sector, and the dynamics of the global economy.

Applied Research Methods in Public Policy

This course focuses on applying research methodology and statistical techniques to evaluate public policy decisions. Students will learn to design research, interpret findings, and apply tools such as variance analysis, regression, cost-benefit analysis, and survey sampling. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, including the use of online data sources.

Political, Organizational, and Strategic Aspects of Public Policy Analysis

This course prepares students to assess the political feasibility of policy options, build public support, and implement effective strategies to achieve organizational goals. It explores leadership in the context of authorizing bodies, political stakeholders, interest groups, and the media, while emphasizing resource allocation, budgeting, and organizational alignment. Key topics include public sector entrepreneurship, government reengineering, and the ethical responsibilities of strategic leadership.

Electives That Complement The Core Curriculum

In the MPP degree program, students have the opportunity to tailor their educational journey through a diverse selection of elective courses. This flexibility allows for a personalized education plan that complements the core curriculum, enabling students to align their studies with personal interests and career aspirations. These elective offerings are a crucial component of the program, designed to deepen students' understanding and prepare them for the multifaceted challenges they will encounter in the public sector.

Specialization Courses

Pepperdine’s MPP program allows students to dive deeper into specific areas of interest. These specializations complement the broad understanding developed through elective coursework, equipping students with in-depth knowledge essential for addressing the intricate challenges of contemporary policy-making.

American Policy and Politics

The American Politics specialization analyzes the dynamic nature of American society and considers the political, economic, and social implications of federal and local policies. It includes the development of skills in building consensus among a variety of constituents affected by the new policy initiatives.

Applied Economic Policy

The Economics specialization offers students a comprehensive understanding of economic theories and quantitative methods, covering everything from individual consumer behavior to corporate strategies. This specialization emphasizes the application of these theories to public policy, preparing students for roles that involve analyzing and developing policies, especially in urban settings. A focus on cost-benefit analysis further readies students for various career paths in public management.

International Relations and National Security

The International Relations and National Security specialization equips them with the skills to navigate the complex world of international diplomacy, strategic alliances, and the United States' role in global politics. It prepares students for careers in diplomacy, national security, and international organizations.

Public Policy and Dispute Resolution

The Public Policy and Dispute Resolution specialization is tailored for students interested in solving policy disputes through mediation and negotiation. This area of study focuses on developing skills in conflict resolution, critical for effective leadership in public policy. Students learn to address disputes in various settings, preparing them for roles that require facilitating agreements and consensus among diverse stakeholders.

State and Local Policy

The State and Local Policy specialization targets students aiming to make a difference closer to home. It provides an in-depth understanding of how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated at the state and local levels. This specialization is ideal for students looking to pursue careers in local government, community development, or regional planning, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within state and local governance.

Capstone Projects and Internships

The MPP program places a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. Through internships and capstone projects, students have the opportunity to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-world policy challenges.

These experiences are vital for developing the problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary for success in the field of public policy. They are a testament to the program's commitment to preparing students for the complexities of real-world policy-making and ensuring the effectiveness of the MPP program through hands-on learning.

Capstone Projects

Capstone projects offer students the choice between undertaking a research-based thesis or a project that directly serves a client's needs. These projects are a showcase for students to demonstrate their ability to lead and manage complex projects, highlighting their capacity to turn theoretical knowledge into actionable solutions.

Whether it's conducting in-depth research to address a pressing policy issue or working closely with an organization to solve a real-world problem, capstone projects are a critical platform for students to exhibit their readiness to tackle policy challenges head-on.

Internships

Public policy Internships provide students with invaluable exposure to the practical aspects of policy implementation. Through these experiences, students enhance their analytical skills by engaging directly with policy processes and seeing firsthand how policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated.

These internships offer a unique insight into the day-to-day challenges and operations within the policy world. By working in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private sector firms, students gain a deeper understanding of the policy landscape and prepare themselves for impactful careers in public policy.

Dual Degree Opportunities

MPP students have the opportunity to enhance their education by pursuing dual degrees. This expansion of academic pursuits deepens their interdisciplinary awareness and comprehension of global policy, which in turn bolsters their versatility and marketability within the international arena of policy-making.

Dual Degree Options

The Pepperdine University School of Public Policy offers several dual degree options, allowing students to blend public policy expertise with skills from other critical disciplines:

MPP/MBA: This dual degree program marries the strategic aspects of public policy with the essential principles of business management. Students emerge with a skill set that is highly valued in both government and corporate settings, ready to tackle leadership roles that require an understanding of policy impact on business operations and vice versa.

MPP/MDR: The Master of Public Policy and Master of Dispute Resolution (MPP/MDR) degree program builds on expert study in negotiation, mediation, and arbitration processes, while exploring the ethical and moral rules by which we guide our direction as a nation and as a people.

MPP/JD: Bridging the gap between law and public policy, the MPP/JD program prepares students to navigate the intricate ways in which laws influence and are influenced by public policies. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in legal practice, policy analysis, or areas where the two fields intersect.

Admissions Requirements

Gaining admission into the MPP program at Pepperdine University involves meeting a set of criteria designed to assess a candidate's readiness for the rigors of policy study and their potential contribution to the field.

The program seeks individuals with a passion for public policy, a commitment to service, and the intellectual curiosity to explore complex societal issues. Below are the key admissions requirements for prospective Pepperdine MPP students:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Degrees from a wide range of disciplines are accepted, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of public policy.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate institutions attended are required. These documents provide insight into a candidate's academic background and readiness for graduate-level work.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably from an academic source. These letters should speak to the applicant's ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment and their potential as a policy professional.
• Statement of Purpose: A well-crafted statement of purpose is crucial. It should outline the applicant's interest in public policy, career aspirations, and why they believe the MPP program is the right fit for their goals. This statement is an opportunity to highlight unique experiences and perspectives that the applicant brings to the program.
• Moral Dilemma Essay: An essay that speaks to a challenging ethical or moral situation the student faced in recent years. This short writing should include the actions the student took in response, and ways the situation shaped them as a person.
• Resume or CV: A current resume or curriculum vitae provides a comprehensive overview of the applicant's academic achievements, professional experience, and any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work.

Application requirements for international students include many of the same elements in addition to a few other steps. These items can be found on the International Student Applicants page.

Take the Next Step Towards Shaping Policy with Pepperdine University

As a student of the Master in Public Policy program at Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy, you'll join a community dedicated to making a difference, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights to lead in the complex landscape of public policy.

We invite you to apply and begin your journey of impact. Dive deep into the areas that spark your interest, from the intricacies of American politics to the challenges of international relations, and emerge as a policy professional capable of navigating and shaping the future of public policy.