Master of Public Policy
- MPP

Master of Public Policy - MPP

Master Public Policy in California’s Capital

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) program at McGeorge School of Law equips students with the skills to analyze, design, and implement effective public policies. As an MPP program in Sacramento, near the California State Capitol, McGeorge offers unmatched access to government agencies, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups, providing students with hands-on learning and career-building opportunities.

Designed for both working professionals and pre-service students, the MPP program features a hybrid learning model, combining flexible online coursework with select in-person Saturday sessions for meaningful faculty and peer interaction.

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Program Highlights

Flexible Hybrid Format

A blend of online and in-person learning allows you to maintain your work-life balance while engaging in real-time discussions and networking opportunities.

Career-Focused Training

By engaging in internships, networking events, and applied policy research, you will develop leadership skills and advance your career in government, advocacy, and non-profit sectors.

Legal and Policy Integration

As an ABA-accredited law school, McGeorge offers you the opportunity to take law courses related to your concentration, enhancing your ability to interpret statutes and regulations in public policy.

Specialized Concentrations

You can customize your education with concentrations in Non-Profit and Social Capacity Management, Environmental and Water Policy, Public Policy Advocacy or Local Government. Through internships and policy projects, you will gain the hands-on experience that only an MPP program in California can provide.

Flexible Hybrid Format

A blend of online and in-person learning allows you to maintain your work-life balance while engaging in real-time discussions and networking opportunities.

Legal and Policy Integration

As an ABA-accredited law school, McGeorge offers you the opportunity to take law courses related to your concentration, enhancing your ability to interpret statutes and regulations in public policy.

Career-Focused Training

By engaging in internships, networking events, and applied policy research, you will develop leadership skills and advance your career in government, advocacy, and non-profit sectors.

2 Years Full-Time
3 Years Part-Time

Concentration Area

Scholarships Awarded

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Specialized Concentrations

 You can customize your education with concentrations in Non-Profit and Social Capacity Management, Environmental and Water Policy, Public Policy Advocacy or Local Government. Through internships and policy projects, you will gain the hands-on experience that only an MPP program in California can provide.

Course Details

  • A total of 39 units, including 33 core units and 6 concentration units, completed over approximately two to three years depending on the number of units taken each semester.
  • Fall and Spring semesters run for 15 weeks, with accelerated Summer courses available.
  • A hybrid MPP program model with a mix of online and in-person courses, with students attending six to seven in-person Saturday sessions per semester.
  • Real-time, synchronous online classes providing direct interaction with professors and classmates, complemented by additional time for coursework and assignments.

A minimum of 39 units is required to earn the MPP, including a 33-unit core of required courses. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher is required for award of the MPP.

Core Courses – 33 units in four areas, including:

LAW – 6 units

  • LAW 201: Introduction to Law for Public Administration 3
  • LAW 517: Statutes and Regulations 3

 

PUBLIC POLICY – 12 units

  • PUB 211: Introduction to Public Policy 3
  • PUB 214: Budgets, Financial Management 3, or PUB 222: Finance for Public Policies
  • PUB 235: Advanced Policy Analysis 3
  • PUB 252 Capstone: Strategy, Implementation 3

 

ANALYTIC TOOLS – 9 units

  • PUB 221: Economic Concepts and Tools 3
  • PUB 233: Public Manager Analytics 3
  • PUB 234: Advanced Quantitative Methods 3

 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION/LEADERSHIP – 6 units

  • PUB 251: Foundations of Public Administration 3
  • PUB 241: Leaders, Organization Behavior 3

Electives: At least 6 units. Elective units may be applied towards an optional area of concentration.

Environmental and Water Policy – 6 units 

Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that safeguard our environment and water resources and develop the practical skills to advocate for sustainable environmental and water resource management.

Environmental / Water Policy Concentration (Complete 6 or more units from among these courses) 

  • LAW: 230 Water Resources Law 3
  • LAW: 507 Environmental Law 3
  • LAW: 583 Water & Environmental Justice 3
  • PUB: 291 Externship Seminar (pre-service only) 3

 

Public Policy Advocacy – 6 units

Students conduct in-depth exploration of legislative institutions and lawmaking processes; develop practical skills in drafting statutory language, preparing and assessing bill analyses, commenting on legislation, and actively participating in the legislative process; and become proficient in advocacy, negotiation, and compromise within policy-making settings.

Public Policy Advocacy Concentration (Complete 6 or more units from among these courses)

  • PUB 235: Legislative and Public Policy Practicum 3
  • PUB 242: Leading Systemic Change 3
  • LAW 505: Legislatures and Lawmaking 3
  • LAW 513: Lobbying & Politics 3
  • LAW 699X: Negotiations 3
  • PUB 291: Externship Seminar (pre-service only) 3

 

Non-Profit & Social Capacity Management – 6 units

Students develop the knowledge and skills to create significant and sustainable societal change with an emphasis on the capacity required for effective public action, including legal authority, technical competencies, fiscal resources, political support, and networked relationships.

Non-Profit and Social Capacity Management Concentration (Complete 6 or more units from among these courses)

  • PUB 243: Non-Profit Management 3
  • PUB 213: Enhancing Societal Capacity 3
  • PUB 242: Leading Systemic Change 3
  • LAW 699X: Negotiations 3
  • PUB 291: Externship Seminar (pre-service only) 3

 

Local Government – 6 units

Students examine city and regional governance structures and legal frameworks; develop practical skills in fiscal, administrative, and policy analysis; and apply these tools to real-world challenges in local government, with particular attention to California.
 

Local Government Concentration

  • PUB 254: Local Government Administration 3
  • LAW 451: Local Government and Housing Law 3
  • PUB 222: Finance for Public Policies 3, if not taken for MPP core
  • PUB 291: Externship 3 (pre-service only)

 

Each concentration includes an optional externship component where students gain real-world experience in their chosen field, working under the supervision of industry.

Career Outcomes

MPP graduates pursue careers in government agencies, policy research organizations, advocacy groups, and private-sector firms specializing in public policy development and analysis. Common career paths include:

  • Public policy analyst
  • Legislative analyst
  • Environmental policy advisor
  • Non-profit policy director
  • Public affairs specialist
  • Research & data analyst
  • Government relations manager
  • Legislative committee staff

 

Alumni of public policy graduate programs bring strong analytical skills and policy expertise to roles in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and consulting firms.

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Career Outcomes

MPP graduates pursue careers in government agencies, policy research organizations, advocacy groups, and private-sector firms specializing in public policy development and analysis. Common career paths include:

  • Public policy analyst
  • Legislative analyst
  • Environmental policy advisor
  • Non-profit policy director
  • Public affairs specialist
  • Research & data analyst
  • Government relations manager
  • Legislative committee staff

 

Alumni of public policy graduate programs bring strong analytical skills and policy expertise to roles in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and consulting firms.

2 Years Full-Time
3 Years Part-Time

Concentration Area

Scholarship Awarded

Alumni Network

Vanessa Adame, MPP '18

Vanessa Adame, ’18, pursued a degree at McGeorge School of Law because she wanted to get into policy, and she knew she needed a master’s degree to achieve that. In this video, she says that the close proximity of the California State Capitol and the smaller campus were a few things that attracted her to McGeorge School of Law.

ALUMNI NETWORK

Vanessa Adame, MPP '18

Vanessa Adame, ’18, pursued a degree at McGeorge School of Law because she wanted to get into policy, and she knew she needed a master’s degree to achieve her goals. In this video, she says that the close proximity of the California State Capitol and the smaller campus were a few things that attracted her to McGeorge School of Law.

ALUMNI NETWORK

Kevan Rolfness, MPP ’19

Kevan Rolfness, ’19, decided to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at McGeorge School of Law because he believed that it would give him the toolkit needed to further his career. Rolfness is a Housing Policy Specialist at the California Department of Housing and Community Development, and he uses the skills he learned at McGeorge daily in his career.

Alumni Network

Kevin Rolfness, '19

Kevan Rolfness, ’19, decided to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at McGeorge School of Law because he believed that it would give him the toolkit needed to further his career. Rolfness is a Housing Policy Specialist at the California Department of Housing and Community Development, and he uses the skills he learned at McGeorge daily in his career.

Contact Us

MCGEORGE GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Location:

Sacramento Campus
3200 Fifth Ave.
Sacramento, California 95817

MCGEORGE GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Location:

3200 Fifth Ave. Sacramento, California 95817