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Master of Public Policy & Administration
Combining managerial skills with research analysis, the Master of Public Policy & Administration (MPPA) is designed to provide the essential leadership, decision-making, policy development, analysis, advocacy, and effective communication skills needed for contemporary policy leadership within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit corporations that engage in government relations.
Degrees Offered
Master of Public Policy & Administration
Program Types
Graduate
Mode of Study
On Campus, Online
School / College
College of Arts and Sciences
What is a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree?
The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) is a comprehensive graduate program that combines the strategic thinking and policy insight of a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the leadership and management training of a Master of Public Administration (MPA). By combining the core strengths of these traditional graduate programs, the MPPA prepares you to be a well-rounded professional ready to shape effective public policy and lead the teams and programs that put it into action.
With a curriculum developed by faculty with decades of practical experience, you'll gain essential skills in policy development, communication, data analysis, public sector management, and grant writing. You will graduate with the tools to understand complex public issues, develop meaningful solutions, and step confidently into leadership roles across government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations.
Why earn an MPPA degree at Redlands?
At Redlands, you'll join one of the few programs that truly integrates public policy and administration. Your courses will be taught by faculty who have served as policymakers, nonprofit leaders, government analysts, and public service professionals. This practitioner-driven approach brings the public policy field directly into the classroom, helping you build skills that apply directly to your career.
You'll explore how to analyze and interpret policy research through a non-partisan lens and communicate your findings through formats like policy memos, white papers, and briefs. You will also develop the tools to apply best practices in leadership, nonprofit management, and public budgeting. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance in the public or nonprofit sector, this hands-on, career-focused graduate experience prepares you to lead with purpose and take on the real challenges facing communities today.
Program information
Review below for the admissions requirements and tuition/fees info for this specific program. Additional information about how to apply for a graduate program can be found on the graduate admissions page.
- Students are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- A single undergraduate course in economics, government, public policy, political science, and statistical methods is required; students may take these courses concurrently, if needed.
- Applicants must provide undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
- No standardized tests are required for admission, nor does the program have strict GPA minimums.
| Credits | Cost Per Credit | Tuition Total |
| 56 | $882 | $49,392 |
Additional Fees
$300 One-time New Student Fee
$86 Associated Student Fee per course
$100 Wellness Fee per year
Additional fees and charges may apply depending on program requirements.
Graduate application deadlines
Fall Term
Priority 1 Deadline: January 15 — Priority 2 Deadline: June 1
Note
Most graduate program applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications submitted after the Priority 2 deadline will be reviewed based upon program capacity.
Readiness for leadership
Our Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) merges the analytical rigor of an MPP with the leadership focus of an MPA—a rare combination that sets you apart from the start.
To accomplish social change, you need both analysis skills and the implementation of management skills. With an MPPA, you will be ready for any leadership role.
Faculty who’ve been there
Our instructors aren’t just experienced—they’re leaders in their fields. Courses are taught by practitioners—not just professors—who’ve led real-world change in public and nonprofit sectors.
Skills-based curriculum, not just theory
You’ll master strategic engagement, grant writing, program evaluation, and more.
Real-world clinical experience
Students have the opportunity to write policy briefs, grant writing, policy analysis and briefing, lobbying and more. Take what you learn the first 3 months, then write deliverables in a portfolio demonstrating what you have done in the program.
Classes you'll take
With flexible online, hybrid, and in-person options, the program is accessible to students and professionals across the country. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the curriculum is designed for both existing government and nonprofit employees as well as recent college graduates who want to pursue careers in public service. To explore the full list of required courses, visit the current university catalog.
MPPA 604: Management and Budgeting of Public Agencies
This course introduces you to the principles of governmental budgeting and budget management, examining state and local processes alongside the impact of federal budgets. These insights will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of financial planning in the public sector.
MPPA 609: Grant Writing for Government Agencies and Nonprofits
In this course, you’ll gain the skills to develop and evaluate grant proposals while exploring the entire grant process, from identifying funding opportunities to assessing applications. By the end, you’ll be prepared to secure funding for government agencies or nonprofit organizations.
MPPA 611: Program Evaluation
This course teaches you how to evaluate programs to assess their effectiveness and measure their impact. You’ll learn how to measure outcomes, analyze data, and determine if initiatives meet their intended goals, equipping you to make informed recommendations for future improvements.
MPPA 651: Networking in Public Policy
This course connects you with public policy practitioners through monthly panels featuring experts from government agencies and nonprofit organizations. These sessions provide valuable networking opportunities and practical insights to help you prepare for a career in public service.
What you'll learn
You will learn the best practices in public leadership and decision-making, including nonprofit management and public budgeting principles.
You will learn to critically analyze and interpret public policy research findings with clarity and objectivity, ensuring a nonpartisan, nonideological approach.
You will learn how to communicate policy concerns and research findings through field-specific formats, such as white papers, policy memos, issue summaries, and policy briefs.
You will learn the skills to present complex policy research findings in a clear, understandable way to diverse audiences with varying levels of expertise.
What you'll learn
Faculty Directors
Peter Groff, J.D.
MPPA Practitioner Director
MPPA At-A-Glance
Modalities
In-person, online live (synchronous), and HyFlex (in-person + online). The entire program may be completed either in-person or online.
Guaranteed Classes
Classes are held Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and on the first Monday of most months from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Community
1 cohort per year. Students move through the program as a cohort, take classes together, and form solid relationships with each other.
Program Length
15 months / 8 week courses / 56 credits
Cost per credit
56 credits / $882
Upcoming Information Sessions
We’re so glad you’re interested in learning more about graduate programs at University of Redlands. Our graduate admissions team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Contact Admissions
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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