Master of Public Policy

Mission Statement:

Oregon State University (OSU) offers the Master of Public Policy (MPP) to graduate students interested in environmental policy, international policy, science policy, social policy and rural policy. The program is offered by faculty in the Economics, Political Science and Sociology Programs in the newly established School of Public Policy. MPP students can also design programs of study with faculty in such colleges as Agricultural Sciences, Education, Forestry, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, and Science.

OSU is home to world class scientists working on many issues significant to 21st century citizens. As populations continue to become more connected and interdependent, these issues promise to affect us more broadly, more quickly, and with more impact than ever before. New forms of governance and problem solving are being tested and studied at OSU to address these issues. As an interdisciplinary program, the MPP is uniquely positioned to integrate groundbreaking science into emerging policies, practices and understandings of the world that will impact and influence local, regional and international policy decisions.

MPP students will demonstrate the ability to:

Through participation in and successful completion of the MPP program, students will graduate with:

• The ability to conduct original policy research that extends the knowledge of both policy and other social science disciplines.  This will be demonstrated through mastery and application of critical thinking, and application of standard and innovative policy theory and methods in both coursework and an individual research project.
• Substantive knowledge in an area of concentration that allows for immediate immersion in a relevant policy arena.  This will be accomplished through coursework, independent study, and a professional practicum.
• Experience in the practice of policy analysis, development, and implementation through an appropriate professional practicum.  This will be demonstrated through the completion of a professional placement that includes a mentoring relationship with a current practitioner.
• A commitment to diversity “because it enhances our education and provides tools to be culturally respectful, professionally competent, and civically responsible” (OSU Mission Statement).  This will occur through participation and training in courses and seminars throughout the entire program.
• Skills and experience in designing and teaching in both formal and informal venues with students, practitioners, and community members.  This will be demonstrated through university teaching assignments, development and implementation of community outreach/training programs and professional development seminars, and presentations at professional conferences.
• High ethical standards in public policy research, teaching, and service.  This will be accomplished through participation and training in research methods courses, professional development seminars, and core courses in public policy and administration.
• The development of a public service ethic resulting in student understanding of the significance of working collectively, in collaboration with the public and prioritizing the desires of citizens, communities, and society at large. This outcome will be achieved through coursework and service learning projects that involve public partners in mutually beneficial, community-driven efforts.