Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Biden School

earn an MPP from the Biden School

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware provides advanced analytic and substantive knowledge of public policy to educate professionals for work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors on issues of public concern at all levels, local to global. MPP education trains students to rigorously analyze policy components so that policy that is crafted and later implemented will effectively address the complex issues that face our society.

This interdisciplinary degree draws from multiple fields of study, including economics, political science, sociology, psychology, education, law, history, and public health. The Biden School MPP degree focuses on professional skills in public policy analysis, evaluation, and communication.

MPP students are educated in the well-known Delaware Model for Public Affairs education, where hands-on, real-world experience is necessary. Classroom experience in the MPP program is supplemented by applied policy research and internship opportunities offered by the Biden School, its affiliated programs and centers, and external partners.

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Why UD? >

Top 11% in the Nation

The Biden School's graduate programs are ranked highly by the U.S. News and World Report.

Centrally Located

Our proximity to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City is ideal to further your career.

Fund your Education

We're committed to affordability. Learn about funding and scholarships available.

ALUMNI IN ACTION

Biden School alumni are a community of problem solvers and “fixers” committed to helping communities here in Delaware, the nation, and around the world. Our alumni work in academia, politics, government, law, policy, activism, non-profits and the private sector.

ALUMNI SPOTlights

Using data for good

learn what you can do with an master's in public policy degree

MPP graduates often serve as translators between researchers, advocates, and policymakers. They help policymakers understand complex data and research results that should inform public policy-making and stakeholder and constituent demands for public policy.

This translational role can be served within or outside of government, including in nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and other private businesses. Indeed, many public policy graduates work for both governmental and non-governmental organizations at some point in their careers.

Students completing the MPP are expected to have a strong foundation in theory of economics, research methods, statistics, and the policy process that they can apply to a range of complex issues that face our society. Students should have a clear understanding of democratic systems and processes in the development of public policy.

The MPP degree requires completion of 42 credits: a core of 27 credits, electives of 9 credits, an internship, and a 6-credit capstone course.

MPP CURRICULUM

Biden School graduates work in academia, politics, government, law, policy, activism, non-profits, and the private sector.

MPP CAREER OUTCOMES

What Can I do with an MPP?

MPP Courses & Curriculum

The MPP degree requires completion of 42 credits: a core of 27 credits, electives of 9 credits, an internship, and a 6-credit capstone course.

MPP CURRICULUM

Career Outcomes

Biden School graduates work in academia, politics, government, law, policy, activism, non-profits, and the private sector.

MPP CAREER OUTCOMES

start your application

Apply online with the UD Graduate College
Fill out the Biden School supplemental application form below
Gather relevant documents to upload
Submit your application

mpP Admissions Deadlines

Fall: December 15 (priority); August 15
Spring: December 15 (priority); January 15

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Biden School Scholarships & Funding >

ADMISSIONS FAQs

Admissions Requirements

Our graduate application system is designed to put you in control of not only the application but all documents associated with it. We have designated areas within the application where each required document should be uploaded. Please note that the online MPA program requires two years of professional experience.

You’ll need:

- A completed online application

- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year university

- A current résumé

- Unofficial copies of your transcripts (we’ll need official versions once you’re admitted)

- Letters of recommendation: You provide names and email addresses for your recommenders, and recommendation forms are emailed directly to them from the online application. Instructions are included as to how to return the completed forms electronically. You can submit your application before your letters of recommendation are complete.

- A personal statement

- Biden School supplemental application form (linked below)

- No GRE required

supplemental application form (Pdf)

supplemental application form (DOC)

Test Scores

The Biden School does not require the GRE for admission.
The Biden School accepts the minimum English proficiency test scores listed in the Graduate Admissions Test scores section.

Application Fee Waivers

The UD Graduate College and the Biden School cannot waive fees solely based on financial hardship.

UD Graduate College Application Fee Waiver: Please see if you qualify for a Graduate College fee waiver here.

Scroll down the page until you come to Application Fee Waivers. Click the “+” sign for more information.
Questions regarding applying for a Graduate College-issued application fee waiver should be directed to Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@udel.edu.

Biden School Application Fee Waivers: If you do not meet Graduate College criteria for an application fee waiver, then you may be eligible for a fee waiver through the Biden School.

Waivers are granted based on the Biden School goals below:

Recognizing exceptional student achievement and merit.
Increasing social mobility by supporting first-generation college students.
Expanding the diversity of our student body by encouraging applicants who bring unique perspectives shaped by life experiences.
Expanding our cultural and experiential diversity by enrolling individuals with significant work experience, applied expertise, international perspectives, or military service.

From Delaware to the World

Real World Experience

The Hallmark of a Biden School education is the “Delaware Model” where education and experience meet. Our students are impacting the issues and causes they care about right now through paid fellowships, internships, and research assistantships.

Biden School Study Abroad

The Biden School offers international study abroad for its students to complement its classroom-based curriculum. Past programs traveled to Belgium, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Romania, Scotland, Sweden, South Africa, South Korea, and the Netherlands.

4+1 accelerated MPP degrees

Complete your bachelor's degree and a master's program in just five years! Students complete a traditional four-year undergraduate program in four years and then pursue a master's program in the fifth (+1) year saving time and money.

get to knoW the biden school faculty and their work

Biden School faculty embraces the “Delaware Model” of integrating research, teaching, and public service to prepare graduates to impact communities locally and globally. Our faculty are productive scholars, excellent teachers, and skilled practitioners with decades of experience in their field.

FACULTY PROFILES