(18 credit hours) The Policy Analysis concentration combines an understanding of the policy process with the skills to create and consume accurate and actionable research and information designed to address public policy problems.

Concentration requirements emphasize the acquisition of quantitative and analytic skills that may be used to inform public policy decisions. The Policy Analysis field electives aim to provide students with additional skills used for policy analysis, and/or to provide students with the contextual knowledge needed to analyze policies in a substantive area. The electives change frequently, and often include topics courses as well as courses in a wide variety of policy areas: health, economic development, education, social policy transportation, energy, etc. In general, this substantive knowledge component requires more than one course in the same area. Consequently, it is important that the plan include early consultation with a concentration advisor.

Students may also acquire this substantive knowledge by combining the Policy Analysis concentration with other concentrations. For example, dual concentrations in Policy Analysis and Sustainable Development would prepare one to do work in sustainability with a more analytical approach. As in all concentrations, students may not use MPA Core courses to fulfill concentration requirements.

The following required courses (6 credit hours)

In consultation with a concentration advisor, select one, if not both of the following courses (3-6 credit hours)

NOTE: Should the student decide to take P541 and P562, the second course can be counted as one of the elective policy field courses required below and the student will then only need an additional 6 credit hours to complete the concentration.

Policy Field (6-9 credit hours, to add up to a total of 18 credit hours)

In consultation with a concentration advisor, select two of the following courses or other graduate courses approved as equivalent substitutions: