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CSU’s online Master of Public Policy and Administration (M.P.P.A.) program prepares students for leadership, combining academic theory with real-world experience.
Government agencies, international nongovernment organizations, and nonprofits actively seek out professionals with the specialized knowledge to develop policies that improve quality of life. With an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates research-based academic theory with real-world experience, this master’s program will prepare you to take on a leadership role as a policy manager, generalist, or specialist in the public or private sector.
The online M.P.P.A. program is a professional master’s degree and requires the completion of 21 credit hours of core courses, 12 credit hours of specialization credits, an internship (3 cr.), and a capstone project (3 cr.).
Hone your research and critical thinking abilities as you analyze a range of case studies. Through in-depth discussions with fellow students, you will expand your understanding of public policy administration and theory. Topics of study range from public budgeting and finance to policy process theory to environmental law.
"Every one of my professors has been helpful. Whether I was stuck on an assignment or there was an exam that I didn’t do so well on, or any types of pointers on projects like my capstone, they’ve always been there to be helpful and I think that’s what makes the M.P.P.A. program so unique is just the level of dedication, the level of support, and the level of care that the professors and the counselors show their students."
Read more about Aaron’s experience on SourceThe CSU faculty behind the M.P.P.A. program have partnered with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to offer the Best and Brightest Management Fellowship to M.P.P.A. students. This fellowship program partners with counties, municipalities, and universities across Colorado to meet the needs of communities, engage future leaders, and connect students to community work that sparks their curiosity and leads them to work in public service. The program connects local governments, students, and educators through two-year paid fellowships.
Fellowship program objectives:
Upon completion of the two-year program, students will have completed all of the requirements for the M.P.P.A. while, at the same time, having gained two years of invaluable applied experiences. Students will receive an annual salary and benefits package totaling at minimum $42,000 and may be eligible for tuition reimbursement once they are formally admitted into the program or after successfully completing the Fellowship.
For more information about participating in the program, contact Alexis Kennedy.
| Final Deadlines | Fall: July 15 | Spring: December 31 | Summer: April 20 |
| Priority Application Deadlines | Fall: February 20 | Spring: October 15 | Summer: April 1 |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowMeeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the degree specialization. Admission is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience, your personal statement, and fit with the program.
Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.
Students may be admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted as soon as possible.
All applications to graduate programs at CSU are submitted through the Graduate School.
Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete, and all required materials have been received.
Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.
Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates. Should you have questions, contact Rachel Sears (cas_ag_food_innovation_management@mail.colostate.edu) for more information.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.
Completion of INTO courses does not guarantee admission to the Adult Education and Training specialization. The faculty will make a recommendation for admission upon review of a completed application. If the faculty decide to recommend an applicant for admission, the following requirements must be met:
