The MPP program allows students to approach the study of public policy with a focus on public policy in the urban setting.

The program trains people to lead by making positive policy decisions, addressing the difficult questions associated with public policy, and managing the process of policy creation, approval, implementation and evaluation. At the conclusion of the master's degree program, students are able to identify, analyze and interpret the challenges and dilemmas of public policies, especially those of urban areas. Students also are able to approach policy analysis with a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods and are prepared to develop innovative processes and tools to deal with changing realities of public policy and address issues on a global, regional and local scale.

The concentration in environmental policy prepares students at the master's degree level to apply sustainability principles and approaches to careers in a variety of fields that address environmental and, inevitably, human challenges. Students acquire the knowledge base and skills to bring sustainability solutions to corporate, government and nonprofit sectors. The concentration program begins by building a foundation in environmental policy and theory through the core coursework, followed by electives that develop and deepen student expertise in specific areas and issues. The program is uniquely positioned to allow students to build careers in public policy analysis and administration, international development and nonprofit organizations.