Public Policy (Environmental Policy), MPP
Do you dream of leading, developing and implementing innovative policy solutions to some of the most complex environmental problems facing society? This top-ranked program can help you gain the analytical skills required for addressing challenges from local pollution to global climate change.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
ASU ranks No. 10 for best graduate environmental policy and management program by U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
The Master of Public Policy program equips you with the analytical tools needed to understand and address public policy issues. You also develop skills in managing the process of policy development, approval, implementation and evaluation.
Through a focused set of electives, the MPP concentration in environmental policy deepens your expertise in specific areas and issues, such as the implementation of sustainable practices in local governments, and builds the knowledge base and skills that enable you to bring sustainability solutions to the government, corporate and nonprofit sectors.
At the conclusion of the master's degree program, you are prepared to apply sustainability principles and approaches to careers in a variety of fields that address environmental and, inevitably, human challenges.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
42 credit hours including the required capstone course (PAF 509)
Required Core (27 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) Restricted Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
PAF 501 Public Service Research I (3)
PAF 502 Public Service Research II (3)
PAF 504 Microeconomics of Public Policy I (3)
PAF 505 Public Policy Analysis (3)
PAF 540 Advanced Policy Analysis (3)
PAF 541 Program Evaluation (3)
PAF 570 Microeconomics of Public Policy II (3)
PAF 573 Applied Econometrics (3)
PAF 574 Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public Change (3)
PAF/SOS 545 Creating Sustainable Organizations (3)
PAF 546 Environmental Policy and Management (3)
PAF 509 Public Affairs Capstone (3)
Students should contact the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply analytic techniques for developing, comparing, and improving public policy solutions.
- Lead evidence-based efforts to solve public challenges within diverse and changing organizations and societies.
- Apply policy analysis tools to explain the economic, scientific, political, and legal issues related to a specific environmental policy challenge in the United States.
Apply analytic techniques for developing, comparing, and improving public policy solutions.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Related fields include political science, sustainability, planning, business, urban and metropolitan studies, and other social science disciplines, although the department may accept applicants with undergraduate degrees from all educational backgrounds provided the minimum requirements for the degree program are met. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The letters of recommendation should be from faculty or other academic staff who can evaluate the applicant's academic performance, or from professional sources such as a supervisor. The written statement should be one to two pages in length and describe the applicant's educational and career goals. This statement is also used as a sample of the applicant's writing abilities. Applicants also may submit a resume or other documents. Fees increase after the deadline. Students enrolling in MPP core courses must demonstrate minimum competency in statistics and American government, typically through the completion of an undergraduate social statistics course such as PAF 301 Applied Statistics and undergraduate coursework in American national government such as POS 310 American National Government. Completion of prerequisite courses is not a requirement for admission but they must be completed within one semester after starting the program. Students may also satisfy the American national government competency by successfully completing a noncredit online course offered by the School of Public Affairs to incoming students. Applicants should email spa@asu.edu if they have questions about the application process.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Additional requirements for international students are at the international graduate admission website.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates have an understanding of policies that address issues such as poverty, education, the environment and public safety, and they are prepared to pursue a career in a field related to public administration or public policy. This may include opportunities as either a manager or policy analyst whose work in a local, state or federal agency; nonprofit organization; or private organization that interfaces with the public sector.
The program can also serve as a platform for preparation for doctoral studies in public policy, public administration, urban studies and other related programs.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Public Affairs
|
UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
