Master of Public Policy (MPP)
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree is a 40-credit interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students the tools necessary to understand and solve complex issues related to public policy. This program will help students develop knowledge in foundational elements of public policy coupled with a concentration in animal protection policy, food and agricultural policy, clean energy policy, or justice reform policy. MPP students can complete the degree entirely online or opt to take the program in a hybrid format and join us in Vermont during our in-person summer session.
Program Description
The world’s complex public policy ecosystem demands professionals that can navigate both the halls of government and vast world of advocacy, government relations, and lobbying.
The MPP program will:
- prepare students to engage in public policy with an eye towards what is strategically and politically feasible;
- advance students’ abilities to strategically communicate, advocate, and lobby; and,
- provide students with deep expertise in a policy field of their choice. If students would prefer to create their own track, they can choose from a comprehensive list of courses in our catalog to build the skills they need.
Our innovative and specialized courses focus on training students on the political, scientific, and ethical aspects of effective strategic animal advocacy. Students learn from leading experts and accomplished scholars with unique experiential learning opportunities including clinics or externships with prominent practitioners. Students benefit from the school’s decades-long history as a pioneer in animal law and policy, distinguished faculty, robust and active network of alumni in leadership positions, and collaborative programs such as the Animal Law and Policy Institute. Students learn the fundamentals to become effective animal advocates in a variety of career paths. The required courses are Animal Protection Policy and the Science of Animal Law and Policy. Following these two core courses students may choose to take electives such as Animal Ethics, Animals and the Law, Biodiversity Protection, International Animal Law, the Law of Animals in Agriculture, Undercover Investigations of Animal Operations, and more.
Students can choose from an array of courses taught by world-renowned faculty. The food an agricultural policy track trains students in public advocacy and writing for a legal policy audience, offers opportunities for independent research with support from faculty, and opens doors to externships at organizations around the country and the world. Our unique and comprehensive curriculum, developed by faculty of VLGS’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, develops students’ advocacy skills in the growing and dynamic area of food and agriculture policy.
The clean energy policy track prepares students for career opportunities advocating for and leading the clean energy transition. Energy policy has become the single most important influence on environmental protection and the climate. The need to transition expeditiously to a low carbon future is perhaps our greatest environmental and economic challenge and increased electrification is at the center of this transition. This policy track prepares students to lead on the fundamental policy issues critical to our clean energy transition by developing knowledge of current and future energy resources, the critical need to advance electrification as the leading low carbon alternative, the importance of regulation and markets, and the policy challenges we face in transitioning to renewable resources, advancing energy efficiency and decarbonizing or transportation system. Students also benefit from the Institute for Energy and the Environment, our renowned resource focused on the energy policy of the future. The required courses for this track are Energy Policy in a Carbon Constrained World and Energy Regulation, Markets and the Environment. Following these two core courses students may choose to take two energy electives from the following courses: Energy Efficiency Policy, Sustainable Transportation Law and Policy, Sustainable Energy Project Finance and Development and Oil and Gas Production and the Environment.
The Justice Reform track will include a variety of courses that provide students with the opportunity to evaluate historical and contemporary practices in a spectrum of governmental law and policy enforcement agencies. Students will develop the skills to analyze the purpose or intent of justice-related laws and policies, to analyze how laws and policies are implemented in practice—including any inherent or applied bias, and to reform current laws and policies to better achieve specific intended outcomes and goals through equitable practices. The courses will include Applied Criminal Justice, Clemency, Pardon and Expungement, Disability Civil Rights, and Drug Policy Reform. VLGS is home to the Center for Justice Reform, a statewide, regional, national, and international educational and training location for justice reform efforts including restorative justice.
At a Glance
Location: Online or Hybrid
Duration: 18 – 24 months
What are the learning goals of the MPP?
- Foundational Policy Skills – Graduates will be able to engage in policy design, analysis, and evaluation, including determining if a policy is a success or a failure.
- Strategic Communication and Advocacy Skills – Graduates will be able to use written, oral, and graphic skills to communicate effectively and persuasively through a variety of mediums including speech, social media, and written documents.
- Inclusive Policy Making Skills – Graduates will be able to analyze the impact of current and proposed policies on individuals and communities historically marginalized and underserved by political systems. Graduates will be able to consider and assess diverse perspectives and navigate the complexity that comes with multiple perspectives.
- Professionalism – Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of professionalism that involves working effectively inclusively and co-creating an environment where each perspective is considered for the cooperative purpose of making progress toward common goals. Graduates will interact respectfully and appropriately in a variety of cultural contexts.
- Foundational and Substantive Policy and Knowledge – Graduates will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a substantive policy field (e.g., animal protection policy, food and agriculture policy, community resilience, energy regulation, justice reform) and its role in society.
What is the Curriculum?
The MPP has eight required courses (22 Credits) and 12 track and experiential learning credits.
- Core Required Courses (22 Credits)
- Introduction to Public Policy (3)
- Research Methods and Design (3)
- Legal Research (1 credit)
- Legislation and Regulation Survey (3)
- Policy Design (3)
- Lobbying and Government Affairs (3)
- Advocating for Change (3)
- Systems of Advantage and Disadvantage (3)
- Track Courses (12 Credits) – Examples include:
- Animal Protection Policy Track
- Justice Reform Track
- Clean Energy Track
- Food and Agriculture Law and Policy Track
- Build Your Own
- Capstone (6 credits)
- Click here for more information on Degree Requirements
What Are The Benefits Of The MPP?
- Distinct: The MPP degree is different from any other degree on the market. Taught by a combination of legal professionals and policy experts, this degree will give you the advocacy and lobbying skills you need to be a successful policy professional.
- Flexible: You can complete the degree entirely online or opt to take the program in a hybrid format and join us in Vermont over the summer.
Degree Details
How To Apply
Tuition and Fees
Deadlines
Contact Admissions
Online Learning
Frequently Asked Questions About the Master of Public Policy (MPP)
What are the core focuses of the MPP program? The MPP at Vermont Law and Graduate School focuses on policy analysis, ethical decision-making, and legal frameworks. It emphasizes sustainable governance and environmental policy, with a strong commitment to social justice and public service. Students engage with diverse policy areas, including environmental law, energy, human rights, and health policy.
Can I complete the program entirely online? Yes, the MPP program offers flexible online options, allowing students to complete their studies remotely while maintaining access to live interactions, networking, and the full curriculum. This is ideal for working professionals or those with other commitments.
What tracks are available for specialization? The MPP offers several specialized tracks, including animal protection policy, food and agricultural policy, clean energy policy, or justice reform policy. Students can tailor their education to their interests and career goals, gaining expertise in key areas of public policy.
How long does it take to complete the MPP? The MPP program can typically be completed in two years of part-time study, but there are flexible options for part-time students, which may extend the timeline. The online format may also provide further flexibility in how students pace their education.
What are the admission requirements? Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The admissions process typically includes submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume. GRE scores may not be required, depending on the applicant’s academic background and experience.
Are there externship opportunities? Yes, the MPP program provides various opportunities for externships, allowing students to gain practical experience in policy-making settings, government agencies, nonprofits, and other related fields. These experiences are integral for developing real-world policy expertise.
What career services does Vermont Law and Graduate School offer MPP students? Vermont Law and Graduate School offers comprehensive career services, including career counseling, job search support, networking events, and connections with alumni. Students can benefit from personalized guidance to help secure positions in the public policy and related sectors.
Can I pursue a dual degree with the MPP? Yes, Vermont Law and Graduate School offers dual degree programs, allowing MPP students to combine their studies with another field such as law (Juris Doctor). This option enables students to broaden their expertise and increase career flexibility.
What is the cost of the program and available financial aid? Current tuition rates and a breakdown of associated costs can be found on the Tuition and Fees page. Vermont Law and Graduate School offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. The school’s Financial Aid Office provides guidance to help students navigate funding opportunities.
What professional skills will I develop in the MPP program? Students in the MPP program develop critical policy analysis skills, leadership capabilities, legal research abilities, and effective communication strategies. They learn how to assess policy impacts, advocate for change, and manage complex projects while adhering to ethical standards in public service.