Curriculum

The core courses within the MPPGA professional program aim to build your fundamental knowledge and policy skills, while a choice of three streams lets you focus your learning. The capstone Global Policy Project (GP²) will then give you the opportunity to apply your skills in the real world.

Our MPPGA faculty draw on a range of learning methods from multiple disciplines, including lectures, seminars, case studies, field-based experiences, and professional skills workshops. To help you refine your skills across the policy lifecycle, expect to engage in simulations, take part in team problem-solving exercises, and interact directly with policy makers, clients, and stakeholders.

Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2025

To earn the MPPGA degree, you must successfully complete:

• 27 credits of required core courses
• 15 credits from stream and elective courses
• A Global Policy Project worth 6 credits

Core Courses

Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2026

To earn the MPPGA degree, you must successfully complete 45 credits, which include:

In Year 1:

• 16.5 credits of required core courses: PPGA 503, 504, 505, 508, 509 (1.5), 514A

During Years 1 and 2:

• 3 credits of Economics/Political Economy
  • For students without both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics prerequisites completed within the past five years or wanting to start at a beginner level:
    • PPGA 500A (3) Economics for Policy
  • For students with both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics completed within the past five years, choose one of:
    • PPGA 520 (3) Economics of Poverty
    • PPGA 544 (3) Economic Foundations of Environmental Policies
    • PPGA 568 (3) Global Economic Policy
    • PPGA 591U (3) Special Topics – International Economic Policy
• 1.5 credits from Skills courses (these courses train students the basic skills needed in the public policy world, such as leadership skills, budgeting, negotiation skills, data visualization, etc.)
  • PPGA 510, 511 or 592X Professional Skills in Public Policy and Global Affairs
• 18 credits from stream and elective courses
  • 12 credits from one stream
  • 6 credits from skills/general electives or any stream – these six credits can also be filled with electives outside of MPPGA upon the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

In Year 2

• PPGA 590 Global Policy Project (6 credits)
  • In place of a thesis, you will participate in a Global Policy Project (PPGA 590), also known as GP². This is your chance to apply your creative thinking and strategic design skills in the field and develop innovative policy solutions for a real-world client.

Sample Course Schedule

*Students could also take 590B, with 6 credits in Term 2
**Students can take their skills credits in any term and may take up to 7.5 credits of skills courses.

Stream One: Development And Social Change

If you aspire to drive positive change through government or a non-profit organization, this stream is for you. Your courses will provide a framework and tools for understanding economic and social change in Asia and other parts of the developing world, with emphasis on human security, poverty and gender.

All PPGA courses numbered in the 520s are part of Stream 1. Offerings change each year.

Stream Two: Resources, Energy And Sustainability

If you want to engage stakeholders as sustainability leaders and influence change in the environmental sphere, choose this stream. Bridging natural and social sciences, your courses will introduce powerful approaches and tools for analyzing complex policy challenges and communicating innovative policy solutions related to climate change, renewable energy, food security and more.

All PPGA courses numbered in the 540s are part of Stream 2. Offerings change each year.

Stream Three: Global Governance And Security

If you are fascinated by foreign policy, or want to influence governance and security measures across sectors and borders, consider this stream. Your courses will take a closer look at key policy challenges related to global governance, Asia Pacific security, human rights, human migration and human security.

All PPGA courses numbered in the 560s are part of Stream 3.

Design Your Own Stream

Students with a specific area of interest that does not directly align with any one of the above streams can combine courses from multiple streams to create their own learning pathway. This unique learning plan requires approval of the Graduate Program Director.

Elective Courses

In addition to stream specific courses, students can choose from a range of elective courses. Offerings change each year.