Areas of Specialization
MPP students have the opportunity to deepen their expertise by pursuing one of two optional areas of specialization:
• Environmental and Sustainability Policy (ESP)
• Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STP)
Each specialization requires the completion of at least four 3-credit courses, with a minimum of two offered by the Division of Public Policy. Students tailor their elective coursework to meet the requirements of their chosen track, gaining focused knowledge and skills that align with their professional goals.
Concentration Requirements
Students who opt to specialize must commit to one concentration only—double-concentrations are not permitted. Each concentration requires 12 of the 24 elective credits to be drawn from an approved list of relevant courses, including at least 6 credits from PPOL-designated electives.
Environmental and Sustainability Policy Concentration (ESP):
This concentration equips students with the tools, methodologies, and interdisciplinary perspectives needed to address complex environmental and natural resource challenges. Graduates are prepared to lead in public, non-profit, and private organizations working across a broad spectrum of sustainability issues—from climate policy and energy transitions to conservation and environmental justice.
Students who opt for the Environmental and Sustainability Policy (ESP) Concentration are required to take at least 12 of the 24 elective credits from the approved lists of ESP Concentration Electives, including at least 6 credits of PPOL ESP Concentration Electives as part of the 12 credits of PPOL electives.
Science and Technology Policy Concentration (STP):
This concentration prepares students for careers at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy. It focuses on how innovation is shaped by governance, and how scientific and technological advances can be harnessed to solve societal problems. Students gain the analytical and strategic skills needed to work in sectors where policy guides innovation—or where innovation drives policy.
Students who opt for the Science and Technology Policy (STP) Concentration are required to take at least 12 of the 24 elective credits from the approved lists of STP Concentration Electives, including at least 6 credits of PPOL STP Concentration Electives as part of the 12 credits of PPOL Electives.
For full details on course requirements and approved electives, visit:
Details of the concentration for 2025-26 admission: Please click HERE.