Loyola University Chicago

Masters of Urban Affairs and Public Policy

MUAPP

Program Descriptions

Program Description

Welcome to the Masters in Urban Affairs and Public Policy (MUAPP) program at Loyola University Chicago. The Masters of Public Policy (MPP) and the Masters of Arts in Urban Affairs (MUA) at Loyola are two-year professional degree programs that prepare students to assume leadership roles in government, non-profit organizations, or businesses. Our location in downtown Chicago provides a unique opportunity for involvement in urban affairs and public policy at all levels—neighborhood organizations, city and county agencies, and offices of state and federal government. The MUAPP Program prepares students for useful careers in policy and urban affairs through the following programs:

  • The Master of Public Policy program is appropriate for students interested in federal, state, or local government issues. The curriculum develops student knowledge of government programs, how politics influence policy outcomes, the design of effective programs, and the skills to evaluate them. You can review the  to learn more information about the application process, degree requirements, and course plan.
  • The Master of Arts in Urban Affairs is an interdisciplinary degree program that provides a more comprehensive focus on the issues that cities face, such as economic competition, globalization and immigration, and the impact of diversity on communities. The curriculum uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide students with an understanding of the complex factors that contribute to urban problems and their possible solutions. You can review the  to learn more information about the application process, degree requirements, and course plan.
  • MUAPP has recently added a Public Affairs and Management Certificate program. Courses available through the MUAPP program cover skill areas relevant to public service, such as: Budgeting and Financial Management, Project Management, Program Evaluation. The program also offers courses related to the political environment of government agencies and the nonprofit environment, including: The Public Policy Process, Urban Politics and Policy, and Political Feasibility Analysis. To complete the Public Affairs and Management certificate, you will take 4 three-credit courses for a total of 12 credit hours. These requirements could be fulfilled in one year at full-time status of two classes per semester or two years at part-time status of one class per semester. You can review the  to learn more about the application process, degree requirements, and a course plan.
  • MUAPP has a joint degree program with the Loyola University School of Law to provide a JD/MPP dual degree. It is possible to complete both degrees in three years with careful planning. This option is appropriate for students who are interested in the use of law to create, modify, and enforce public policies and government programs. The role of advocacy, political and administrative feasibility are particularly emphasized in this curriculum. You can review the  to learn more information about the application process, degree requirements, and course plan.
  • MUAPP has recently added a BA or BS/MPP (Master of Public Policy) 5-Year Degree Program. The programs begin with a broad, interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum drawing on courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business. Undergraduate service-learning, internships, research, and study abroad provide students with rich, experiential learning opportunities. Students then develop more in-depth understanding of policy issues and the professional skills necessary to influence policy outcomes as part of their graduate studies. You can review the  to learn more information about the application process, degree requirements, and course plan
  • MUAPP has a 5-year accelerated degree program with the School of Environmental Sustainability. The programs begin with a broad, interdisciplinary undergraduate curriculum drawing on courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and business. Undergraduate service-learning, internships, research, and study abroad provide students with rich, experiential learning opportunities. Students then develop more in-depth understanding of policy issues and the professional skills necessary to influence policy outcomes as part of their graduate studies. You can review the Accelerated Program Overview to learn more about the application process, degree requirements, and a course plan.