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JU Public Policy Institute

The Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute (JU PPI) seeks to shape the future through preparing a new generation of leaders, public policy expertise, and providing a neutral gathering place for public policy discussion, education, and debate.

The heart of the JU Public Policy Institute is its two-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) Program. This is the first and only MPP Program in the state of Florida. In addition, the Institute has established the first MPP dual degree programs in the state. This includes the Master in Public Policy-Master of Business Administration (MPP-MBA) and Master in Public Policy- Marine Science (MPP-MA/MS in MSC) dual degree programs.

The Institute has developed an extensive network of 40 community partners to support the Institute and JU MPP students. The 25 member, nonpartisan JU PPI Board of Advisors is a diverse cross section of some of Florida's most respected and successful business, civic, and community leaders. In addition, a network of 22 private, public and non-profit organizations, including the Florida Governor's Office, Congressional Offices, CSX Corporation, Florida Blue, public transportation agency (JTA), utilities authority (JEA), international trade authority (JPA), Water Management agency (SJRWMD), education agencies, (Superintendent's Office and JPEF), non-profit agencies (Community Foundation and others), and other agencies have joined the JU PPI Internship Program and will host internships for JU MPP students.

The Institute includes the following:

Academic Program: MPP and EMPP Degrees and Three Dual Degree Programs

 

The JU PPI is a two-year program that emphasizes interdisciplinary study and the development of core skills in policy analysis, quantitative methods, management and leadership. Along with a summer internship, capstone policy project and elective courses, students are prepared for diverse leadership and career opportunities, including local, state and federal government, public office, consulting firms, corporate government affairs departments, think tanks, non-profit organizations, and any agency, company or organization that requires public policy knowledge, experience and analysis.

MPP graduates work in the public, non-profit and private sectors and play an important role in shaping the future of the communities in which they live.

JU PPI also offers MPP-MBA and MPP-MA/MS in Marine Science dual degree programs. JU PPI, and Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business & Technology and Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI), also offer an opportunity for an MPP degree and MBA degree, or an MPP and an MA degree or MS degree in Marine Science, in these dual degree programs. These dual degrees can be obtained in three years, instead of four years if pursued separately.

Public Policy Programs

In addition to its academic program, JU PPI seeks to provide a neutral gathering place for public policy discussion, education, research and collaboration. These programs can help solve community problems and shape public policy for the region, state and nation. The JU PPI public policy programs include lectures, forums, and conferences, that bring together policy makes, academics and the public. These speaker events, forums and conferences, are open to the public. In addition, the Institute hosts a quarterly radio program, Policy Matters, on diverse policy issues, hosts televised debates on campus, and partners with community organizations to bring public policy even to campus.

Degrees

JU PPI offers the following graduate programs:

  • Master in Public Policy (MPP) degree.
  • Executive Master in Public Policy (EMPP) degree.
  • Master in Public Policy (MPP)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) Dual Degree Program. This program is coordinated with the Jacksonville University Davis College of Business & Technology. Program details see here.
  • Master in Public Policy (MPP)/Master of Arts in Marine Science or Master of Science in Marine Science (MA/MS in MSC) Dual Degree Program. This program is coordinated with the Jacksonville University Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI). Program details see here.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking an MPP degree must have a bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) from an accredited college university in the United States. Admission requirements include transcripts for all work beyond secondary school, GRE or GMAT test scores (LSAT for dual degree MPP-JD students or with approval of JU PPI), resume, letters of recommendation (2), personal statement and optional statement. Undergraduate courses in economics and statistics are not required, but are strongly recommended.

Refer to Graduate Programs Admission under the Admission section of this catalog for a complete list of admission requirements for the MPP program and all dual degree programs.