Policy Analysis

Earn an O'Neill MPA with a Policy Analysis concentration

The Policy Analysis concentration prepares students to improve decision-making and address complex issues. The policy analysis student will be well versed in the nature of the policy process from the design to the evaluation stages and use that knowledge to produce solid analysis and apply it effectively.

Students will learn to use a skills-based approach to help organizations analyze and structure complex policy situations and then break them down to understandable components and critical features. The concentration is often more technical and quantitative than other concentrations, which prospective employers greatly value. But it’s not just about numbers. Students learn skills such as using mapping software, statistical software, and other ways to communicate data to inform policy choices and public affairs management practices.

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Fellowships open doors to a career in government

The Indiana Statehouse dome

In addition to gaining the analytical skills necessary to evaluate policies and programs, policy analysis students are uniquely positioned to apply for graduate fellowships that provide valuable work experience with city and state government. Peterson Fellows complete a three-semester public service internship in the mayor's office, while Borst Fellows are placed in the Statehouse where they research fiscal policy issues for lawmakers.

Degree requirements

In addition to the MPA core, management, and finance requirements, students that choose to pursue a concentration in Policy Analysis must complete the following required courses:

Focus on analytical models and their use in solving problems and making decisions in the public sector. Discussion of standard approaches to modeling and estimation of parameters.

An examination of the role of public affairs professionals in policy processes. Focuses on relationships with political actors in various policy areas.

This course focuses on applications of the principles and concepts of intermediate microeconomic theory and managerial economics to public sector management decisions and policy analysis. The course utilizes case studies to give students opportunities to recognize the economic dimensions inherent in the public policy problems and to develop an analytical problem-solving orientation.

Examination of how the programs of public agencies are proposed, established, operated, and evaluated. Discussion of the role and conduct of research in the program evaluation process. In addition, techniques of effective evaluation and analysis are discussed.

An introduction to the field of policy analysis. Includes discussion of different models, approaches, conceptual foundations of the field, and the basic issues surrounding application. Students without appropriate previous coursework are expected to do extra reading under the guidance of their instructor or choose the audit existing masters courses.

Some courses required for your concentration may count toward the MPA core curriculum. When this occurs, you may choose elective courses that match your interests and career goals while still meeting the degree requirements. All students pursuing the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree are required to complete 39 credit hours.

Solve problems at the crossroads of policy, management, and science.