Public Policy < University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu.

About the Program

The Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) offers three graduate degrees in public policy, the Master of Public Policy (MPP), the Master of Public Affairs (MPA), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

The MPP degree is earned in a two year, full-time program consisting of a core curriculum, a policy internship in the summer after completion of the first year, a second-year policy analysis project, and elective courses chosen from those available on the campus and at GSPP. The program emphasizes practical and applied dimensions of policy-making and implementation, encouraging students to develop skills in:

Defining policy issues to make them more intelligible to officials in the public, private or non-profit sector
Providing a broader perspective for assessing policy alternatives
Examining techniques for developing policy options and evaluating their social consequences
Developing strategies for the successful implementation of public policies once they have been adopted

Given the relatively small class size, the school's approach to teaching emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and interaction among students and with the faculty. Students work, either as individuals or in small groups, on real policy problems for real clients under close faculty supervision.

Concurrent Degrees

The Master in Public Policy may be earned in combination with an advanced degree from a number of Berkeley schools under a coordinated program. Applicants must be accepted to both programs to pursue a concurrent degree.

Public Policy & Public Health (MPP/MPH)
Public Policy & Law (MPP/JD)
Public Policy & Engineering (MPP/MS offered for Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences)
Public Policy & Energy Resources Group (MPP/MA and MPP/MS)
Public Policy & Social Welfare (MPP/MSW)
Public Policy & Global Studies (MPP/MA)

Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

The Berkeley Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is a flexible one-year degree program for domestic and international mid-career professionals with an average of seven years or more work experience and who have led or managed teams. Emphasizing innovation and leadership skills, the MPA curriculum prepares mid-career executives and professionals to act as strategic and visionary leaders and advance their careers.

Please visit the school website for more information about the MPA.

PhD in Public Policy

GSPP offers a doctoral degree program for students who seek careers in academia and/or with governments, non-profits, or research institutes. Usually, only two or three PhD applicants are admitted each year. The program emphasizes the generation of knowledge, theories, methodologies, and applications appropriate to the advancement of public policy analysis and management. Doctoral students pursue highly individualized programs of study and typically work closely with Goldman faculty members who share the student’s subject matter of interest. The doctoral program provides enormous flexibility in the topics addressed and the program of study but is directed mainly at training academic social science researchers with an interest in policy issues.

A thorough preparation in or aptitude for rigorous policy analysis skills is a prerequisite for the doctorate. Because there is no core program of study, the PhD committee prefers applicants to have completed an MPP or equivalent, or some other indication of sustained interest in (and aptitude for) public policy. Visit the "Applying for the PhD" page for more information and specific application procedures.

Visit School Website

Admissions

Admission to the University

Minimum Requirements for Admission

The following minimum requirements apply to all graduate programs and will be verified by the Graduate Division:

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
A grade point average of B or better (3.0);
If the applicant has completed a basic degree from a country or political entity (e.g., Quebec) where English is not the official language, adequate proficiency in English to do graduate work, as evidenced by a TOEFL score of at least 90 on the iBT test, 570 on the paper-and-pencil test, or an IELTS Band score of at least 7 on a 9-point scale (note that individual programs may set higher levels for any of these); and
Sufficient undergraduate training to do graduate work in the given field.

Applicants Who Already Hold a Graduate Degree

The Graduate Council views academic degrees not as vocational training certificates, but as evidence of broad training in research methods, independent study, and articulation of learning. Therefore, applicants who already have academic graduate degrees should be able to pursue new subject matter at an advanced level without the need to enroll in a related or similar graduate program.

Programs may consider students for an additional academic master’s or professional master’s degree only if the additional degree is in a distinctly different field.

Applicants admitted to a doctoral program that requires a master’s degree to be earned at Berkeley as a prerequisite (even though the applicant already has a master’s degree from another institution in the same or a closely allied field of study) will be permitted to undertake the second master’s degree, despite the overlap in field.

The Graduate Division will admit students for a second doctoral degree only if they meet the following guidelines:

Applicants with doctoral degrees may be admitted for an additional doctoral degree only if that degree program is in a general area of knowledge distinctly different from the field in which they earned their original degree. For example, a physics PhD could be admitted to a doctoral degree program in music or history; however, a student with a doctoral degree in mathematics would not be permitted to add a PhD in statistics.
Applicants who hold the PhD degree may be admitted to a professional doctorate or professional master’s degree program if there is no duplication of training involved.

Applicants may apply only to one single degree program or one concurrent degree program per admission cycle.

Required Documents for Applications

Transcripts: Applicants may upload unofficial transcripts with your application for the departmental initial review. If the applicant is admitted, then official transcripts of all college-level work will be required. Official transcripts must be in sealed envelopes as issued by the school(s) attended. If you have attended Berkeley, upload your unofficial transcript with your application for the departmental initial review. If you are admitted, an official transcript with evidence of degree conferral will not be required.
Letters of recommendation: Applicants may request online letters of recommendation through the online application system. Hard copies of recommendation letters must be sent directly to the program, not the Graduate Division.
Evidence of English language proficiency: All applicants who have completed a basic degree from a country or political entity in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, most European countries, and Quebec (Canada). However, applicants who, at the time of application, have already completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a US university may submit an official transcript from the US university to fulfill this requirement. The following courses will not fulfill this requirement:
- courses in English as a Second Language,
- courses conducted in a language other than English,
- courses that will be completed after the application is submitted, and
- courses of a non-academic nature.

If applicants have previously been denied admission to Berkeley on the basis of their English language proficiency, they must submit new test scores that meet the current minimum from one of the standardized tests. Official TOEFL score reports must be sent directly from Educational Test Services (ETS). The institution code for Berkeley is 4833. Official IELTS score reports must be sent electronically from the testing center to University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall, Rm 318 MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720. TOEFL and IELTS score reports are only valid for two years.

Where to Apply

Visit the Berkeley Graduate Division application page.

Admission to the Program

Key Elements for MPP Admission

Note: For some admissions requirements, GSPP maintains more stringent requirements than the Graduate Division. Please see gspp.berkeley.edu for more information or email your general questions to mppadm@berkeley.edu.

A Commitment to Public Policy: GSPP’s goal is to admit those applicants who can get the most from the GSPP master’s program and who will use what they learn to be active participants in the formulation, adoption, and implementation of better public policy. One of the applicant’s goals should be to convince the admissions committee of this commitment. This can be reflected in the quality of work experience, the statement of purpose or personal history statement.
Education: Students at GSPP represent a wide range of academic backgrounds. Most students have degrees in social sciences, with a smaller number having undergraduate majors in humanities, biological or physical sciences, mathematics or engineering. Some students already have advanced degrees. GSPP does not require prior quantitative training; however prior course work in introductory statistics or first-year calculus, and introductory microeconomics, is strongly recommended.
Writing and Analytical Skills: How students approach problems and the ability to write clearly and coherently is instrumental in public policy analysis. The committee will pay close attention to the applicant’s statement of purpose and GRE analytical writing score.
Standardized Tests: All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test—the LSAT and GMAT cannot be substituted for the GRE. Test scores must be less than five years old. ETS will not report scores older than five years. To assist you in preparing to take the GRE, free GRE Preparation Tests are now available online.
All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For Fall 2022, TOEFL and IELTS tests taken before June 1, 2020 will not be accepted even if your score was reported to Berkeley previously. To send an official score report, the institution code for Berkeley is 4833 (Graduate Programs). NOTE: The Graduate Division includes a third exemption for those who have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with a grade B or better at a regionally accredited institution within the United States.
Three Letters of Recommendation: The most helpful letters or recommendation are from persons who have supervised the applicant’s work in either an academic, employment or community service capacity, and who can evaluate the applicant’s intellectual ability, creativity, initiative, leadership potential, and promise in the field of public policy analysis and management.
Background and Life Experiences: GSPP recognizes that a student population that reflects the most diverse state in the country is key to the continued study of current, relevant social issues and policy problems. We are looking for people who are dynamic and driven, representing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences, particularly those who wish to develop the tools and skills necessary to change our world for the better.
The Value of Work Experience: Although GSPP does not require work experience for admission, typically each entering student has had at least three to four years of relevant work experience. GSPP believes work experience adds tremendous value to class discussions and helps students to develop a context for problem solving and policy analysis.

Documents required for the MPP application:

Online Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships
Resume (submitted with online application): Please upload a current resume, reflecting your work experience, education, and any other relevant information.
Statement of Purpose (submitted with online application): Please follow the instructions below for the statement of purpose instead of what is directed on the online application: The Richard & Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy welcomes applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a variety of career aspirations. Some of our students have had prior experience in the realm of public policy; others have not. It is helpful to us to know more about your background, your motivation, and your long-term goals than can be inferred from your records and references. We would appreciate your helping us by supplying a brief statement of 3-5 pages, double-spaced.
Please address some of these areas:
1. The present: Why do you want to take an educational program in the analysis and management of public policy?
2. The past: What experiences or activities bear on your qualifications for this program, e.g., research papers, study groups, job responsibilities, policy or political projects? How do these experiences relate to your decision to undertake the study of public policy analysis and management? If you have been out of school for a year or more, please indicate the positions you have held and your major activities.
3. The future: What kinds of work and activity would you like to engage in following graduation, and what are your long-range career objectives?
4. Please supply whatever information you think may help us to understand your candidacy more fully.
Personal History Statement (submitted with online application): Please describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. In this section, you may also include any relevant information on the following:
How you have overcome barriers to access in higher education, evidence of how you have come to understand the barriers faced by others, evidence of your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities, and individuals from other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education, evidence of your research focusing on underserved populations or related issues of inequality, or evidence of your leadership among such groups.
There is no page length requirement, however, this essay is generally 1-2 pages, double spaced.
College Transcripts (submitted with online application): Please upload unofficial transcripts from all universities or colleges attended. Transcripts should list the name of your undergraduate institution and degree conferral date. International students should also submit any applicable degree certificates or diplomas. Official transcripts of all college-level work will be required if admitted.
Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted with online application): Please follow the instructions on the online application for the online letter of recommendation submission process. Three letters are required but we will accept a maximum of four letters.
GRE Scores: All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test—the LSAT and GMAT cannot be substituted for the GRE. Test scores must be less than five years old. ETS will not report scores older than five years. UC Berkeley's institution code is 4833 (Graduate Programs). To assist you in preparing to take the GRE, free GRE Preparation Tests are now available online . Reservations for the GRE exam should be made in advance through the GRE's website, or the following:
The Education Testing Service (ETS)
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
Phone: (609) 771-7670 or 1-800-GRE-CALL
TOEFL or IELTS Scores (for all applicants from countries in which the official language is not English): For further information regarding the TOEFL, please see the TOEFL website. Use institution code 4833 (Graduate Programs). You may sign up for the TOEFL through an agent in your country or through:
TOEFL, CN6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151
Phone: (609) 771-7500

As an exception, UC Berkeley will also accept the IELTS exam. Official IELTS score reports must be sent electronically from the testing center, no institution code is required. Our address for identification purposes is: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720. Please do not mail any score reports to campus.

For Fall 2022, TOEFL and IELTS scores taken before June 1, 2020 will not be accepted.
Application Fee (submitted with online application): An application fee, payable to UC Regents, must be submitted when you apply.
Fee Waiver: Eligible applicants may apply for an application fee waiver. To do so, you must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident.
Addendum: Please complete this section if you wish to address any specific issues that have adversely impacted your academic performance and/or any aspect of your application.

Key Elements for PhD Admission

The PhD Program at the Goldman School is a small and individualized program in which we do our best to match the interests of prospective students with our faculty. A thorough preparation in policy analysis skills is a prerequisite for the doctorate. Because there is no core program of study, the PhD committee prefers applicants to have completed an MPP degree or equivalent, either from the Goldman School or a similar institution. Applicants with a master's degree in some other field usually must complete the MPP program at GSPP before applying for admission to the doctoral program. Applicants may be partially exempt from this requirement, but may be asked to take certain first-year level master's courses at the Goldman School not offered in such programs.

Before starting the online application:

Review the application checklist and instructions below. These instructions are specific to applicants to the Goldman School Ph.D. Program.
Review the Frequently Asked Questions here
If you have additional questions, contact Cecille Cabacungan at cecille@berkeley.edu.

Apply Online Here: Online Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships

Application Checklist and Instructions (all items are to be submitted with the online application)

Statement of Purpose: Please follow the instructions below for the statement of purpose instead of what is directed in the online application. Address these areas in 3-5 double-spaced pages:
1. The present: Why do you want to pursue a PhD in public policy?
2. The past: What experiences or activities bear on your qualifications for this program, e.g., academic research, teaching, professional experience, etc? How do these experiences relate to your decision to undertake a PhD in public policy?
3. The future: What are your public policy research interests, including the topics /areas you would like to study in the Ph.D. program? And what are your short- and long-term career objectives?
Personal History Statement: Please describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a PhD.
Faculty Advisor Preferences: Please select 3 preferences for a faculty advisor if you are admitted to the program. The assignment of faculty advisors is not guaranteed and based on the availability of each faculty member. View profiles of available Goldman School faculty here.
Curriculum Vitae: Upload a current CV reflecting your academic and professional work experience and research, education, and any other relevant information.
Writing Sample: A solo-authored, original research paper. This should be under 30 pages, double-spaced. We strongly prefer a writing sample that goes beyond just a literature review or summary of existing research. Its purpose is to make evident that the student can undertake policy research.
Transcripts: Scan and upload a copy of unofficial transcripts from all universities or colleges attended to the online application. Official transcripts will only be requested if admitted.
Three Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, and should be submitted with the online graduate application. Applicants may choose to submit up to 5 letters of recommendation. Letters may arrive up until 14 days after the application deadline. We cannot guarantee that letters received after this 14 day period will be reviewed with your application. Please refer to the online application for further instructions on submitting letters of recommendation.
Official GRE Scores: All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test—the LSAT and GMAT cannot be substituted for the GRE. Test scores must be less than five years old. To send an official score report, the institution code for Berkeley is 4833. To assist you in preparing to take the GRE, free GRE Preparation Tests are now available online .
TOEFL and IELTS Scores: All applicants from countries in which the official language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years after the test date. To send an official score report, the institution code for Berkeley is 4833.
Application Fee: The application fee must be submitted with the online application and is not refundable. If you are a U.S. Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $120; for all others, the fee is $140. Eligible applicants may apply for an application fee waiver. To do so, you must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident. The form to request a fee waiver is included in the payment section of the online application. Please select the fee waiver option before submitting your application to initiate the fee waiver review process.
Addendum: Please complete this section if you wish to address any specific issues that have adversely impacted your academic performance and/or any aspect of your application.

Please do not submit additional or supplemental materials.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Curriculum

The PhD program emphasizes the generation of knowledge, theories, methodologies, and applications appropriate to the advancement of public policy analysis and management. Doctoral students pursue highly individualized programs of study, working closely with school faculty members to determine coursework to be taken in preparation for the dissertation. Students who have a master’s degree in public policy from another University may be may be asked to take certain first-year master’s level courses at GSPP not offered in other such programs.

Master's Degree Requirements (MPP)

Curriculum

Core Curriculum—First Year

The core courses emphasize practical applications of analytical skills and encourage students to learn by doing through numerous exercises and projects conducted in teams and individually. Fieldwork activities are also a part of the core curriculum, involving real clients, a written report, and oral briefings on the report. In addition, colloquia with outside speakers are frequently held that further examine some of the policy issues treated in the core courses.

First Year
Fall	Units	Spring	Units	Summer	Units
PUB POL 220¹	4	PUB POL 210B	4	Summer Policy Internship (required)
PUB POL 210A	4	PUB POL 200B	3
PUB POL 240A	4	Elective Course	4
PUB POL 200A	3	PUB POL 240B	4
	15		15		0
Total Units: 30

Can be taken in the fall of the first or second year of the program.

Summer Policy Internship

Students are required to complete a policy internship during the summer between the first and second year of study. Students choose positions as apprentices to policy practitioners in international, federal, state, or local government agencies; nonprofit organizations; or private sector corporations and consulting firms; in the United States and abroad. Students enrolled in concurrent degrees with Public Health, Law, Energy & Resources Group, and Social Welfare can satisfy the Goldman School internship requirement with an internship that also meets the internship or summer field-placement requirements prescribed by the relevant concurrent degree requirement, as long as the internship also meets the Goldman School internship requirement. For prior year summer internship statistics and information, go the Employment Statistics page.

Core Curriculum—Second Year

The second year comprises two required courses, Advanced Policy Analysis (APA) and Political and Organizational Aspects of Public Policy Analysis, plus a number of electives.

The APA project is an intensive study of a significant policy issue of the student’s choice. The project is often done for a specific client in a public or private policy organization, and sometimes the student is paid for the work. For some students, the project is an outgrowth of the summer internship or may lead to a post-graduation position with the client organization.

Students conduct their projects as members of an APA seminar, which provides them with a faculty supervisor and a peer group able to supply constructive suggestions. When the completed analysis is found satisfactory by the faculty, it then serves as the student’s required thesis. Frequently, the specific policy recommendations made in these analyses have been adopted by the student’s client.

Second Year
Fall	Units	Spring	Units
PUB POL 250¹	4	PUB POL 205 (Thesis Seminar)	6
Elective Course^2-4		PUB POL 299 (Thesis Independent Study)	3
Elective Course	2-4	Elective Course	3-4
Elective Course	2-4
PUB POL 273¹	4
	12-16		12-13
Total Units: 24-29

Can be taken in the fall of the first or second year of the program.

Milestones

PUB POL 200A
Summer Policy Internship
PUB POL 205 (Thesis Seminar)

Courses

Public Policy

Terms offered: Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017
This introductory course will integrate various social science disciplines and apply these perspectives to problems of public policy. Throughout the academic term, students will apply knowledge of politics, economics, sociology, and quantitative methods in the analysis of case studies of policymakers and managers making decisions. Students learn to use the techniques of social science to evaluate projects and programs. Course will include the preparation of a major paper for a client.
Introduction to Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Introduction to Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
This is a course about how to identify public problems and craft policies to best address those problems. The course is designed to improve our abilities to think creatively and critically about public policy issues, whether as politically-engaged citizens, advocates for policy change, practicing policy analysts, or members of one of the many disciplines and professions shaped by public policy. This course focuses on the art and science of public policy analysis. We address the following fundamental questions: What kinds of problems are public problems? How do we know when government should get involved? What kinds of solutions are available to government? How do we confront the trade-offs between possible solutions?
Foundations for Public Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for PUB POL 200A after completing PUB POL 200A, or PUB POL 200A. A deficient grade in PUB POL 200A may be removed by taking PUB POL 200A, or PUB POL 200A.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Bird

Foundations for Public Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
This introductory course will integrate various social science disciplines and apply these perspectives to problems of public policy. Throughout the academic term, students will apply knowledge of politics, economics, sociology, and quantitative methods in the analysis of increasingly complex problems.

Professional Policy Practice: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for PUB POL 200B after completing PUB POL 200B, or PUB POL 200B. A deficient grade in PUB POL 200B may be removed by taking PUB POL 200B, or PUB POL 200B.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructors: Bird, Adams, Sadin

Professional Policy Practice: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
Each student will conduct thorough analysis on a major policy question. In this research, students will apply the interdisciplinary methods, approaches, and perspectives studied in the core curriculum.
Advanced Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to majors who have completed the core curriculum

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Advanced Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Theories of microeconomic behavior of consumers, producers, and bureaucrats are developed and applied to specific policy areas. Ability to analyze the effects of alternative policy actions in terms of 1) the efficiency of resource allocation and 2) equity is stressed. Policy areas are selected to show a broad range of actual applications of theory and a variety of policy strategies.
The Economics of Public Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of session per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Raphael

The Economics of Public Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
Theories of microeconomic behavior of consumers, producers, and bureaucrats are developed and applied to specific policy areas. Ability to analyze the effects of alternative policy actions in terms of 1) the efficiency of resource allocation and 2) equity is stressed. Policy areas are selected to show a broad range of actual applications of theory and a variety of policy strategies.
The Economics of Public Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of session per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Friedman

The Economics of Public Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
Focuses on legal aspects of public policy by exposing students to primary legal materials, including court decisions and legislative and administrative regulations. Skills of interpretation and legal draftsmanship are developed. Relationships among law-making agencies and between law and policy are explored through case-centered studies.
Law and Public Policy: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Kirp

Law and Public Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017
Graduate seminar examining the role of energy science, technology, and policy in
international development. The course will look at how changes in the theory and practice
of energy systems and of international development have co-evolved over the past half-
century, and what opportunities exist going forward.
A focus will be on rural and decentralized energy use, and the issues of technology, culture,
and politics that are raised by both current trajectories, and potential alternative energy
choices. We will explore the frequently divergent ideas about energy and development that
have emerged from civil society, academia, multinational development agencies, and the
private and industrial sector.
Climate, Energy and Development: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Graduate student standing or consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Kammen

Also listed as: DEVP C221/ENE,RES C221

Climate, Energy and Development: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2021
This graduate course provides an introduction to the relationship between politics and policy-making in developing countries. Using India as a guide, we will examine the political institutions underlying the policy process and the role played by groups with diverse policy interests. In doing so, we will evaluate the characteristics of political competition and the dynamics of political participation in highly dynamic contexts.
Politics and Policy-Making in Comparative Perspective: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructors: Bussell, Jennifer

Politics and Policy-Making in Comparative Perspective: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022
The course provides students an in-depth understanding of key issues and constraints facing top officials in running a city. The course examines the extent cities are viable: can they provide services residents demand and deserve; can they provide for public safety, jobs, housing, schools, basic services, and fill potholes? And there is the public interest question: viable for whom and in benefit of whom? Using Oakland and Bay Area cities as case studies, the course integrates direct front-line experience with broader conceptual analyses. Students work on projects of current importance and gain familiarity with a wide-range of city policies and programs. The class will include presentations by key city decision-makers.
Implementation: Key Issues in Managing California Cities: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Lindheim

Implementation: Key Issues in Managing California Cities: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022
This course provides an overview of the causes and consequences of civil war. The course is organized around three units. First, we investigate some of the structural conditions and individual
reasons for engaging in rebellion. Why do people fight? The second unit turns to the internal dynamics of conflict. How are civilians treated during the war? Why do rebels and civilians
cooperate? The third unit explores conflict resolution and post-war politics, where we explore issues of peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and post-war reconstruction. In the end, students
should leave with an understanding of why civil wars occur and an improved capacity to devise solutions for ongoing contentious political events around the world.
Politics of Civil War: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Liu

Politics of Civil War: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Not yet offered
This course examines how politics affects development in the Global South. First, we will examine state institutions and the enduring effects of natural resources, conflict, and historical legacies on present-day
development. We will then explore the role of elections and political participation in shaping public goods provision, and how politicians leverage development and security for political gain. Finally, we will focus on a broad variety of development interventions, covering areas such as conflict, education, and gender. Readings will draw primarily from the political science and economics literature and concepts are grounded in case analyses from the Global South.
Politics and Development in the Global South: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Liu

Politics and Development in the Global South: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
An integrated course on the use of quantitative techniques in public policy analysis: computer modeling and simulation, linear programming and optimization, decision theory, and statistical and econometric analysis of policy-relevant data. The student develops a facility in distilling the policy relevance of numbers through an analysis of case studies and statistical data sets.
Decision Analysis, Modeling, and Quantitative Methods: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Decision Analysis, Modeling, and Quantitative Methods: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
An integrated course on the use of quantitative techniques in public policy analysis: computer modeling and simulation, linear programming and optimization, decision theory, and statistical and econometric analysis of policy-relevant data. The student develops a facility in distilling the policy relevance of numbers through an analysis of case studies and statistical data sets.
Decision Analysis, Modeling, and Quantitative Methods: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Decision Analysis, Modeling, and Quantitative Methods: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
How do we know whether a program or policy is having its intended impact? This course will cover the methods used to answer this question. The focus will be on quantitative studies, with an emphasis on the econometric techniques used in experimental and non-experimental evaluations. We will also discuss the role of program evaluations in policy analysis and design and the limits to program evaluation as a tool for policy improvement. Examples will be drawn from real-life social policy interventions in domestic and international settings.
Statistics for Program Evaluation: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Statistics for Program Evaluation: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
This course examines the political and organizational factors involved in developing new policies, choosing among alternatives, gaining acceptance, assuring implementation, and coping with unanticipated consequences. Materials will include case studies, theoretical, empirical, and interpretive works from several disciplines.
The Politics of Public Policy: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Anzia

Formerly known as: 230A

The Politics of Public Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Research seminar to develop public policy analyses based on microeconomic theories of organization, including collective demand mechanisms, behavioral theory of regulatory agencies and bureaucracies, and productivity in the public sector.
Microeconomic Organization and Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Business Administration 101B or Economics 200A or equivalent, and consent of instructor

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Friedman

Microeconomic Organization and Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
This course emphasizes the development and application of policy solutions to developing-world problems related to poverty, macroeconomic policy, and environmental sustainability. Methods of statistical, economic, and policy analysis are applied to a series of case studies. The course is designed to develop practical professional skills for application in the international arena.
International Economic Development Policy: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Also listed as: A,RESEC C253/DEVP C253

International Economic Development Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021
This course introduces students to the arena of security policy. Students will learn the origins and evolution of the governing framework for security policy in the United States, including the post-9/11 creation of Homeland Security, and key methodologies of security policy, including risk assessment. The course will evaluate the variety of scales at which security policy is enacted, from state/local to federal and even international. The course delves into defining security dilemmas of the present: the challenge of securing democracy against both internal and external threats; the challenge of cybersecurity in a networked world; and global climate change. The course concludes with a required one-day crisis simulation exercise.
Introduction to Security Policy: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for PUB POL 255 after completing PUB POL 255, or PUB POL 255. A deficient grade in PUB POL 255 may be removed by taking PUB POL 255, or PUB POL 255.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructors: Sargent, Napolitano

Introduction to Security Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Spring 2016, Fall 2011
Studio/laboratory in the design of non-physical environments. Complements courses in policy analysis, public management, economics, and political science; especially intended to integrate elements of professional programs in public policy and related areas. Students will design, in groups and individually, programs and policies that create value in the public sector, including statutes, regulations, and implementation projects. Comparative reviews will feature invited guests. Graduate level of 156.
Program and Policy Design: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: O'Hare

Formerly known as: 206

Program and Policy Design: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Spring 2021
Survey of government policy toward the arts (especially direct subsidy, copyright and regulation, and indirect assistance) and its effects on artists, audiences, and institutions. Emphasizes "highbrow" arts, U.S. policy, and the social and economic roles of participants in the arts. Readings, field trips, and case discussion. One paper in two drafts required for undergraduate credit; graduate credit awarded for an additional short paper to be arranged and attendance at four advanced colloquia throughout the term. Graduate level of 157.
Arts and Cultural Policy: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: O'Hare

Formerly known as: 208

Arts and Cultural Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
This course discusses and criticizes the conceptual foundations of cost-benefit analysis, and analyzes in depth some important applied aspects such as endogenous prices of other commodities, methods to infer willingness to pay, valuation of life, uncertainty and the rate of discount. The goal of this course is to teach you the theory and practice of cost-benefit analysis, with an eye to preparing you to confidently conduct a CBA for an employer or client starting on day one of your career as a policy analyst. There will be three main components to the course: The textbook, discussion, and the semester project.
How to Conduct Benefit Cost Analysis: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Acland

How to Conduct Benefit Cost Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014
This course is designed to help students develop their skills for leading and managing groups, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public advocacy, with the goal of achieving positive social change. Materials include case studies, analyses, and works from several disciplines. Course is open to first and second year MPP students, but recommended for first year.
Public Leadership and Management: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open only to students in the Graduate School of Public Policy and a select few students at other graduate schools

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Reich

Public Leadership and Management: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2005, Fall 1998
This class examines the racist history of public policy in the U.S. and teaches students to use radical imagination to inspire new policy ideas for a transformative social change. We will explore how the legacy of stolen land and human bondage persist in exclusionary government policies that generate, maintain, and enforce inequitable systems. We will learn from advocates, researchers, and practitioners engaged in the collective process of radical imagination across a wide range of social spheres. Students will come to understand how policies can contribute to or mitigate the interlocking and mutually reinforcing nature of racism and anti-Blackness and will begin to envision policies towards building a thriving multiracial democracy.
Race & Public Policy: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Glover Blackwell

Race & Public Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2015, Spring 2014, Spring 2013
Public sector budgeting is an activity that incorporates many, perhaps most, of the skills of the public manager and analyst. The goal of this course is to develop and hone these skills. Using cases and readings from all levels of American government, the course will allow the student to gain an understanding of the effects and consequences of public sector budgeting, its processes and participants, and the potential impacts of various reforms. Graduate level of Public Policy 179.
Public Budgeting: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Ellwood

Formerly known as: 209

Public Budgeting: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2014
This seminar appraises the critical policy choices that shape the lives of children and adolescents from birth through high school and beyond. The issues are as varied-and hotly debated by politicians and policy-makers-as banning Coke machines in schools to reduce obesity, regulating teenage abortion, providing universal preschool and helping abused children. Students from across the campus-public policy, education, social welfare, business, sociology, political science, economics-bring different perspectives. Discussions and readings draw on insights from across the policy sciences. Problem-solving is the focus in seminar meetings and research projects.
Kid-First Policy: Family, School, and Community: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Kirp

Kid-First Policy: Family, School, and Community: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
This course is designed to provide graduate students with a deeper understanding of the organization of the political economy of the United States and why earnings and wealth have been diverging over the last thirty-five years. Given that most of the underlying forces causing this trend in the U.S. are also prevalent in other nations, the lessons learned in this course are likely to be relevant elsewhere. The course is also intended to provide insights into the political and public policy debates that have arisen in light of this divergence, as well as possible means of reversing it.
The Political Economy of Inequality: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: REICH

The Political Economy of Inequality: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2016
This advanced graduate seminar will examine the theoretical frames and models used to examine the linkages between energy and development, and the impacts of one on the other.

Energy and Development: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Energy and Resources ENE,RES C100 or C200 or Public Policy PUB POL C184 or C284 Energy and Resources ENE,RES 102 Environmental Economics and Policy ENVECON C151 or ECON C171 or equivalent Economics course

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Kammen

Also listed as: ENE,RES C271

Energy and Development: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2020
This course examines concepts and case studies to illustrate how to be an effective organizational leader in government and the non-profit sector. Topics include formulating and articulating goals; the influence of assets and the external environment; the importance of structure, culture and craft; reforming when resources are scarce; negotiation techniques; and elements of crisis management. students are expected to read all assignments before class and be prepared to be active participants in class discussion, debates and negotiations. The instructor will provide discussion questions for each subsequent session.
Public Management and Policy Implementation: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Nacht

Public Management and Policy Implementation: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
This course introduces students to spatial data and its analysis, modeling of spatially dependent processes, and related policy problems. Through hands-on analysis, students will learn to extract quantitative information from spatial data for applied research and public policy. Students will be introduced to spatial statistics, spatially dependent simulation, and spatial optimization. Students will learn to think creatively about spatial problems through examples drawn from economics, politics, epidemiology, criminology, agriculture, social networks, and the environment. Students will benefit from prior experience with basic computer programming, although prior experience is not required.
Spatial Data and Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Introduction to Statistics

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 4 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Hsiang

Spatial Data and Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011
Public policy analysis requires a sophisticated understanding of a variety of types of data. Empirical arguments and counterarguments play a central role in policy debates. Quantitative analysis courses teach you how to analyze data; this course will introduce you to strategies of data collection and principles for critically evaluating data collected by others. Topics include measurement reliability and validity, questionnaire design, sampling, experimental and quasi-experimental program evaluation designs, qualitative research methods, and the politics of data in public policy.
Research Design and Data Collection for Public Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: At least one semester of statistics

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: MacCoun

Research Design and Data Collection for Public Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2018, Spring 2016, Fall 2014
This seminar brings together two related frames for policy thinking: the ethics of policy, that is, what does it mean to do the right thing? and the intervention of policy, that is, how do new policy paradigms emerge? Those who seek to govern well inescapably confront questions of value in their political, professional, and personal choices. the discussion of ethical dilemmas, which will take up the first half of the semester, is designed to provoke analytic reflection on the moral challenges and responsibilities of public policymaking in a democracy. The focus is on the many and often competing obligations, commitments and values that should guide public actors, as well as on the public principles that guide the design of good public policy. Politics and conventional analytics dominate policy in the short run. But over the longer term, conceptualizations as varied as exit/voice/loyalty, satisficing, the tipping point, memes, winner-take-all, strong democracy, broken windows, and the prisoners dilemma profoundly influence the policy conservation.
Ethics, Policy, and the Power of Ideas: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Kirp

Ethics, Policy, and the Power of Ideas: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2010, Fall 2009, Fall 2008
Most environmental issues involve technology, either in the role of "villain" or "hero." This course uses the lens of specific technologies to survey environmental policy and management, with an emphasis on the complexities of policy-making with diverse interest groups. The class includes case studies, guest practitioners, and a group project in which students employ a range of analytic tools and frameworks in order to develop creative, effective, and actionable environmental solutions.
Environment and Technology from the Policy and Business Perspective: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Taylor

Environment and Technology from the Policy and Business Perspective: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021
This course will focus on the evolution and current status of renewable energy policy on the federal, state, and local levels. It will explore the context for promoting renewables in a country that has long subsidized fossil production and nuclear power and encouraged greater consumption. We will explore the particular tools and perspectives that governments on different levels bring to the challenge and the ways various governmental bodies have seized that opportunity. We will move beyond consideration of broad policies to examine the specific policy challenges and opportunities faced by proponents of each of the major renewable energy technologies.
Renewable Energy Policy in the United States: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Weissman

Renewable Energy Policy in the United States: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019
Energy sources, uses, and impacts; an introduction to the technology, politics, economics, and environmental effects of energy in contemporary society. Energy and well-being; energy international perspective, origins, and character of energy crisis.
Energy and Society: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Summer:
8 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week
10 weeks - 6 hours of lecture and 1.5 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Kammen

Also listed as: ENE,RES C200

Energy and Society: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Summer 2022 8 Week Session, Summer 2021 8 Week Session, Fall 2020
Energy sources, uses, and impacts: an introduction to the technology, politics, economics, and environmental effects of energy in contemporary society. Energy and well-being; energy in international perspective, origins, and character of energy crisis.
Energy and Society: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of web-based lecture and 1 hour of web-based discussion per week

Summer: 8 weeks - 6 hours of web-based lecture and 1.5 hours of web-based discussion per week

Online: This is an online course.

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Kammen

Also listed as: ENE,RES W200

Energy and Society: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020
The course will review the origins and evolution of nuclear energy, how it has been applied for both peaceful and military purposes, and the current and prospective challenges it presents. The purpose of the course is to educate students on the policy roots and technological foundations of nuclear energy and nuclear weapons so they are positioned to make original contributions to the field in their scholarly and professional careers.
Nuclear Security: The Nexus Between Policy and Technology: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructors: Nacht, Prussin

Also listed as: NUC ENG C285

Nuclear Security: The Nexus Between Policy and Technology: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019
An extensive examination of contemporary U.S. national security issues and how policy is developed and implemented. Topics include Russia after the Cold War with emphasis on nuclear and biological weapons; crisis decision-making and the key players in national security policy; the struggle against terrorism, especially since 9/11, with some reference to homeland security; the challenges to U.S. policy in the Middle East after the Arab spring; China as the chief great power rival; and the role of unmanned vehicles, cyber, and special operations as key elements of U.S. policy. Students will write policy memos, participate in crisis simulation exercises, and complete a take-home final examination.
US National Security Policy: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Nacht

US National Security Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022
The class focuses on the economic regulation of electricity and natural gas and its role in public policy innovation. We will explore the regulatory rationale in the context of microeconomic principles, the nature and evolution of energy technology and regulation in the United States, and the ways to advance public policy objectives. The class covers the alternatives to traditional cost-of-service rate regulation, the electricity deregulation experiment, the resulting energy crisis in California, and current efforts to reconsider the utility business model. We will delve into how the economic regulatory framework creates opportunities to implement public policy, and the enhanced role climate change now plays in decision making worldwide.
Energy Regulation and Public Policy: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: Weissman

Energy Regulation and Public Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2022, Fall 2019, Fall 2018
Optimization and simulation models in stochastic and deterministic contexts. Monte Carlo simulation, Bayesian models and decisions, linear and nonlinear programming, queing models, and a review of heuristics and biases in individual risk assessment. Hands-on exploration of tools oriented to management and policy decisions in public and nonprofit organizations. Objective for students: lifelong habit of learning and using new analytic methods.
Risk and Optimization Models for Policy: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture and 1 hour of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructors: O'Hare, Cardenas

Risk and Optimization Models for Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021
Course examines current problems and issues in the field of public policy. Topics may vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of the semester. Open to students from other departments.
Special Topics in Public Policy: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit with instructor consent.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture and 0-2 hours of discussion per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: The grading option will be decided by the instructor when the class is offered.

Special Topics in Public Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Summer 2022 Second 6 Week Session, Fall 2021, Fall 2020
Open to qualified graduate students wishing to pursue special study and research under direction of a member of the staff.
Directed Advanced Study: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-12 hours of independent study per week

Summer: 10 weeks - 1.5-18 hours of independent study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Directed Advanced Study: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Spring 2009, Fall 2008
Open to qualified graduate students wishing to pursue special research under direction of a member of the staff. Discussion and analysis of dissertation research projects, including conceptual and methodological problems of designing and conducting policy research.
Supervised Research Colloquium: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Graduate standing

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Supervised Research Colloquium: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021
Discussion and analysis of dissertation research projects, including conceptual and methodological problems of designing and conducting public policy research.
Ph.D. Seminar: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Must be a Ph.D. student in public policy in third year or beyond

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of seminar per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Ph.D. Seminar: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021
Course examines current problems and issues in the field of public policy. Topics vary from year to year.
Graduate Student Led Course in Public Policy: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Open to graduate students only

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 1-4 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Graduate Student Led Course in Public Policy: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2021, Spring 2020, Fall 2019
Open to qualified graduate students wishing to pursue special study and research under direction of a member of the staff.
Directed Advanced Study: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Summer:
6 weeks - 1-5 hours of independent study per week
8 weeks - 1-4 hours of independent study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.

Directed Advanced Study: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019
By arrangement with faculty. Open only to qualified second-year graduate students working toward the M.P.P. degree.
Independent Study in Preparation for the Advanced Policy Analysis: Read More [+]

Rules & Requirements

Prerequisites: Consent of faculty

Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Graduate

Grading: Letter grade.

Independent Study in Preparation for the Advanced Policy Analysis: Read Less [-]

Terms offered: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Spring 2021
This course is directed at Graduate Student Instructors for undergraduate and graduate courses, and reviews the most important elements of effective teaching, especially teaching graduate students in professional programs like the Master of Public Policy. It satisfies the graduate division requirement for a 300 course for GSI's.
GSI Practicum: Read More [+]

Hours & Format

Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of lecture per week

Additional Details

Subject/Course Level: Public Policy/Professional course for teachers or prospective teachers

Grading: Letter grade.

Instructor: O'Hare

Formerly known as: Public Policy 300

GSI Practicum: Read Less [-]

Faculty and Instructors

Faculty

Daniel J. Acland, Associate Professor of Practice in Public Policy. Benefit-Cost Analysis, Behavioral Economics, Behavior Change, Public Health.
Research Profile

Sarah F. Anzia, Michelle J. Schwartz Associate Professor of Public Policy & Associate Professor of Political Science. Elections, Government, Politics, State and Local Politics and Policy, Public Sector Unions, Women in Politics, Public Employee Pensions.
Research Profile

Josefina Castillo Baltodano, Founder and Executive Director, Executive Leadership Academy. Higher Education.
Research Profile

Mia Bird, Assistant Adjunct Professor. Criminal Justice Policy, Economic Demography, Health and Human Services Policy, Policy and Program Evaluation.
Research Profile

Robert J. Birgeneau, Arnold and Barbara Silverman Distinguished Professor of Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Public Policy. Higher Education Policy, Research Policy.
Research Profile

George R. Blumenthal, Faculty Director of the Center for Studies in Higher Education (CSHE).
Research Profile

Henry Brady, Dean and Class of 1941 Monroe Deutsch Professor of Political Science and Public Policy. Elections, Politics, Government.
Research Profile

Jennifer L. Bussell, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Political Science. Information Technology, Public Management, Politics, Comparative Public Policy, Corruption and Governance, India.
Research Profile

Igor Chirikov, SERU Consortium Director and Senior Researcher, CSHE. Higher Education.
Research Profile

Ellora Derenoncourt, Assistant Professor of Economics and Public Policy. Economic History, Labor and Employment, Racial Inequality, Intergenerational Mobility.
Research Profile

John Aubrey Douglass, Senior Research Fellow, Center for Studies in Higher Education. Higher Education, Economic Policy, International, Science Policy.
Research Profile

Sean Farhang, Professor of Law, Political Science and Public Policy. Law and Politics. Courts, Regulation.
Research Profile

Avi Feller, Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Statistics. Program Evaluation, Quantitative Methods.
Research Profile

Jack Glaser, Professor. Political Psychology, Stereotyping, Prejudice & Discrimination, Criminal Justice, Politics, Race & Policy, Social Psychology, Racial Profiling, Policing, Unconscious Social Cognition, Hate Crime.
Research Profile

Jennifer M. Granholm, Former Professor of Practice; Senior Research Fellow, Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS @ Berkeley). Law, Energy, Renewable and Clean Energy, Labor and Employment, Politics, Economics of Industry, Manufacturing and Job Markets.
Research Profile

Barbara Haya, Research Fellow, CEPP. Climate Change, Environment, Energy, Renewable and Clean Energy, Program Evaluation, Carbon Offsetting.
Research Profile

Hilary Hoynes, Professor of Public Policy and Economics, Haas Distinguished Chair in Economic Disparities. Tax Policy, Labor and Employment, Youth and Families, Government.
Research Profile

Solomon Hsiang, Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy. Agriculture, Climate Change, Environment, International, Coupled Natural and Human Systems, Political Economy, Development Economics, Applied Econometrics.
Research Profile

Saru Jayaraman, Assistant Adjunct Professor of Public Policy. Food Policy.
Research Profile

Rucker Johnson, Chancellorâ€™s Professor of Public Policy. Labor and Employment, Race, Poverty & Inequality, Economics of Education, Health Disparities, Social Welfare Policy.
Research Profile

Daniel Kammen, Professor of Energy in the Energy and Resources Group, the Goldman School of Public Policy, and the department of Nuclear Engineering; Director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Lab (RAEL). Climate Change, Engineering, Environment, Energy, Renewable and Clean Energy, Energy Forecasting, Health and Environment, International R&D Policy, Race and Gender, Rural Resource Management.
Research Profile

Amy E. Lerman, Professor of Public Policy and Political Science and Co-Director, The People Lab. Criminal Justice, Health Policy, Political Psychology, Race & Ethnicity, Privatization, Public Opinion.
Research Profile

Dan Lindheim, Faculty Director, Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement. Housing & Urban Policy, Budget/Finance, Labor and Employment, Poverty & Inequality, Economic and Community Development, City Management, Education Finance & Policy, Police and Criminal Justice, Public Employee Pensions, Public Health.
Research Profile

Elizabeth Linos, Assistant Professor of Public Policy. Behavioral Economics, Program Evaluation, Public Management, Stereotyping, Prejudice & Discrimination, Civil Servants, Motivation and Performance, Diversity in the Workplace, Recruitment and Retention.
Research Profile

Shelley Liu, Assistant Professor of Public Policy.
Research Profile

Jane Mauldon, Associate Professor of Practice. Demography, Children, Youth and Families, Program Evaluation, Race and Ethnicity, Quantitative Methods, Social Welfare, Health, Poverty.
Research Profile

Claire Montialoux, Assistant Professor. Economic Policy, Labor and Employment, Racial Inequality, Program Evaluation.
Research Profile

Alyssa Mooney, Postdoctoral Scholar. Criminal Justice, Public Health.
Research Profile

Michael Nacht, Thomas and Alison Schneider Professor of Public Policy. US National Security Policy and International Relations, Science, Technology and Public Policy, Management Strategies for Complex Organizations.
Research Profile

Janet Napolitano, Professor of Public Policy. Education, Leadership and Management, Politics.
Research Profile

Patricia A. Pelfrey, Senior Research Associate, Center for Studies in Higher Education. Higher Education.
Research Profile

+ Steven Raphael, Professor and James D. Marver Chair in Public Policy. Labor and Employment, Race and Ethnicity, Criminal Justice, Quantitative Methods, Economic Policy, Program Evaluation, Housing and Urban Policy, Immigration, Poverty and Inequality, Discrimination, Employment Discrimination, Labor Economics, Racial Inequality, Urban Economics.
Research Profile

Robert Reich, Carmel P. Friesen Professor of Public Policy. Industrial Policy, Labor and Employment, Leadership and Management, Politics, Poverty, Inequality, Leadership and Social Change, Macroeconomic Policy, Social and Economic Policy.
Research Profile

David Roland-Holst, Adjunct Professor, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics. Environment, Climate Change, Food Policy, Agricultural Policy, Development, Energy, International Trade.
Research Profile

Larry A. Rosenthal, Senior Lecturer of Public Policy; Program Director, Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement; Resident Faculty, Institute for the Study of Societal Issues. Housing & Urban Policy, Law, Land Use, Civic Engagement.
Research Profile

Jesse Rothstein, Professor of Public Policy and Economics. Tax Policy, Economic Policy, Education, Labor and Employment, Program Evaluation, Public Finance, Quantitative Methods.
Research Profile

Meredith Sadin, Assistant Adjunct Professor.
Research Profile

Daniel Sargent, Associate Professor of History and Public Policy.
Research Profile

Janelle Scott, Robert C. and Mary Catherine Birgeneau Distinguished Chair in Educational Disparities, Professor of Graduate School of Education, African American Studies & The Goldman School of Public Policy. Education, Race & Policy, Advocacy Politics, Educational Equity, Policy Analysis & Evaluation, Politics of Education, Privatization, Qualitative Methods, Urban Leadership, Urban Schooling.
Research Profile

Jennifer Skeem, Professor. Criminal Justice, Health Policy, Children, Youth and Families, Psychology and Law, Risk Reduction, Mental Health.
Research Profile

David C. Wilson, Incoming Dean. Political Psychology, Politics, Race & Policy, Race/Racial Justice.
Research Profile

David Wooley, Executive Director, Center for Environmental Public Policy (CEPP). Energy, Climate and Environmental Policy, Air Quality Control, Utility Regulation and Administrative Law, Non-Profit Management, Renewable Energy Development, Electric Transmission Policy, Environmental Justice.
Research Profile

Gabriel Zucman, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Economics.
Research Profile

Lecturers

Todd Achilles, Lecturer. Telecommunication technology and policy, Broadband divide, Utility regulation and decarbonization, Energy markets and demand response.
Research Profile

Ashley Adams, Lecturer. Public Affairs and Policy, Social Policy Analysis, Historical Preservation Policy and Planning, Nonprofit Management, Strategic Planning, Program Management, Coordination & Evaluation, Student Services & Advising.
Research Profile

Hector Cardenas, Lecturer. Public Management, Program Evaluation, Cost-Benefit Analysis, International, Foreign Policy, Regulation, Public Sector Operations, Data Driven Decision Making, Information Technology Strategy, US-Mexico Binational Policy, Regulatory Reform, Criminal Justice Reform.
Research Profile

Brent Copen, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Timothy M. Dayonot, Lecturer. Negotiations & Conflict Resolution, Public Policy Negotiation, Legislative Advocacy, Salary Negotiations.
Research Profile

John Decker, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Bill Falik, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Steven Falk, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Ziyang David Fan, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Anibel Ferus-Comelo, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Angela Glover-Blackwell, Lecturer. Race & Ethnicity, Cities, Equitable Development.
Research Profile

Candace Hamilton-Hester, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Josie Innamorato, Lecturer. Program Evaluation, Design Thinking.
Research Profile

Kiran Jain, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Magnus Lofstrom, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Larry Magid, Lecturer. Politics, Transportation Policy, Energy Policy, Strategic Communications.
Research Profile

Daniel Mulhern, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Jeff Selbin, Lecturer.
Research Profile

Amy Slater, Lecturer. Negotiation, Conflict Resolution.
Research Profile

Chris Weare, Lecturer. Homelessness Policy, Performance Management in the Public Sector, Program Evaluation, Social Network Analysis.
Research Profile

Steven Weissman, Lecturer. Energy, Renewable and Clean Energy, Law, Environment.
Research Profile

Visiting Faculty

Erika Weissinger, Visiting Assistant Professor. Children, Youth and Families, Program Evaluation, Leadership and Management, Race & Policy, Social Welfare, Qualitative Research Methods.
Research Profile

Emeritus Faculty

Eugene Bardach, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy. Leadership and Management, Implementation, Mental Health, Political Skill, Social Regulation.
Research Profile

Robert M. Berdahl, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy. Education, German History, Higher Education Policy.
Research Profile

Alain de Janvry, Emeritus Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Agriculture, Poverty and Inequality, Rural Development, Quantitative Analysis of Development Policies, Impact Analysis of Social Programs, Technological Innovations in Agriculture, Management of Common Property Resources.
Research Profile

John Ellwood, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy. Budget/Finance, Financial Management, Public Sector Budgeting.
Research Profile

Lee Friedman, Professor of the Graduate School and Professor Emeritus of Public Policy. Environment, Regulation, Public Finance, Economic Organization, Environmental Markets, School Finance, Utility Regulation.
Research Profile

Michael W. Hanemann, Emeritus and Affiliated Professor in the Graduate School. Environment, Water Management, Environment and Resource Economics.
Research Profile

James A. Hyatt, Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Senior Research Associate & Principle Investigator, Center For Studies in Higher Education. Higher Education.
Research Profile

David Kirp, Professor of the Graduate School, University of California at Berkeley, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy. Children, Youth and Families, Education, Race &, Ethnicity, Law, Politics, Ethics, Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, Community.
Research Profile

Stephen M. Maurer, Emeritus Adjunct Professor of Public Policy. Homeland Security, Innovation Intellectual Property, Open Source, and Innovation, WMD Terrorism, Biosecurity, Phramaceutical Innovation, Database policy.
Research Profile

Michael O'Hare, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy, and Professor of the Graduate School. Arts Policy, Quantitative Methods, Environment, Public Management.
Research Profile

Richard M. Scheffler, Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Public Policy. Health Policy and Health Economics, Competition and Regulation in Health Insurance Markets, The ACA and Covered California, Accountable Care Organizations and Market Power, Organization and Financing of Mental Health Services, Social Capital and Health, Global Health Workforce, Pay for Performance in the US and Around the Globe.
Research Profile

Eugene Smolensky, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy. Poverty and Inequality, Public Finance, Income Distribution, Public Finance Welfare Reform.
Research Profile

Contact Information

Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP)

2607 Hearst Avenue

Phone: 510-642-4670

Fax: 510-643-9657

Visit School Website

Dean

David C. Wilson, Phd

gsppdean@berkeley.edu

Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Programs & Dean of Students

Annie Campbell Washington

1893 LeRoy, Room 240

Phone: 510-642-6318

acw@berkeley.edu

Head Graduate Advisor, MPP Program

Jane Mauldon, PhD

313 GSPP Main

Phone: 510-642-3475

jmauldon@berkeley.edu

Head Graduate Advisor, PhD Program

Hilary Hoynes, PhD

1893 LeRoy, Room 345

Phone: 510-642-1137

hoynes@berkeley.edu

Director of Student Affairs & Undergrad. Minor Advisor

Jalilah LaBrie

245 GSPP Addition

Phone: 510-642-1940

jalilah@berkeley.edu

Managing Dir. Career/ Alumni Services & PhD Admissions / Student Affairs Advisor

Cecille Cabacungan

Phone: 510-642-1303

cecille@berkeley.edu

Asst. Director & Manager of Admissions for MPP & Concurrent Degree Programs & Career Services Advisor

Lezley Hightower

Phone: 510-642-7888

lhightower@berkeley.edu

Scheduler & Curriculum Planner, Undergraduate Minor Advisor

Emilie Dandan

ebdandan@berkeley.edu

Public Policy

About the Program

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

Concurrent Degrees

Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

PhD in Public Policy

Admissions

Admission to the University

Minimum Requirements for Admission

Applicants Who Already Hold a Graduate Degree

Required Documents for Applications

Where to Apply

Admission to the Program

Key Elements for MPP Admission

Documents required for the MPP application:

Key Elements for PhD Admission

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Curriculum

Master's Degree Requirements (MPP)

Curriculum

Core Curriculum—First Year

Summer Policy Internship

Core Curriculum—Second Year

Milestones

Courses

Public Policy

PUB POL 200 Introduction to Policy Analysis 4 Units

PUB POL 200A Foundations for Public Policy Analysis 3 Units

PUB POL 200B Professional Policy Practice 3 Units

PUB POL 205 Advanced Policy Analysis 6 Units

PUB POL 210A The Economics of Public Policy Analysis 4 Units

PUB POL 210B The Economics of Public Policy Analysis 4 Units

PUB POL 220 Law and Public Policy 4 Units

PUB POL C221 Climate, Energy and Development 3 Units

PUB POL 230 Politics and Policy-Making in Comparative Perspective 4 Units

PUB POL 235 Implementation: Key Issues in Managing California Cities 4 Units

PUB POL 236 Politics of Civil War 3 Units

PUB POL 237 Politics and Development in the Global South 3 Units

PUB POL 240A Decision Analysis, Modeling, and Quantitative Methods 4 Units

PUB POL 240B Decision Analysis, Modeling, and Quantitative Methods 4 Units

PUB POL 249 Statistics for Program Evaluation 4 Units

PUB POL 250 The Politics of Public Policy 4 Units

PUB POL 251 Microeconomic Organization and Policy Analysis 3 Units

PUB POL C253 International Economic Development Policy 3 Units

PUB POL 255 Introduction to Security Policy 4 Units

PUB POL 256 Program and Policy Design 4 Units

PUB POL 257 Arts and Cultural Policy 4 Units

PUB POL 259 How to Conduct Benefit Cost Analysis 4 Units

PUB POL 260 Public Leadership and Management 4 Units

PUB POL 265 Race & Public Policy 3 Units

PUB POL 269 Public Budgeting 4 Units

PUB POL 270 Kid-First Policy: Family, School, and Community 4 Units

PUB POL 271 The Political Economy of Inequality 4 Units

PUB POL C271 Energy and Development 3 Units

PUB POL 273 Public Management and Policy Implementation 4 Units

PUB POL 275 Spatial Data and Analysis 4 Units

PUB POL 279 Research Design and Data Collection for Public Policy Analysis 3 Units

PUB POL 280 Ethics, Policy, and the Power of Ideas 4 Units

PUB POL 282 Environment and Technology from the Policy and Business Perspective 4 Units

PUB POL 283 Renewable Energy Policy in the United States 3 Units

PUB POL C284 Energy and Society 4 Units

PUB POL W284 Energy and Society 4 Units

PUB POL C285 Nuclear Security: The Nexus Between Policy and Technology 4 Units

PUB POL 286 US National Security Policy 4 Units

PUB POL 287 Energy Regulation and Public Policy 3 Units

PUB POL 288 Risk and Optimization Models for Policy 4 Units

PUB POL 290 Special Topics in Public Policy 1 - 4 Units

PUB POL 292 Directed Advanced Study 1 - 12 Units

PUB POL 295 Supervised Research Colloquium 1 - 9 Units

PUB POL 296 Ph.D. Seminar 3 Units

PUB POL 297 Graduate Student Led Course in Public Policy 1 - 4 Units

PUB POL 298 Directed Advanced Study 1 - 12 Units

PUB POL 299 Independent Study in Preparation for the Advanced Policy Analysis 3 Units

PUB POL 375 GSI Practicum 2 Units

Faculty and Instructors

Faculty

Lecturers

Visiting Faculty

Emeritus Faculty

Contact Information