1. When will Fall 2001 applications be available? 
Fall 2001 applications are now available. The fall 2001 application is now available Click Here Please call 310-825-0448 if you would like an application mailed to you.  

2. Does the program admit new MPP students mid year? 
No. We currently offer admission to the MPP program in the fall quarter only. 

3. Does the SPPSR offer a part-time MPP degree program? 
No. We offer a full-time MPP degree only. Classes are scheduled mainly during the weekdays. Many students work part-time. Academically, the Policy Studies program is very rigorous. Consequently incoming students are discouraged from working more than 20 hours a week. 

4. How long is the program? 
The normative time for completing the degree is two years. 

5. Does the program offer a joint (concurrent) degree? 
Concurrent degrees allow a specified amount of credit to apply to two degree programs. It permits students to reduce the total number of courses required for the two degrees and thereby reduces the time normally required if courses were taken in sequence. JD/MPP has been approved and is in place. As with any concurrent program, applicants must meet the admissions criteria of each program and be admitted separately for each. Contact the Law School admissions office at 310-825-4041, or visit their web site at http://www.law.ucla.edu/students/admissions/ApplyOnline Other joint degrees are being developed, but will not be approved for a year or two. 

6. Can students design their own articulated programs for the MPP? 
Yes. Articulated degree programs permit no credit overlap, and students must complete degree requirements separately for each degree. Students may, with permission from the department, design their own articulated programs. 

7. What are the degree requirements for the MPP? 
MPP students must complete a minimum of 72 units of academic credit (three 4-unit classes per quarter, 18 courses total). Eight of the 11 required core courses are completed in the first year. The ninth core course and a required two-quarter seminar in Applied Policy Analysis are completed in the second year. The remaining courses (28 units) are chosen by the student from courses devoted to specific policy issues in the student's area or areas of concentration as well as electives. 

During the summer between the student's first and second year, the program requires a 10-week field internship with an approved government agency, non-profit group, or other approved organization. This can also be fulfilled as a 400 hour internship served part-time throughout the year. 

8. Can prior work experience be substituted for the internship? 
After admission, students with prior experience may petition to waive the internship requirement. However, such requests will be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis and students will be encouraged to seek an internship in an area other than their prior work background to broaden their experience. 

9. Can MPP students register for more than the required 12 units each quarter? 
The normal course load for full-time graduate students is 12 units per quarter. Students who wish to enroll for more or less than the normal course load must receive departmental approval. 

10. Can students in other graduate programs at UCLA enroll in MPP core courses? 
Students in other graduate programs at UCLA may only enroll in MPP core courses with consent of the instructor.  

11. What is the cost of attending the UCLA MPP program? 
Fees for UCLA graduate students for academic year 2001-02 are $4,503.50 for California residents (including mandatory medical insurance) $14,937.50 for nonresidents (same fees as above plus nonresident tuition fee). In addition, please budget approximately $1,452.00 for books and supplies (variable). 

12. What is the deadline for fall 2001 applications? 
The departmental deadline is January 15th. For students applying for financial aid, the University's deadline for fellowships is December 15, 2000. However, applicants should keep in mind that the University-wide fellowship awards are usually reserved for Ph.D. candidates. There are additional departmental fellowships that also have the departmental application deadline. 

13. What GPA is required for admission? 
A scholastic average minimum of a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better is required for the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of undergraduate study. Applicants should keep in mind, however, that the average GPA for entering students is approximately 3.5.  

14. What range of GRE scores are required? 
The average GRE scores for entering students is 600 to 675 on all three scales - the quantitative, verbal, and analytical sections. Students scoring below 600 hundred on any of the GRE scales will need to indicate compelling evidence of their qualifications through their GPA, references, or professional work experience. To schedule the GRE call 1-800-GRE-CALL or E-mail gre-info@ets.org. For more information on the GRE, visit http://www.gre.org 

15. Are there any courses or major requirements for admission? 
While the MPP program has no specific course or major requirements for admission, applicants are strongly recommended to have at least one undergraduate class in statistics, micro-economics, calculus or other quantitative courses. 

16. What sort of careers do MPP graduates pursue? 
The MPP prepare students to become future policy-makers. The job market for graduates with an MPP degree is highly diverse, encompassing the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors at the local/regional, state, national, and international levels. The MPP curriculum best prepares students to professionally enter a field as a policy analyst. Although MPP graduates become specialists, managers, directors, and leaders in public affairs, their training best prepares them with quantitative and analytical skills for the policy-making process. Graduates may work for public agencies or offices at all levels of government, not-for-profits such as the League of Women Voters, Crystal Stairs, the Ford Foundation, or the Children's Defense Fund; non-governmental organizations such as the Legislative Analyst's Office, World Bank, UNESCO, and International Red Cross; and private businesses, consulting firms, and the media such as EQE International, Anderson Consulting, Fox Broadcasting, and the New York Times. 

17. How do I apply to the MPP program? 
Complete and submit the following items: 

• UCLA Graduate Division Application available on-line at http://www.gdnet.ucla.edu
• Policy Studies Department Supplemental Application that is on the last two pages of the MPP brochure. You can print the application, in a few weeks, off the Policy Studies Department web site at http://www.sppsr.ucla.edu or have the brochure mailed to you.
• Two sets of Official Transcripts for each each institution attended.
• Three Letters of Recommendation from former professors or professional references. At least one faculty reference is required. These may be submitted on letterhead.
• Official GRE Scores earned within the last five years.
• Statement of Purpose describing your background, interest, and qualifications for the MPP program.
• Current Resume