Why Public Policy at UCLA?
MPP students can pursue interdisciplinary Data Analytics and Leaders in Sustainability certificate programs. Joint degrees with Law, Management, Public Health, Medicine, and Social Welfare offer an even broader range of skill and expertise development. We take people who are passionate about making a difference in the world and give them the tools they need to do so.
Our master’s program combines the best of rigorous policy education with flexibility and responsiveness that enables us to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. A career in public service is no longer limited to working in government. By giving students a diversified tool kit of quantitative and analytical skills and the flexibility to design their own program of study— while drawing on all the resources of one of the world’s top research universities — we produce graduates who are equipped to become real leaders in policy making, wherever that process takes place.
Admission Requirements
The department seeks a diverse pool of applicants who have been trained in a wide range of disciplines and preferably have had previous work experience in policy making or implementation. No specific background or undergraduate major is required. There are no citizenship requirements to be considered for admission. Admission is selective. Decisions will be based on a multifaceted evaluation of the applicant’s overall academic record, applicable test scores, and potential success in the public policy field, as evidenced by work experience and community, extracurricular, or other relevant experience. An applicant’s written statement of purpose, goals, and letters of recommendation also weigh heavily in the decision-making process.
Applicants must meet the following requirements for admission:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- International applicants may be required to submit diplomas and certificate of completion as proof of eligibility to graduate standing in the University of California
- Obtain a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B).
- Recommended but not required for domestic applicants: submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (strongly recommended for applicants without a quantitative background)
- Required for international applicants: submit results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
| Application Codes | Code Numbers |
| UC Major Code for Public Policy | 790 |
| FAFSA | 001315 |
| UCLA Institution Code | 004837 |
| GRE Institution Code for UCLA | 4837 |
| TOEFL Institution Code | 4837 |
Application Process Timeline
September 2025: Application Opens
January 9, 2026: Application Deadline for Funding Consideration
April 15, 2026: Rolling Admission Deadline*
*rolling admission deadline may close early if program has reached capacity
Early March: Decision Notification
Mid-Late March: Admitted Student Events
Early April: MPP Welcome Day
April 15: National Enrollment Deadline
Application Guide
Application Materials
- UCLA Graduate Division Online Application
- Application Fee (To apply for a fee waiver, please see UCLA’s Graduate Division’s criteria here)
- Transcripts (unofficial transcripts requested showing student name, university and most recent information)
- Statement of Purpose – Between 800-1000 words.
- Resume or CV
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- GRE Scores (recommended but not required for domestic degree applicants; required for international degree applicants)
- TOEFL or IELTS Scores (International Students)
- Personal History Statement – This should be limited to 500 words
- GPA Worksheet
- Academic Preparation Form
Funding Your MPP Degree
View or download a funding overview (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
Events & Services
MPP Admissions Webinars
MPP Admissions Webinar Schedule
UCLA Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program Overview, Wednesday, October 15, 5:00 pm, PST. Please see recorded webinar here.
Demystifying Statement of Purpose & Personal Statement, Thursday, October 23, 6:00 pm, PST. Please see recorded webinar here.
UCLA Master of Public Policy (MPP) Program & Admissions Overview (International Applicants), Friday, November 7, 6:00 pm, PST
Luskin MPP Virtual Open House: Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, PST
Luskin MPP Virtual Open House: Tuesday, November 18, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, PST
At the convergence of the fields of social work, urban planning and policymaking, the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs identifies and develops emerging areas of research and teaching, cultivating leaders and change agents who advance solutions to society’s most pressing problems. Founded in 1994, UCLA Luskin incorporates the best practices in scholarship, research and teaching in the fields of social work, urban and regional planning, and policymaking. Graduates of the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs are well prepared to take leadership roles and effect change as practitioners, researchers and policymakers in the public, private and non-governmental sectors.
The UCLA Luskin Department of Public Policy invites you to learn more about our Master of Public Policy (MPP) master degree program during our virtual Open House.
To register for this online event, please follow the link above. We look forward to connecting with you!
Connect With Us
Have additional questions about being a student in the MPP program?
Email us at mppinfo@luskin.ucla.edu for more information.