Area of Concentration
An area of concentration allows MPP students to gain in-depth knowledge on a specific policy interest, all while building their portfolio to become competitive candidates in a particular policy sector upon graduation. It is not required for MPP students to pursue an area of interest. Students can only pursue up to two areas of concentration.
The MPP Area of Concentration handbook (below) provides MPP students guidance on the type of classes they can pursue under a particular area of concentration. Please note that this is not an extensive list of classes, and that students can take other classes not listed in this handbook that aligns with their area of concentration. Additionally, classes in this handbook are not guaranteed to be taught every year, every quarter, and/or at all. Students have the opportunity to be creative when creating their area of concentration. For course inquiries or in-depth guidance, please connect with Director of Recruitment and Student Success, Anna Lim at anna@luskin.ucla.edu.
Most importantly, MPP students should keep the following reminders in mind:
S/U Grading: S/U grading can count towards your degree units only if there are no other grading basis options other than taking the course as S/U.
4-unit Upper Division Undergrad Course (100-199): MPP students can take one upper division undergraduate course to count towards degree units.
Arts, Ceramics, Dancing, Language Courses, etc (non-academic): These types of elective courses will not count towards degree units.
Up to 8 units in a PUB PLC 596 Directed Studies (includes RAND courses) will count towards degree elective units.
MPP Students must complete 80 units (38 core units, 42 elective units)
o Concurrent degree students complete 68 units (38 core units, 30 elective units)
Courses that begin with an “M” such as PUB PLC M244 Transportation and Planning are multiple-listed course with other Departments.
Courses that begin with a “C’ like PUB PLC CM191B are courses that is a graduate level course taught concurrently with an undergraduate course.
A minimum of 3 courses must be completed for the area of concentration to be created
MPP Area of Concentration Handbook- HERE
Declaring an Area of Concentration
MPP students will have the opportunity to declare an area of concetration during Winter Quarter of their second-year, when ATC Forms are due. As part of the forms, students must submit a Degree Check. On the degree check, students will identify their area of concentration, and select the classes that fall under their specialization. A sample is provide for reference: