PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) in Public Policy
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 5 yearsCombined Bachelor's and Master's Study
- Integrated CurriculumCombines undergraduate major with public policy expertise
- Career AdvantagePrepares for policy advocacy, design, and implementation roles
- Increased Earning PotentialMPP graduates earn more than bachelor's degree holders
Penn State offers an Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) program allowing academically strong students to pursue both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) in approximately five years. This accelerated pathway is designed for students interested in policy advocacy, design, and implementation. The IUG curriculum aims to integrate critical thinking skills, in-depth knowledge of a chosen specialization, and advanced public policy concepts, providing graduates with a competitive edge in the job market and for further graduate study. Employers highly value the MPP degree, with graduates typically earning significantly more than those with only a bachelor's degree.
Careers
The IUG program is designed to enhance career prospects in policy-related fields. Graduates are prepared for roles requiring policy analysis, advocacy, and implementation skills in various sectors.
- Policy Analyst
- Advocate
- Program Manager
- Government Official
- Non-profit Leader
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) in Public Policy program?
- The IUG program allows academically strong Penn State undergraduate students to pursue both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) in approximately five years. It integrates undergraduate studies with advanced public policy concepts.
- What are the entry requirements for the IUG in Public Policy program?
- Applicants must be current Penn State undergraduates in specific majors, meet GPA requirements (generally 3.2-3.5), and provide faculty recommendations and a two-page statement of purpose. Internal IUG students do not need GRE scores.
- How long does the IUG in Public Policy program take to complete?
- This accelerated pathway is designed to be completed in approximately five years, allowing students to earn both their bachelor's degree and their Master of Public Policy.
- What are the estimated tuition and living costs for the program?
- Tuition rates vary by campus and residency status; specific rates for the Master of Public Policy program within the IUG are not detailed here. Refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees schedules for current academic years. Estimated living costs are not provided.
- What career opportunities are available after completing the IUG in Public Policy?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Policy Analyst, Advocate, Program Manager, Government Official, and Non-profit Leader, with enhanced career prospects and increased earning potential compared to bachelor's degree holders.
- How do I apply to the IUG in Public Policy program?
- Current Penn State undergraduates must confirm eligibility, prepare application materials like faculty recommendations and a statement of purpose, and submit a formal application to the Penn State Graduate School. The application process is for internal Penn State students.
Entry requirements
Enrollment in a partner undergraduate program at Penn StateMust be currently enrolled in one of the specified undergraduate majors (e.g., African American Studies, Criminology, etc.)
GPAMinimum GPA requirements vary by undergraduate major, generally ranging from 3.2 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
Faculty RecommendationsRecommendations from the student's home department are required.
Statement of PurposeA two-page statement of purpose is necessary.
Graduate School AdmissionMust also apply to and be accepted into the Graduate School at Penn State.
Internal IUG students are not required to take the GRE.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates vary by campus and residency status (Pennsylvania vs. Non-Pennsylvania/International). Specific rates for the Master of Public Policy program within the IUG are not detailed here. Refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees schedules for current academic years (e.g., 2025-26, 2026-27).
Tuition (home)Tuition rates vary by campus and residency status (Pennsylvania vs. Non-Pennsylvania/International). Specific rates for the Master of Public Policy program within the IUG are not detailed here. Refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees schedules for current academic years (e.g., 2025-26, 2026-27).
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the program or fee pages.
Tuition and fees apply regardless of instructional mode and will not be refunded if the mode changes.
How to apply
1. Confirm EligibilityEnsure you are currently enrolled in one of the eligible undergraduate majors at Penn State and meet the GPA requirements for your specific program.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather necessary documents, including faculty recommendations from your home department and a two-page statement of purpose.
3. Apply to the Graduate SchoolSubmit a formal application to the Penn State Graduate School for the Master of Public Policy program. Note that GRE scores are not required for internal IUG applicants.
4. Await Admission DecisionAdmission is based on academic progress, GPA, faculty recommendations, and statement of purpose.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate (IUG) in Public Policy program?
+
The IUG program allows academically strong Penn State undergraduate students to pursue both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) in approximately five years. It integrates undergraduate studies with advanced public policy concepts.
What are the entry requirements for the IUG in Public Policy program?
+
Applicants must be current Penn State undergraduates in specific majors, meet GPA requirements (generally 3.2-3.5), and provide faculty recommendations and a two-page statement of purpose. Internal IUG students do not need GRE scores.
How long does the IUG in Public Policy program take to complete?
+
This accelerated pathway is designed to be completed in approximately five years, allowing students to earn both their bachelor's degree and their Master of Public Policy.
What are the estimated tuition and living costs for the program?
+
Tuition rates vary by campus and residency status; specific rates for the Master of Public Policy program within the IUG are not detailed here. Refer to the official Penn State Tuition and Fees schedules for current academic years. Estimated living costs are not provided.
What career opportunities are available after completing the IUG in Public Policy?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Policy Analyst, Advocate, Program Manager, Government Official, and Non-profit Leader, with enhanced career prospects and increased earning potential compared to bachelor's degree holders.
How do I apply to the IUG in Public Policy program?
+
Current Penn State undergraduates must confirm eligibility, prepare application materials like faculty recommendations and a statement of purpose, and submit a formal application to the Penn State Graduate School. The application process is for internal Penn State students.