Loyola University Chicago

Overview:  Join us in downtown Chicago to prepare for a career in urban policy.  All of our degree programs focus on the issues that are driving cities today and the institutions that can help address them. We focus on the interconnections of social, economic, and environmental forces that set the context for problems and possible solutions.  Working with stakeholders, use of data analytical tools, and a thorough understanding of the complex financial requirements for successful programs inform our approach to impactful change.  Students complete internships, work on capstone projects, meet with city and non-profit officials, and are taught by a mix of practitioners and academics.

Our Urban Affairs and Public Policy program offers two related Master degrees and one Certificate. 

• Master of Arts in Urban Affairs (31 credits)
• Master of Public Policy (37 credits)
• Certificate in Public Affairs and Management (12 credits)

Multidisciplinary urban focus: Across all of our degree programs, there is an urban focus that is built on a multidisciplinary approach.  We explores the forces that shape cities, the factors that affect service delivery in urban neighborhoods, the role of various forms of diversity, and the challenge fiscal conditions that many cities face. Our location in the Chicago metropolitan area provides firsthand exposure to some of the many of the social and economic challenges in the country, and opportunities to work with agencies addressing those challenges.  We have a strong local network of alumni, many in significant positions in local government and nonprofit agencies.  

Curriculum:  The Master of Arts in Urban Affairs (MAUA) is a 31-credit program that can be completed in 16 months of full-time study or 30 months of part-time study.  The program has a particular emphasis on navigating local politics, including financial decisions of cities.  Specializations focus on community and economic development, affordable housing, and policy advocacy.  Students can take graduate electives in other departments at the university, including in our Schools of Environmental Sustainability, Public Health, Social Work, and Communications.   Class are taught both on campus and online. 

The MAUA degree offers students maximum flexibility in tailoring a program to their interests in cities.  Students take at least three skills-based classes, such as statistical analysis, public budgeting, GIS, analytical tools, or program evaluation.  They also take classes in at least two of the disciplinary perspectives that are called upon when studying what happens in cities – politics, sociology, economics.  All students do an internship or capstone projects, plus a one-credit Professional Development course.  Remaining courses can be taken in subject material, such as the environment, economic development, or affordable housing. 

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a 37-credit program that can be completed in 24 months of full-time study or 36 months of part-time study.  The program is a more structured policy curriculum with eight required courses and four electives, plus a 1-credit Professional Development course.  The curriculum is designed to develop technical skills needed for policy analysis, design, and evaluation; to explore the role of politics and advocacy in policy; and to develop expertise in specific policy areas.  These skills can be applied to a wide variety of policy areas, but we do have a particular focus on those related to cities or how national issues play out in metropolitan areas. The program also requires either an internship or a capstone course.

For working professionals who may want to develop additional skills as they advance in their careers, the Certificate in Public Affairs and Management is a 12-credit program, completed in one year of part-time study.  Working with an advisor, students are able to shape their coursework to pursue topics they identify as important to their career progress.  Everyone is required to take at least one skill-based course (such as budgeting or project management) and at least one course on the political or organizational environment (such as urban politics or program implementation).  All classes are part of the two Masters programs, so credits would apply to a Masters degree if people then chose to continue with that area of study. 

Who Should Apply:  Students from any undergraduate major can be successful in any of our programs.  The study of cities and policy issues requires an interdisciplinary perspective and a wide variety of skill sets.  We have no prerequisites for our introductory classes.  Students will learn what they need in the program curriculum.  If you are interested in the problems that you see in cities today – affordable housing, unequal economic opportunities across neighborhoods, public safety, immigration, public health needs – then our graduate programs will provide the perspectives and skills-based training for you make a difference.