Skip to main content

School of Public Policy

Solutions for the Region,
Solutions for the World

Three female students
Earn your BA and MPP in five years!
The UCR School of Public Policy is the only UC with a five-year BA and MPP program.
Learn more

BA/MPP Program

The School of Public Policy's BA/MPP program will allow students to obtain both BA and MPP degrees through an integrated five-year plan of study. The program consists of the regular BA program in Public Policy, with MPP coursework, internship and capstone initiated during the fourth year and completed at the end of year five. This program prepares students for professional policy careers as well as for pursuing subsequent doctoral degrees in relevant disciplines. 

The BA/MPP program is open to UCR public policy undergraduates, however the proposed five-year BA + MPP timeframe may not be feasible for students pursuing a double-major due to the required number of courses and units required for each major. Up to 12 units of coursework can be double-counted by students in the program, with the MPP elective courses being taken in lieu of upper-division public policy elective courses, which would allow for the MPP requirements to be met in a single additional year. The BA/MPP program will complement the existing two-year MPP program in the School of Public Policy.

The BA/MPP program will require students to do the full coursework and professional development colloquium required of the two-year MPP program during their senior (fourth) and fifth years in the BA/MPP program, including the 8-unit capstone project (PBPL 289a,b) during their fifth year. The space for the additional graduate coursework in their fourth year will come from the BA/MPP students being able to (i) double-count 12 units of coursework in the two programs (as per rules established by the Senate for combined programs), and (ii) substitute Master’s elective area courses for some of the upper-division elective courses that BA (Public Policy) students are required to take.

Applications

Applications are currently closed

  • Admission notifications for 2025 applicants begin May 16th
studentsfinal

Admission Requirements

  • The application will be submitted via Google Forms
  • Students with a 3.0 overall/cumulative GPA and 3.2 major GPA are eligible for consideration, however, the program is expected to be highly competitive
  • Students should prepare the following for the application:
    • Statement of Purpose (see FAQs for details)
    • Statement of Personal History (see FAQs for details)
    • Resume
    • Transcripts (for any non-UCR coursework completed)
    • Letters of Recommendation (see FAQs for details)

FAQs

  • What is the “Statement of Purpose” and “Statement of Personal History?” How are they different?
    Statement of Purpose

    The statement of purpose allows you to address specific interests with respect to the program to which you are applying. The following information should be included in this statement:

    1. Explain how your interest in public policy developed. Why are you wanting to pursue an MPP?
    2. Think about what you would like to do post-graduation. Do you want to work in a non-profit? Do you see yourself working for the public sector whether it be with an elected official, city, county, state government, or working with a special district? What do you see yourself doing?
    3. Talk about, and provide examples of policy issues, that you are passionate about and why?
     
    Statement of Personal History

    In an essay, discuss how your experiences — personal, work, volunteer, leadership, — have prepared you for the MPP program. Have there been any issues that have adversely impacted your academic performance?

    Please note that the Statement of Personal History should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.

  • How many Letters of Recommendation do I need?

    Students will be required to have three recommenders for their application, one of which must be from a faculty member. Applicants will need to provide the following information on the application:

    • Name
    • Title
    • Organization/Institution

    • Email

    SPP advisors will email your recommenders regarding the submission of your recommendation.

  • Is there a course plan I should follow if I plan to apply to the program?

    A specific course plan is not required, however, students are required to have about 168 units by the end of their junior year. Students seeking to pursue the BA/MPP program should check in with SPP academic advisors early and regularly to develop individualized course plans as students. 

  • Do I have to pay graduate school tuition my 4th year?

    No, you will pay undergraduate tuition during your 4th year. 

  • Do I still receive my financial aid package applied to the entirety of the program?

    Students will be held to UCR Financial Aid Office undergraduate eligibility requirements during their 4th year. Financial support for 5th year will be determined by a financial award package from the MPP program (if applicable). 

  • Can I still walk and graduate after 4 years?

    Yes, students who complete all undergraduate requirements by the end of their senior year are eligible to participate in Commencement.

BA/MPP Timeline

A course map for the program

BA Info Sessions

For prospective undergraduate students, please visit the UCR Undergraduate Admissions website to see upcoming events.

View Events

Advising Appointments

Need advising regarding our academic programs? Be sure to schedule an appointment with our advising staff where they can share more information, provide planning assistance, and answer any questions you might have.

Book an Appointment

Contact Information

For more information, please contact the Admissions and Recruitment Specialist:

Let us help you with your search