MAPP Curriculum

Where Policy Meets Practice

The Master of Applied Public Policy (MAPP) program is designed for the next generation of leaders who want to shape, implement, and evaluate public policy on a regional or global scale. With an interdisciplinary curriculum, hands-on experience, and strong industry connections, MAPP prepares graduates to influence change in the public and private sectors alike.

Become a data-driven decisionmaker and policy leader, using the latest tools of economic and research analytics to find ethically-grounded approaches to lead change and improve lives.

Transform Your Career In Just 18 Months

Discover the unique advantages of The College of Idaho’s MAPP program — a transformative flexible curriculum grounded in applied learning. Complete your degree in as little as 18 months, while advancing your analysis and leadership expertise.

Flexible Format

Our MAPP courses were built with working professionals in mind. With a predominately asynchronous model and in-person gatherings with your cohort just once a week, you can work full time while pursuing your master’s degree. The curriculum integrates seamlessly with your schedule, allowing you to balance your career, studies and personal life.

Applied Learning Approach

Our interdisciplinary MAPP curriculum leverages data analytics to understand and address public policy, while also integrating economics, political science, sociology, and law to provide a well-rounded understanding of public policy. Focus on real-world applications of public policy through current issues facing the Intermountain West.

Personalized Mentorship & Support

From day one, you’re paired with an expert faculty advisor who guides you through every step of your MAPP experience. This mentorship is central to our program, helping you succeed in your studies and progress toward your professional goals.

Bespoke, Individually-Tailored Curriculum

Your journey through the MAPP curriculum is customized to match your experience and ambitions. Our program is 36 credit hours and offers a bespoke curriculum through 10 uniquely crafted courses focused on current issues facing the Intermountain West and a two-course practicum series through which you will apply the tenets of economics, public policy and data analytics to a specific issue in your field or employment.

• Foundations of Policy Analysis
• Ethics in a Polarized Body Politic
• State & Local Policy I
• State & Local Policy II
• Data Science & Public Policy
• Evidence-Based Decision Making
• State & Local Policy: Finance
• Data Visualization for Analysis & Communication
• Leadership in Public Policy
• Policy, Power & Voice
• Policy Practicum I: Policy Analysis
• Policy Practice II: Advocacy Plan

Throughout the program, you will engage with policy professionals on current Intermountain West issues and have the opportunity to interact with state and local lawmakers, lobbyists, leaders of nonprofit organizations, corporations and government agencies and citizens around current policy issues.

Academic Calendar

Our MAPP program launches a new cohort each fall. Complete the MAPP curriculum in just 18 months over six 10-week terms!  Our next cohort’s academic calendar is as follows: