Mission and Learning Outcomes

Online MPP: Mission and Learning Outcomes

Oregon State University is home to world-class scientists working on many issues critical to 21st century citizens.  New forms of governance and problem solving are being tested and studied at OSU to address these issues. As populations continue to become more connected and interdependent, these issues promise to affect us more broadly, more quickly, and with more impact than ever before.  OSU is one of two Land Grant, Sea Grant, Sun Grant and Space Grant universities nationally, and has the expertise and interdisciplinary connections to integrate groundbreaking science into emerging policies, practices and understandings of the world that will impact and influence the course of Oregon, national, and international decisions. The OSU Online MPP is uniquely positioned through working relationships among scientists across the university to fulfill this challenge in many fields and disciplines.

MPP Mission

MPP Program faculty and students engage in innovative research, on all aspects of public policy, that supports ethical and equitable policy decisions at all levels of government, from the local to the global.

Upon successful completion of the MPP program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
    • Conduct original policy research that extends the knowledge of policy or related social science disciplines.
    • Practice policy development, analysis and implementation.
  • Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
    • Develop substantive knowledge in an area of concentration that allows for immediate immersion in a relevant policy arena.
    • Design and present in both formal and informal venues with students, practitioners, and community members.
  • Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.
    • Conduct scholarly or professional activities in public policy research, teaching, and service in an ethical manner.
    • Develop a public service ethic resulting in student understanding of the significance of working collectively, in collaboration with the public and prioritizing the desires of citizens, communities, and society at large.
    • Communicate to stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and address policy fields that are relevant to a variety of different populations.