The master of public policy (M.P.P.) degree is a two-year program designed to fill the need for highly trained individuals to work on complex public policy problems in public and private sector organizations. The degree requires 45 credits for successful completion. A required core, which consists of course work in the policy process, research methods, and economics, as well as an applied field experience (internship) and a policy research seminar, accounts for 27 credits. An M.P.P. student would complete the remaining 18 credits with electives. As part of the elective selections, an M.P.P. student must choose 9 credits, or three courses, from an approved concentration in a substantive policy area. The M.P.P. is normally for full-time students who are directly from their undergraduate experience or who have up to a few years of work experience.