Students in the M.P.P. program are required to take Applied Field Experience (34:833:673) typically in the summer between their first and second years in the program. Students work in a public policy position for at least 300 hours during the summer and engage in a writing project under the supervision of their adviser and with approval of the program director. Students register for the credits during the fall or spring academic semesters, not to exceed 12 credits registration in any one semester.

With the permission of the program director, students may take 34:833:671 Internship in Public Policy for credit toward either the master of public affairs and politics (M.P.A.P.) or, in very limited cases, the master of public policy (M.P.P.) degree. Students taking the internship usually work for eight-to-10 hours per week in a policy or public affairs position, and a faculty member supervises a writing project that integrates their work experience with an academic perspective.

Exceptional students may engage in a Directed Study in Public Policy (34:833:670), through which they can pursue their own research interests. Such students must make arrangements for supervision by a member of the faculty and for permission by the program director.