Who Should Apply

You are probably here because you believe things can be better; safer, more equitable, more prosperous for everyone. The UNM Master of Public Policy gives you the skills, the tools, and the training to turn that belief into action.

And there's no better place to do that work than New Mexico — one of the most dynamic policy laboratories in the country, where bold ideas about water, education, tribal governance, and economic development are being tested right now. The MPP puts you in the middle of it.

What We Look For

We are looking for students who bring intellectual curiosity, a passion for problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to public service. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds — political science, economics, sociology, public health, education, social work, and beyond. What they share is a desire to do something real with their skills. Not just to study policy, but to shape it.

Quantitative skills matter in this program, and we will help you build them. But analytical rigor alone doesn't make a great policy professional. Our students also need to work effectively with communities, navigate complex organizations, and communicate findings clearly to decision-makers and the public. If that kind of work excites you, you'll fit in here.

A Place Worth Coming To

The MPP is rooted in New Mexico — and that's not incidental to what we do. Albuquerque is a city grappling with real policy challenges in real time: housing, water, economic development, education, public health, and tribal governance. Our students don't study these issues from a distance. They work on them directly, with community partners, government agencies, and organizations doing the hard work of making New Mexico better.

UNM is also a Hispanic-Serving Institution and one of the most diverse research universities in the country. Members of underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply — your perspective and lived experience are not just welcome here, they make the program stronger.

Learn more about the University of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque and why they could be a great fit for you and your goals.