About the JU Public Policy Institute

The JU Public Policy Institute (JU PPI or Institute) is the first Institute of its kind in Florida and seeks to prepare future leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors, better educate mid-career professionals, and solve community problems through public policy expertise, collaboration among policymakers and academics, and public discussion on policy issues that shape the future of Florida and the nation.

 

The heart of the JU Public Policy Institute is its two-year Master in Public Policy (MPP) Program. This is the first MPP Program in the state of Florida and classes begin in the Fall of 2013. In addition, the Institute has established the first Master in Public Policy dual degree programs in the state. This includes the Master in Public Policy-Juris Doctor (MPP-JD), Master in Public Policy-Master of Business Administration (MPP-MBA) and Master of Public Policy-Marine Science (MPP-MS) joint degree programs.  Classes begin in the Fall of 2013.

The Institute has developed an extensive network of community partners to support JU MPP students and the JU PPI public policy program. The 23 member, nonpartisan JU PPI Board of Advisors is a diverse cross section of some of Florida’s most respected and successful business, civic, and community leaders. In addition, a network of private, public and non-profit organizations, including the Florida Governor’s Office, Congressional Offices, CSX Corporation, public transportation (JTA), utilities (JEA), and international trade (JPA) authorities, the Community Foundation and other agencies have joined the JU PPI Internship Program and will host internships for JU MPP students.

The Institute’s public policy program is focused on students, mid-career professionals and the community. It includes the following:

The JU MPP degree is a two-year program that emphasizes interdisciplinary study and the development of core skills in policy analysis, quantitative methods, management and leadership. Along with a summer internship, capstone policy project and elective courses, students are prepared for diverse leadership and career opportunities, including local, state and federal government, public office, consulting firms, corporate government affairs departments, think tanks, non-profit organizations, and any agency, company or organization that requires public policy knowledge, experience and analysis.

MPP graduates work in the public, non-profit and private sectors and play an important role in shaping the future of the communities in which they live. 

JU PPI also offers a Master in Public Policy-Juris Doctor (MPP-JD) joint degree program (LINK), Master in Public Policy-Master of Business Administration (MPP-MBA) joint degree program (LINK), and Master in Public Policy-Marine Science (MPP-MS) joint degree program (LINK). Classes begin in the Fall of 2013. 

For the MPP-JD joint degree, JU PPI is working with the Florida Coastal School of Law (FCSL). Joint MPP-JD degrees can be obtained in four years, instead of five years if pursued separately. JU PPI, and Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Marine Science Research Institute, also offer a unique opportunity for joint MPP-MBA degrees, or joint MPP and Marine Science MS/MA degrees. These dual degrees can be obtained in three years, instead of four years if pursued separately.

For those already in the work force, JU PPI will be offering executive courses, training programs and a certificate program in public policy. The certificate in public policy can provide invaluable education and training for mid-career professionals, elected officials and others in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

JU PPI, through its faculty, graduate students, board of advisors and community partners, seeks to solve community problems and help shape public policy for the state and the nation. As part of its public policy program, JU PPI will provide policy conferences, forums and speakers and bring together policymakers, academics and the public. Some policy conferences may focus on diverse policy issues, while others may focus on a specific public policy issue. Regardless, the conferences will be open to the public and seek to provide collaboration, a neutral gathering place and substantive public policy expertise, education and discussion.