The MPP program places a focus on the systematic analysis of issues related to public policy and the decision processes associated with them.
In recognition of the overlapping coursework and subject matter, some universities have begun offering a combined MPAP or MPPA degree, master of public administration and policy or master of public policy and administration.
[2][3] Several institutions use "public policy" as an umbrella term, which may house several programs such as an MPA and degrees related to highly specific areas focusing on fields such as survey research or nonprofit studies.
Significant differences between the two degrees: Over the years MPP programs have become more interdisciplinary drawing from economics, sociology, anthropology, politics, and regional planning.
In general, a core curriculum of an MPP program includes courses on microeconomics, public finance, research methods, statistics and advanced data analysis, qualitative research, population methods, politics of policy process, policy analysis, ethics, public management, urban policy and GIS, program evaluation, and more.