Penn State undergraduates interested in policy advocacy, design and implementation have the opportunity to apply to the Penn State Master of Public Policy program up to a year early and complete the undergraduate degree and master’s degree together in a compressed time frame. Currently, the integrated undergraduate-graduate degree (IUG) is available with the following six degrees: 

• African American Studies B.A. 
• Criminology B.S. 
• Communication Arts and Sciences B.S./B.A. 
• Health Policy and Administration B.S. 
• Political Science B.A. 
• Sociology B.S. 

What is an integrated undergraduate-graduate degree? 

An integrated undergraduate-graduate (IUG) degree provides an opportunity for academically strong students to complete a bachelor of arts or sciences in their preferred field and a master’s degree in Public Policy in approximately five years of study. 

How does the IUG prepare me for the job market? 

The IUG curriculum provides students the opportunity to integrate strong critical thinking skills, in-depth substantive knowledge in the student’s policy specialization, and state-of-the-art public policy knowledge that will place them at a competitive advantage for jobs and additional graduate-level study. 

Does the IUG increase earning potential for graduates? 

Employers highly value a Master of Public Policy degree. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, MPP graduates earn an average of $19,000 more than their counterparts with bachelor’s degrees. Prodigy Finance reports that MPP grads can expect a 31 percent increase in salary.  

What is the admissions process? 

Admission to the IUG is based on good progress in the student’s undergraduate studies, faculty recommendations from the home department, GPA, and a two-page statement of purpose. Students must also apply to, and be accepted into, the Graduate School at Penn State. Internal IUG students are NOT required to take the GRE. For further information about the admissions process for the IUG, please consult our IUG admissions page. 

Want to know more about the IUG programs? Email us!