At UCF, public policy is a tool for change. Based at UCF Downtown, our programs place you steps from the government offices, nonprofits and think tanks influencing today’s biggest decisions. Whether you’re drawn to environmental policy, public health, or transportation planning, you’ll gain the research, analysis, and leadership skills to craft smart, evidence-based solutions.
Through real-world capstone projects, mentorship from expert faculty, and a curriculum grounded in data and community impact, you’ll be ready to lead at every stage of the policy process — from development to evaluation. With flexible course options and certificates or a master’s degree to choose from, UCF’s Public Policy programs prepare you for a career in government, nonprofits, or advanced research.
Your work can shape what tomorrow looks like. Let’s get started.
The only Master’s in Public Policy in Florida’s State University System
Mixed Mode Courses with 100% of In-Person Classes Held at UCF Downtown
National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) Fellows on Faculty
Degree Programs
Discover UCF’s dynamic public policy programs, designed to ignite your passion for shaping smarter cities and solving today’s biggest policy challenges.
Choose from the Master of Public Policy (MPP), the Cross-Sectoral Leadership Undergraduate Certificate, or the Public Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate — all with flexible options to match your schedule, whether you’re online, in person or somewhere in between.
Located at UCF Downtown, these programs connect you with government, nonprofit and industry leaders to build cutting-edge skills to tackle complex societal challenges. From crafting evidence-based policies to driving cross-sector collaboration, you’ll graduate ready to make a lasting impact in roles like policy analyst or economic development specialist.
Undergraduate Degrees
Cross-Sectoral Leadership, Undergraduate Certificate
Graduate Degrees
Public Policy, MPP
Public Policy Analysis, Graduate Certificate
Student Experience
At UCF, your public policy education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Based at UCF Downtown, our programs plug you directly into Orlando’s civic and nonprofit scene—just steps from where decisions are made and change takes shape.
You’ll connect with local leaders, attend community events, and build your network through speaker panels, public service celebrations like the Urban and Regional Planning Lecture Series and Public Service Recognition Week. You’ll hear from inspiring leaders — like the producer of The LA Interchange, who shared firsthand insights on advocacy and using policy to drive change — through unique opportunities woven throughout the program.
Capstone projects let you dive into real policy challenges alongside community partners, while nonprofit collaborations and school-wide initiatives add even more ways to get involved and build experience. Whether you're exploring careers, growing your professional circle or finding your voice in policy conversations, UCF gives you the space—and the city—to do it all.
“UCF has allowed me to step beyond the classroom and partner with local non-profit organizations, gaining real world experience by helping to solve contemporary issues and practice policy analysis in a meaningful way.”
Nelson Alexander Medina ’19
Current MPP Student (expected graduation, Spring 2026)
Research and Partnerships
From shaping policy to strengthening communities, our research and partnerships bring learning to life. At UCF’s School of Public Administration, you’ll collaborate with expert faculty and local leaders to make a real impact in Central Florida and beyond.
Research
UCF’s Public Policy programs connect you with nationally recognized faculty who are leading research in energy resilience to housing access and urban mobility. As a master’s student, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate on research that’s shaping real policy conversations and solutions.
Learn from leaders like Assistant Professor Kelly Stevens, whose work at the intersection of energy policy and emergency management includes innovative projects like the Mobile Resilience Hub. Professor Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, a renowned expert in emergency management and human trafficking policy, mentors students with a personal touch. Faculty like Assistant Professor Andrew Sullivan and Assistant Professor Xi Huang research housing and homelessness, while Pegasus Professor Naim Kapucu specializes in network governance, helping you learn to collaborate across sectors. Pegasus Professor Thomas Bryer’s focus on community-driven strategies and Associate Professor Chia-Yuan Yu’s research on transportation and urban walkability deepen your understanding of public policy’s real-world impact.. Whether you’re interested in transp/person/thomas-bryer/ortation access, nonprofit strategy, or cross-sector collaboration, our faculty brings research to life and invites you to be part of it.
You’ll gain experience presenting at conferences, co-authoring publications and building the kind of research portfolio that sets you apart for policy careers or doctoral programs.
Interested in getting involved? Connect with your professors to explore research opportunities that match your interests.
Partnerships
We believe strong policy starts with strong partnerships. Located at UCF Downtown, steps from City Hall, nonprofits, and major agencies, we collaborate closely with local governments and community organizations to shape a curriculum that prepares our students to be effective policy leaders in the real world.
For students, these partnerships create powerful opportunities to apply classroom learning through internships, research projects and community engagement. From working alongside the Orlando Economic Partnership to supporting policy initiatives in Orange County and the City of Orlando, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for leadership roles.
For veterans, the Service to Service initiative can help you utilize your GI Bill to continue your public service in a fresh, new way.
For partners, our program offers access to faculty expertise, talented students and fresh ideas to tackle today’s policy challenges. Together, we co-create solutions that drive positive change across Central Florida and beyond.
Interested in working with us? Let’s build something impactful — together.
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