Master of Arts in Public Policy is a 36-credit program, consisting of five compulsory courses with urban, climate, food, digital and wellbeing policy and governance in focus. The program is structured to be completed within 1 year, with additional one year grace period. Courseworks and academic activities provide training in critical thinking, design thinking, complexity thinking, and futures thinking in public policy analysis.
Master in Public Policy
A world class graduate degree in public policy
MA Course Structure
Independent Study Track (Plan 3 Profession Type )
Coursework
5 Compulsory courses (15 credits)
- Public Policy and Governance
- Economics for Policy Analysis
- Research Methodology for Public Policy
- Data Analytics for Public Policy
- Narrative Policy Analysis
5 Elective courses choosing from 4 tracks (15 credits)
- Urban Policy Track
- Environmental, Energy, Food and Climate Policy Track
- Digital and Governance Policy Track
- General Track
Total : Coursework (30 credits)
Independent Study / Thesis
Independent Study (6 credits)
Total credits
36 credits
Thesis Track
5 Compulsory courses (15 credits)
- Public Policy and Governance
- Economics for Policy Analysis
- Research Methodology for Public Policy
- Data Analytics for Public Policy
- Narrative Policy Analysis
3 Elective courses choosing from 4 tracks (9 credits)
- Urban Policy Track
- Environmental, Energy, Food and Climate Policy Track
- Digital and Governance Policy Track
- General Track
Total : Coursework (24 credits)
Thesis (12 credits)
36 credits
The School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University (SPP-CMU), and the Department of Political Science, Northern Illinois University (NIU), USA, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 30, 2019. The MOA aims to exchange students, faculty, and experts to facilitate fair operations and promote educational activities and collaborative research with educational institutions abroad. Both parties have agreed to jointly develop a Double Degree Program to promote academic and research cooperation between SPP-CMU and NIU.
This agreement establishes an academic structure for collaboration, allowing SPP-CMU students to earn two Master of Arts (MA) degrees in two years. In the first year, students complete the MA requirements at Chiang Mai University within a 12-month program. Subsequently, their coursework will be transferred as 18 credits from CMU to NIU toward an MA in Political Science, which typically takes two years and requires 36 credit hours. As a result, with the 18 credits transferred from CMU, participating students effectively complete the first year of the NIU program and only need an additional 18 credits at NIU, achievable in one year. Upon successful completion of the program and degree requirements after two years, students earn an MA degree in Public Policy from SPP-CMU and an MA degree in Political Science from NIU.
Consequently, collaboration with Department of Political Science, NIU equips graduates with in-depth knowledge of governance systems and political science research methodologies, particularly in comparative politics. Students will study public policy theory and produce a policy brief at Chiang Mai University before delving into political science theory and completing a thesis at NIU.
Year 1 at CMU
5 Compulsory courses (15 credits)
- 950701 Public Policy and Governance
- 950702 Economics for Policy Analysis
- 950703 Research Methodology for Public Policy
- 950704 Data Analytics for Public Policy
- 950705 Narrative Policy Analysis
1 Elective course (3 credits)
4 Elective courses (12 credits)
1 Independent Study (6 credits)
Total: 36 credits
Year 2 at NIU
6 Graduate Level Electives
(18 Credits are transferred from CMU)
- Usually, students are free to choose any electives offered at NIU
5 Compulsory courses (15 credits)
- POLS 602 Scope and History of Political Science
- POLS 603 Research Design in Political Science
- POLS 641 Introductory Analysis of Political Data
- POLS 690 Independent Study, Developing a Thesis
- POLS 699 Master’s Thesis
1 Graduate Level Elective (3 credits)
Total: 36 credits
Year 1
Applicants must apply for admission as students of Chiang Mai University to obtain the first degree under the Master of Arts in Public Policy (International Program) Plan 3 (Professional Track). They can express their intention to participate in this Double Degree Program before traveling to study at Northern Illinois University.
The qualifications required are as follows:
- Comply with the announcement of Chiang Mai University regarding student admissions for each academic year.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a university or educational institution in Thailand or abroad.
- Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in public policy until the application date.
- Have an English language test score that is valid for up to 2 years from the test date, with minimum scores as follows:
- TOEFL-iBT 80
- IELTS 6.5
- Other qualifications beyond these criteria will be at the discretion of the SPP Selection Committee.
Year 2
After completing the first-degree Master of Arts (Public Policy) at Chiang Mai University, applicants must apply for admission as students of Northern Illinois University in the Master of Arts (Political Science) program to obtain the second degree. The qualifications required are as follows (as stated in the MOA):
- Attain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 for the first degree from Chiang Mai University or a GPA of at least 3.00 for 6 courses (18 credits) to be transferred to NIU.
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Proof of English Proficiency
In addition to entrance scores required by your intended program, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score unless you completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or higher degree from an institution in one of these countries (listed). When preparing your score report for upload, be sure that your name and all scores are legible.
For graduate admission purposes, NIU requires one of the following:
- 80 (TOEFL)
- 6.5 (IELTS)
- 53 (PTE Academic)
- 115 (Duolingo)
If you’re admitted, you must have your test score sent to NIU from the testing center. When having your scores sent, use institution code 1559. NIU does not require department codes; neither does the NIU Testing Center. For your Duolingo test score, you will be able to send it through the Duolingo website directly. There is no separate testing center.
- Provide proof of financial status or scholarship acceptance.
- Apply within the application period specified by NIU and the Department of Political Science.
Selection Process for the Double Degree Program:
Applicants must apply for admission as students of Chiang Mai University to obtain the first degree under the Master of Arts program in Public Policy (International Program) Plan 3 (Professional Track). For those who want to apply for the double degree, they can express their intention to participate in this Double Degree Program before traveling to study at Northern Illinois University (notification can be made from the beginning or during their studies at CMU).
The Selection Committee of the School of Public Policy will evaluate qualifications according to the criteria and conduct interviews.
Admission : Click
950701 : Public Policy and Governance
Introduction to public policy and governance, Different approaches in understanding public policy: Stages approach, Institutional approach, Group and networks approach, Exogenous approach, Rational actors’ approach, Ideas-based approach, and Synthetic approach, Basic tools for policy development, Design thinking tools for policy development, Future thinking tools for policy development, Critical thinking tools for policy development, Governance in practice
950702 : Economics for Policy Analysis
Introduction to Economics and Public Policy, Development Economics and growth policy, Behavioral Economics for public policy, Economics of governance, Fiscal and monetary policy, Economic recession and financial crisis, Project feasibility and project evaluation, Economic impact assessment
950703 : Research Methodology for Public Policy
Nature of policy knowledge, Ontological and epistemological foundations of policy research, Research strategy, Research design, Research questions and purposes formulation, Theoretical conceptualization, Development of arguments, assumptions or hypothesis, Analytical framework, Methodology, Research tools and quality justification, Research ethics
950704 : Data Analytics for Public Policy
Introduction to data analytics for public policy, data for decision making, quantitative analysis, data management, big data for policy analysis, policy evaluation through data, platform analytics
950705 : Narrative Policy Analysis
Introduction to policy narratives, Interpretation in policy analysis, Narrative policy analyst as interpretive mediator, critical friend and deliberative facilitator, Number, shared meaning, better argument, and collective reason as grand narratives, Expert narrative, Politically-sensitive narrative, Normative narrative, Emotional narrative, Critical perspectives for narrative debates in policy analysis, Deliberative process for narrative exchanges in policy analysis
Admission Required Documents
- Letter of Intent/ motivation letter stating the type of policy interest
- CMU-SPP Master Program Application Form
- Curriculum vitae
- One copy of official Bachelor’s Degree certificate and transcript
- Certified proficiency in English, awarded within the last 2 years: choices are between TOEFL (523 points paper-based; 193 computer-based; 69 iBT) or IELTS (score 5.5) and CMU-eTEGS (score 65).
*This is not necessary for native English speakers or students who have had English as language of instruction at the university they previously studied at (certified by the university). - Two letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your academic and/or professional background.
- One copy of Thai National ID or Passport
- Test results such as GRE, GMAT, list of publications (optional)
Urban policy track
950712 : Urban Planning and Design for Policy Makers
Introduction to urban planning and design, and planner and designer roles, Definitions of city, Human settlements, Urban origins, Urban evolution, Urban culture and society, Urban quality of life in urban design, Public space and public life, Cities in the global context, Global cities, Global economy and localism, History of planning, Models of planning, Types and styles of planning, Conflict of interest, priorities, and debates in planning, Planning process, Levels of planning and locational theory, Planning into practice and implementation
950713 : Urban Habitation and Housing Policy
Housing Definition, its role and stakeholders, Housing as driver of urbanization and shaper of neighborhood, Slum and intervention into housing, Housing and discrimination, Trends shaping housing, planning and policy interventions: community land trust, inclusionary zoning, creating diverse communities, and new urbanism, Demographic shifts, mismatches housing supply, deficient resources, and climate change
950714 : Sustainable Urban Governance
Course introduction to sustainable urban governance, Project and process for urban development in theory and practices, Concept and practices of sustainable urban development, Different indicators of urban sustainability, Forms of stakeholder collaboration in urban development, Contemporary debates in sustainable urban governance
950717 : Cities Sports and Tourism
City and the world today, City life, Traveling and mobilities, The city as a special place, Sports and urban life, Sports, public place, and city revitalization, Arts in the city, Museum and tourism, Neighborhoods, communities, and suburbanization, City dwellers, travelers, and the tourists in a global city, Sports, tourism and city development in the global age
Environmental, Energy, and Climate Policy Track
950706 : Global Environmental Issues and the Anthropocene: Concepts, Theories, and Approaches
Classical and contemporary concepts and debates in environmental and Anthropocene studies, case studies on challenges in biodiversity, geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere in the Anthropocene era, reflection on knowledge, ethics, institutions, and art in the Anthropocene era, living with environmental changes in the past, present, and future
950707 : Policy Design for Just Sustainable Climate Action
Democratic climate policy design, deliberative and participatory process, bottom-up climate change policy, case study on just and sustainable climate policy design, multi-level governance and climate change, case study on multi-level governance and climate change, building networks and collaboration for climate policy advocacy, workshop on co-creating just and sustainable climate policy
950718 : Inner Development and Eco-spiritual Awareness for Sustainable Climate Action
Inner dimension development tools, experiences connecting with nature, evidence of earth and environmental evolution, relationship between deep ecology and spirituality, inner self from the perspective of quantum physics, nature’s wisdom, applying skills and knowledge to drive environmental policy, inner world development and awakening, connecting with oneself, others, and nature
950719 : Traditional Knowledge and Environmental Governance
Introduction to environmental cosmology, kinship and ethics concepts, case studies on traditional knowledge and environmental management, impacts on agriculture and food security, impacts on health, impacts on migration, impacts on disaster response, impacts on social and environmental changes, and impacts on community conflicts and security, decolonization and co-production of knowledge, traditional knowledge and science for governance, fieldwork in ethnic communities in Northern Thailand
950720 : Global Politics and Planetary Boundaries in Climate Change
Rationale behind the emergence of the Anthropocene era, implications of the Anthropocene and climate change, fundamentals of climate science and planetary boundary, explaining climate change from social science perspective, concepts, theories, and approaches in environmental politics and governance, establishment of international organizations for climate governance, global climate agreements and commitments to greenhouse gas reduction, climate adaptation, global environmental politics between the global north and global south, connection between climate change and multidimensional security issues
950721 : Environment Policy and Governance
Introduction to Environmental Politics and Policy, History of Global Environmental Change, Environmental Impact of human Activity, Seminar on Global Environmental Change and Case study, Institutional Setting of Environmental Policy, Air Pollution and Policy, Water Pollution and Policy, Ground Pollution and Policy, Biodiversity and Forest Conservation, Seminar on Pollution Control and Environmental Conservation, Environmental Law and Institution, Environmental Economic Tools, Environmental Risk Assessment, Comparing Environment Policymaking around the World, Energy and Environment
950722 : Global Climate Policy and Governance
Introduction to Climate Change and Its Relationship with Science and Society, The Emergence and Politicization of Climate Science, Institutionalisation and Governance of Climate, Economic and Development Challenges of Climate Change, Lay worldviews, perceptions and knowledges of Climate Change, Media Reporting of Climate Change, The Future Roles of Climate Experts, Institutions and the Public
950724 : Energy Policy and Governance
Introduction Energy system and development, Imbalance resource allocation, Energy supply, Energy demand, Energy markets, Securing energy system and policy measures, Policy and planning of energy efficiency and conservation, Assessing energy policy
950726 : Risk and Disaster Governance
Investigation on definition, Types and causes of risks, Impacts of risks and disasters on multi-dimensions of security, Human security, National security, International security, Ecological security, Types of disasters, Causes from natural factors, Unsustainable development, Preparedness and prevention plan, Recovery plans, Key actors and stakeholders, Budget allocation, Governmental structure, Public-private-partnership in risks and disaster governance
950727 : Food Policy and Governance
Global food regime, Food supply chains, Food-water-energy nexus, Food efficiency, Food security, Food sovereignty and right to food, Food democracy and food freedom, Fair food chains and food justice, Food miles and ecological footprint, Food and rural-urban relations, Local food systems, Urban agriculture, Food innovation, Food and bio-circular-green economy, Smart-sustainable food policy and governance
950728 : Climate Change and Justice
Conflicts in climate governance, justice and human rights in climate governance, development and deconstruction of colonial knowledge in the context of climate change, critique of carbon emission reduction policies, coal phase-out and transition to clean energy, climate adaptation measures for loss and damage, ethnic and gender perspectives in climate governance, climate change negotiations, global climate policy formulation
950729 : Gender-Responsive Climate Policy and Governance
Gender and environmental justice, climate change and public policy in Southeast Asia, relationship between gender and environmental inequality, lifestyles, experiences, and knowledge of different genders in agriculture and food security, forests, and REDD+, energy and industrial transitions, water resource security, disasters and urban life, gender-sensitive adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation policy design, empowering women through education, citizen science, and decision-making processes
950730 : Multi-Level Governance and Climate Policy Advocacy
Key concepts of multi-level governance, role of the state in addressing climate change, unitary and federal governance, power distribution between central and local governments in Southeast Asia, concepts of centralization, decentralization, and devolution, advantages and disadvantages of power-sharing in climate governance, public-private-citizen collaboration at the urban level, integrating
multi-stakeholder cooperation to address climate change challenges
950730 : Multi-Level Governance and Climate Policy Advocacy
Key concepts of multi-level governance, role of the state in addressing climate change, unitary and federal governance, power distribution between central and local governments in Southeast Asia, concepts of centralization, decentralization, and devolution, advantages and disadvantages of power-sharing in climate governance, public-private-citizen collaboration at the urban level, integrating
multi-stakeholder cooperation to address climate change challenges
950745 : Finance and Investment for Climate Sustainability
Environmental entrepreneurship, finance for climate change solutions, promoting sustainable consumption and production, environmental business projects, tools and knowledge for starting and sustaining eco-friendly businesses, design for human well-being, effective business operations management, fundraising and green marketing strategies
950746 : Climate Change and Displacement
Relationship between climate change, and management, and migration in Southeast Asia, social, economic, political, and environmental impacts of extreme weather events, analysis of migration trends influenced by multiple factors, policies for assisting displaced persons and cross-border refugees, land allocation and provision of housing, disaster preparedness policies emphasizing public participation, addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups, proposing sustainable and inclusive solutions for displaced communities and those at risk of climate impacts
Digital and Governance Policy Track
950732 : Digital Society and Governance
Overview of digital society, Internet of things in the networked world, Roles of big data in society, Smart city development, Privacy and digital society, Theorising digital society, Current issues and trends of digital society, Case studies of digital society practices
950733 : Intellectual Property Policy and Governance
Creations of Intellectual Properties, Acquisition of Intellectual Properties, Modern Intellectual Property Rights– Copyright and Related Rights, Patents, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Geographical Indications, Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Variety Protection, Traditional Intellectual Property Rights – Traditional Knowledge, Folklore, Biological Diversity, Planning for Intellectual Property Rights, Misuse of Intellectual Property Rights, Monopolization using Intellectual Property Rights, Dispute Resolutions and Litigations of Intellectual Property Rights, Intellectual Properties and International Trades
Other Elective Courses
950742 : Gender and Public Policy
From women to gender: development of the gender and development studies, Sex, Gender, Gender’s role, and gender equality, Theoretical perspectives of gender and development, The United Nations’ policy on gender equality (the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Sustainable Development Goals), Education policy, Health/maternal health policy, Work policy, Legal and civil rights, Property rights, Society and culture, state mechanism for promoting women’s rights
950743 : Integrated Impact Assessment
Background, concept, law, policy and the steps of environment impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessment (SIA), health impact assessment (HIA), and emotional impact assessment, Screening, Scoping, Impact analysis, Mitigation, Impact management, Reporting, Evaluation, Decision making, Case study, Integration between EIA, SIA, HIA and EIA
950789 : Selected Topic in Public Policy
Contemporary topic selection based on emerging debates and current controversies in relation to public policy, Case-based learning on the selected topic, The analysis of the complexity of the topic, Critical assessment of real-world policy and governance in the selected topic, Policy analysis and design for the better development in that particular topic towards just sustainable futures
950798 : Independent Study
950799 : Master's Thesis
