Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE) | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE)

An Overview

Each year, all first-year master's students participate in a three-day simulation known as the Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE), a highly interactive that allows students to immerse themselves in a timely policy issue, demonstrating their understanding of the policy-making process while interacting with real policy experts under "real-world" time constraints and pressures. The annual IPE alternates between issues of domestic and international significance.

The faculty leader of the Integrated Policy Exercise divides students into teams representing different constituencies with an interest in the problem at hand. Working in small groups, each student team is tasked with representing a particular viewpoint, such as a lobbying organization, an elected politician, a professional organization, or an advocacy group. In consultation with real-world experts on the topic, groups spend the week developing policy positions and political strategies to achieve their clients' objectives. The week culminates in a simulated negotiation process involving all groups, with feedback from outside experts.

Previous Topics

To get a sense of the range of topics covered and how the Integrated Policy Exercise works, please visit the links below:

Graduation Requirements

The IPE is a one-credit course required for all master's students.

  • All first-year MPP students are required to register for and participate in all scheduled activities of PubPol 638: The Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE).
  • Second-year students are encouraged to register for and participate in the Integrated Policy Exercise for a second time. Because the topic alternates each year, students can earn degree credit for the IPE multiple times. 
  • Dual-degree students are required to participate in two Integrated Policy Exercises, or in one Integrated Policy Exercise and one Project Skills Workshop.

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