The UMBC School of Public Policy includes the master of public policy (MPP) and PhD degree programs, and the Maryland Institute for Public Policy and Analysis Research (MIPAR). Established after four decades of sustained growth, the School consists of nine full-time faculty, more than 30 affiliated faculty from the departments of economics, sociology, political science, and policy analysis. MIPAR, with $23 million in active research grants, links the analytical resources of the University with policymakers in the state and region, conducting opinion research, policy analyses, and program evaluations on a variety of topics. MIPAR activities are supported by federal, state, and local governmental agencies, foundations, and corporations.