Online Master's in Public Policy (MPP): Finding Your Program

Explore Online MPP Degrees

An online master’s in public policy provides an analytical approach to public policy. The major focus of MPP coursework is public and political theory and analysis, research methods and design, ethics, and effective communication, management, and leadership.

Online MPP programs typically offer didactic coursework virtually and, except for an in-person internship requirement, many can be completed 100% online. Additionally, most MPP students complete their degree with a thesis, capstone project, or publishable essay. Other programs have some optional in-person components, such as a study abroad experience or an on-campus public policy lab or think tank.

Online Public Policy Master’s FAQs

How long does it take to complete a master’s degree in public policy online?

The major benefit of an online MPP degree is flexibility and generous program completion times. Colleges and universities understand the need to provide MPP students, most of whom are working professionals, with ample completion time for degree requirements. Some online MPP programs can be completed in as little as one year of accelerated, full-time study. Program length requirements vary from program to program, so be sure you understand the time limits for a program before you sign up.

How much does an online master’s degree in public policy cost?

Cost is bound to be a major consideration when selecting your online program. Program tuition can vary widely based on your total credits, whether a school is public or private, and your residency status in some cases. Remember your total will be higher due to additional program fees, costs of books and supplies, and other charges. Financial aid for public service degree programs is available through federal and state sources, grants, fellowships, and loans.

What are the admissions requirements for online master’s public policy degrees?

Requirements for admissions to online MPP programs vary, so review each program’s requirements carefully to make sure you qualify. Most have admissions requirements like:

• Previously earned degree: All MPP programs require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an international equivalent degree. In most cases, the major subject will not matter. However, programs accepting applicants with degrees in non-public policy majors may require previous work experience in public policy or another social science-related field.
• GPA: Most programs require that previous coursework be completed with a minimum cumulative GPA. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is common.
• GRE scores: Most online MPP programs do not require GRE test scores but may consider them in their competitive admissions selection process.
• Previous work experience: A current resume or CV is typically requested. Some programs require a minimum number of years of relevant work experience. Others do not but instead consider previous work experience.
• Additional requirements: Other common requirements include transcripts of previous college coursework, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and personal statements describing academic and career goals.

What’s the difference between an MPP and MPA degree?

A degree closely related to the MPP is the Master of Public Administration (MPA). The MPA prepares individuals for careers as administrative and management professionals within public service agencies and nonprofit organizations. The MPP, on the other hand, focuses on conducting research and creating public policy programs used by those agencies and organizations. There is often substantial overlap in the course offerings in MPP and MPA curricula, and many online MPP programs include a public administration concentration or specialization option.

Is a master’s in public policy worth it?

Whether or not an MPP degree is worth your time and money depends on your personal and professional goals. Some people view public service very seriously, even as a calling. If you’re one of those people, earning an MPP may certainly be worth it, particularly if you’re already employed in the public service field and want to advance in your agency or organization. An MPP degree may also be worth it if you’re currently employed in another field or economic sector and intend to move into public service.

Public Policy Master’s Concentrations

Public policy is a wide field and while a master’s provides a good understanding of the industry at large, it’s hard to become an expert in every part of public policy in two years. As a result, many programs ask students to select a concentration. Your concentration tailors your MPP studies to a particular area of interest and provides the opportunity to set yourself apart from your competitors in the job market.

Public Health

If interested in understanding how public policy shapes health, a concentration in public health could be a fit. This concentration is designed for those seeking professional careers dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people within the local community to global population levels. Subjects include healthcare systems and organizational leadership, health politics and policy analysis, occupational health, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, fundraising and grant writing, and public health law and ethics.

Public Administration

The public administration concentration is designed for students intending careers as administrators and managers within federal, state, and local governments. Some also work in administrative roles for non-governmental organizations and nonprofits while others act as a liaison between governmental bodies and the private sector. Topics include political theory and practice, public policy analysis, community development, governmental finance, collaborative governance, and human resource management. Liberty University offers an online master’s with this specialization that covers many of these course topics and allows students to complete a thesis project.

Data Analytics

Data is at the heart of many public policy decisions. This concentration is intended for individuals with an interest in the application of data analytical systems and statistics public policy research. Students learn to employ complex computational and statistical methods in public policy decision-making resulting in improvements to public services including public health, law enforcement, transportation, and infrastructure.

Environmental Policy

Students in the environmental policy concentration receive an overview of major U.S. environmental law and international policy followed by a detailed exploration of several relevant sub-topics, including natural resource and habitat protection, ocean policy and law, and air quality protection. After graduating, these individuals can work for the federal government, state governments, local governments, or nonprofits.

Global Policy

For students interested in international careers, this concentration addresses several key global policy issues, including international monetary policy and banking, global trade, development, global health policy, the environment, and international policing and state-building. Students learn to apply their knowledge and skills to connect governments, non-governmental organizations, and private industry to meet critical global challenges. Many programs offering this specialty, including Johns Hopkins University, also offer a study abroad option, since learning and being in a different culture greatly benefit global and international policy students.

Online MPP Program Curriculum

In a master’s in public policy program, you’ll enroll in electives and core courses. Fundamental course titles vary among programs, but the subject matter covered is similar in terms of core coursework. The five courses below are commonly seen in this master’s program type and are usually completed in an online or hybrid format.

Leadership and Ethics

This course examines leadership and ethics in public service through course readings, online discussions, team presentations, and individual assessment exercises. Upon completion, students can identify, describe, and evaluate key theoretical perspectives, models, and styles relevant to public service leadership and ethical practice. Students demonstrate skills through application within a series of case studies.

Microeconomics

Students in this course are taught the fundamentals of microeconomic theory and its application in public policy research and practice. Topics include demand theory and consumer choice; production, supply, and cost functions; resource allocation; income distribution; perfect and imperfect competitive markets; subsidies, taxes, and price controls; and welfare economics.

Public Policy Analysis

A comprehensive survey of program evaluation and analysis methodologies employed in public policy administration and research is the focus of this course. Learning outcomes include the ability to evaluate ideas that inform and affect public policy and policy analysis and improved skills for qualitative and quantitative evaluation design, logic methods, and decision and cost-benefit analysis.

Research Methods

Research methods is a foundational course offering a review of research principles and design as well as the qualitative and quantitative methodologies employed in public policy research. Content includes research design and program implementation, statistical testing and data analysis, techniques and sources for internet research, and skills for report writing and presentation.

Statistics

Statistics play a key role in public policy-related research used in the development of important policy programs and positions. This course surveys the range of quantitative methodologies employed in statistical analysis by public sector professionals and scholars. Topics include probability, correlation, regression, descriptive statistics (central tendency, dispersion, etc.), distributions, and inference, including hypothesis testing.

Careers for Public Policy Master’s Graduates

Government Chief Executive

Government chief executives oversee programs and projects for specific government agencies. Tasks include creating and developing agency regulations, policies, and strategies; appointing department managers and supervising agency staff; preparing agency and program budgets and lobbying for funding; and representing agencies with government administrators, legislative committees, non-governmental groups, and the public-at-large. The field is currently growing faster than average and the average salary is $103,840 annually.

Management Consultant

Management consultants, also called management analysts, in public policy help organizations identify current governmental, social, and political challenges, and provide analysis and advice to solve those challenges. Management consultants commonly work as independent contractors but may also find permanent employment with government agencies, political groups like lobbying firms and political action committees, and nonprofit organizations. On average, these individuals make $99,410 annually in this fast-growing area.

Operations Research Analyst

One of the fastest growing public policy fields is operations research. Operations research analysts employ mathematical and analytic methods to help organizations identify and resolve problems, improve efficiencies, and develop better decision-making processes. Job responsibilities in the public service field include identifying policy issues; creating and implementing research models and projects; collecting and analyzing quantitative data; and writing reports that summarize research findings and offer recommendations based on those findings. The average salary for these analysts is $83,640 annually.

Top Online Master of Public Policy (MPP) Programs

The best starting point for your online master’s search is a ranked list of public policy programs like the one below. Programs were chosen based on how well they address several important factors including affordability, flexibility in course access and program length, and accreditation. These programs are among those worth considering and give an idea of what to expect from any program you choose. To learn more about how we ranked these schools, click the “About the Rankings” button.