Devising innovative solutions to increasingly complex societal problems is a key role of those in the field of public service. Public policies are designed to benefit communities on a local, state, national, and global scale, and when implemented successfully can have broad reaching impact on issues including food safety, healthcare, employment, immigration, national debt, the environment, and more. Those with expertise in public policy are often tasked with assessing problems, examining existing policies, developing new policies that address these critical issues, and evaluating program efficacy.
A Master of Public Policy (MPP), also referred to as a Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM), is an interdisciplinary degree that blends aspects of political science with economics and sociology. Focusing on policy development and evaluation, public budgeting and finance, statistical and data analysis, and economics, the MPP degree is intended to enhance critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. Students gain a high-level understanding of how public, private, and nonprofit institutions function and how policies impact all levels of governance and business operations. The curriculum centers on developing critical analytical skills that may be applied to the enhancement and development of new and existing public policy.
Individuals with expertise in public policy analysis may be suited for positions within government institutions, private and nonprofit organizations, as well as within “think tanks” (public-policy research organizations), working as policymakers, consultants, program analysts, researchers, government liaisons, or advocates for specific policy issues. Beyond the public sector, private organizations may look to those with public policy knowledge to interpret the impact that certain policies have on their business, influencing both daily operations and large-scale decisions. Students in MPP programs often select a focus in a particular area of policy expertise such as healthcare, education, or the environment.
Curriculum Details for Online Master of Public Policy Programs
Online MPP programs examine the impact of public policies on individuals and communities at the local, state, and national level. Blending theoretical and practical instruction, the typical curriculum focuses on developing quantitative and analytical capabilities as they relate to policy design and implementation. Coursework seeks to enhance technological and data visualization skills as well as knowledge in the areas of law and public policy, advocacy and lobbying, and the economic foundations of public service through creative and critical thinking, data analysis, research, risk management, and communication. Courses are typically structured in eight or sixteen week-long formats, and students can expect to review case studies as well as take part in writing exercises, research assignments, collaborative projects, and discussions with peers.
Following the completion of core coursework, depending on the MPP program, students may pursue a more general curriculum or elect to concentrate their elective coursework in one area of public policy. Possible areas of concentration include, but are not limited to:
- Educational Policy
- Health Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Child Advocacy and Policy
- National Security Policy
- Cybersecurity Policy
- Economic Policy
- Energy Policy
- Law, Crime and Policy
- International Policy
- Rural Policy
- Social Policy
- Transportation Policy
- Urban Policy and Development
While MPP programs differ in length by university, most require the completion of 30 to 42 graduate credit hours of study. Students enrolled full-time can often fulfill degree requirements in 16 to 24 months, but extended options are available for working professionals seeking to enroll on a part-time basis. For preservice students, or those with less than one year of relevant professional experience, some MPP programs require the completion of a professional internship. Most programs conclude with a final capstone or thesis project. Academic advisors are typically available to connect with online students virtually throughout their enrollment to manage course schedules and aide in the path to graduation.
Examples of Core Courses in Online MPP Programs
Regardless of a student’s chosen area of specialization, graduate programs in public policy usually share a similar core curriculum. A typical MPP program requires the completion of between six and eight core courses. These initial courses allow students with experience in the field to build on their existing expertise and those new to public policy to establish a solid foundation. As core course offerings can vary depending on the program, the classes described below should serve only as examples.
- Policy Analysis: This course examines the framework and theories that create the foundation of the policy process. Students will examine existing public policy and assess its outcomes.
- Research Methods for Public Policy: This course delves into applied research design and other data research techniques. Students are expected to conduct independent policy research.
- Law and Public Policy: This course introduces a foundational context for legal principles and legal research methods as they apply to public policy. Students are expected to apply legal analysis to policy issues.
- Advocacy and Lobbying: This course explores how legislation is drafted and how administrative rules are implemented in government agencies. Students will examine the roles of individuals and organizations in the public policy process, looking closely at advocacy techniques such as lobbying.
- Statistics for Public Policy: This course introduces applied social statistics as it relates to public policy. Coursework will cover topics such as probability theory, hypothesis testing, inductive statistics, and correlation and regression analysis.
The table below is an example of what a degree plan could look like for a full-time student enrolled in an online MPP degree program with a general curriculum. Start dates, term lengths (i.e., academic calendar), and courses/curriculum will vary by program and by university.
Two-Year Sample Curriculum Plan for an Online Master of Public Policy Program
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Note: While many similarities exist between MPP programs and Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs, there are key differences in both the curricula and student outcomes. For more information about the similarities and differences between these two degrees, be sure to read our FAQ: MPA vs. MPP Programs.
Instruction Methods for Online MPP Programs
In additional to campus-based programs, several schools offer MPP programs that can be pursued fully online. These programs are designed to mirror a traditional academic experience, often utilizing the same faculty and curricula as on-campus programs. Universities use online learning management systems (i.e. Canvas, Blackboard) to enable students to access course materials, attend lectures, communicate with their classmates and faculty, participate in group discussions, and submit assignments. The virtual format enables students to attend programs that align with their areas of professional interest while balancing personal and professional commitments. Online programs also allow students who do not live near a university that offers an MPP to pursue their advanced degree without relocating.
Many programs offer independent, asynchronous instruction, where students are tasked with accessing course materials and completing assignments on their own schedule. This format is well suited to those looking for additional flexibility. Students seeking a more traditional academic format, with lectures taking place in real-time, should look for programs that offer synchronous instruction. Live sessions will typically take place in the early morning, evenings, or on weekends to accommodate work schedules and varying time zones.
OnlineMPAPrograms.com classifies a program as an online program if it requires three or fewer campus visits per year. It is relevant to note that while most online MPP programs can be completed fully online, some programs require on-campus sessions or intensives that necessitate travel. These sessions are often scheduled during the summer or at key points in the program (e.g., for orientation or to complete a comprehensive exam) where having students meet in-person can be advantageous. Students who are unable to travel for in-person sessions should research online programs that can be completed 100% online.
Admissions Requirements for MPP Programs
Admissions requirements for online MPP programs will vary by school, however, all programs require applicants to hold a minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized university or college. Some MPP programs may prefer applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as political science or economics, but most programs accept applicants from all academic backgrounds. Certain programs may also give preferential consideration to applicants with significant relevant professional experience, while preservice students will typically be required to complete an internship during their course of study.
Additional common application requirements include holding an undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, professional or academic letters of recommendation, a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), and submission of a personal statement. Some schools also require the submission of standardized test scores (i.e. GRE, GMAT, LSAT), although there are several MPP programs that no longer require these for admission. Specific admission criteria will vary by program, and students should research all requirements prior to applying. Graduate admissions advisors are often available to answer application and degree-related questions and to assist throughout the application and enrollment process.
Prospective students should note that many online MPP programs have a selective admissions process. Thereby, even if an applicant meets the minimum academic and professional criteria for admission, acceptance into a program is not guaranteed. As many online MPP programs feature small cohorts, for some schools, admission may only be extended to students whose credentials surpass the minimum requirements.
Accreditation for Online MPP Programs
Accreditation status is the primary method for ensuring that a school and/or program meets certain academic standards. In researching prospective MPP programs, students should confirm their schools of interest have attained regional accreditation from one of the six accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which accredits online universities that do not have brick-and-mortar campuses. All MPP programs listed on this page are offered by regionally accredited colleges and universities.
MPP programs may elect to attain additional programmatic accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). This optional accreditation is an indication that the program has undergone an extensive self-evaluation process and meets specific criteria outlined by a third-party organization. NASPAA evaluates an individual program’s faculty, curriculum, research opportunities, and student outcomes to ensure they adhere to NASPAA’s educational standards. Some programs will elect to align their curriculum with NASPAA’s academic standards in lieu of pursuing formal accreditation. Others may become institutional members of NASPAA, allowing their students to access certain resources the organization offers without undergoing the formal accreditation process.
Public Policy Organizations
Students earning their MPP online can participate in virtual conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities organized by groups dedicated to the field of public policy. These events provide opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals outside of the classroom. In addition to the national organizations that focus on public policy highlighted below, many universities offer their own networking organizations where current students can connect with peers, faculty, and alumni.
Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM): APPAM connects researchers, academics, and professionals in the field of public policy who are collectively committed to the advancement of the field. Focusing on continued educational opportunities, research, and analysis, the organization matches its student members with mentors and offers access to conferences, professional development resources, the quarterly Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, and more. Student membership is available at a discounted rate.
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA): Students enrolled in NASPAA-accredited programs gain access to numerous educational and professional resources, as well as networking opportunities. The annual NASPAA Student Simulation Competition tasks select students with using their newly acquired skills in real-world simulations.
Public Affairs Council (PAC): PAC is an international, non-partisan, non-political organization that strives to advance the field of public affairs by offering educational and executive resources to industry professionals. Bringing together corporations, nonprofits, universities, and consultancies, PAC hosts conferences, social events, forums, seminars, and webinars annually, and has gained recognition for its research on digital politics, the role of business in society, and corporate involvement in social issues.
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy: YPFP brings together a global network of young professionals in the field of foreign policy through cohort-based programs and events. The organization strives to strengthen the leadership skills of its members and volunteers, and enhance knowledge of foreign policy through fellowships, peer-led discussions, and publication opportunities. The organization also hosts the annual G7 and G20 Youth Summits, which bring together youth leaders and senior government officials to discuss global challenges and policy recommendations.
Directory of Online Master of Public Policy (MPP) Programs
The following schools offer online Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs, including those with a more general curriculum and programs that have defined specializations in specific areas of public policy. Note: At this time, this list is not a comprehensive directory of schools that presently offer MPP programs online. Prospective students interested in pursuing an MPP program online should research programs that align with their specific interests or professional goals. Students looking for additional program options may want to explore Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Public Policy.