Challenges to policy development, implementation, and advancement are present in all sectors, from the environment to health care and education. Public policies are often viewed as fluid, with the ability to change to meet the evolving needs of communities across the country and around the world. Professionals who understand the historical, economic, social, and political intricacies involved in U.S. policymaking and are equipped with the expertise to analyze existing and prospective policies. This specialized skill set may be utilized not only within government agencies or the political and/or legislative sphere, but at nonprofit organizations and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) dedicated to serving the public good.
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a specialization in Public Policy offers graduates a top-level perspective on the formation of public policy and how international and national policies impact communities. Focusing on the obstacles and issues facing policymakers, these programs are designed to teach dedicated civil servants and other professionals the managerial, critical thinking, and analytical skills that may be utilized to address the interests of communities and organizations and develop innovative solutions to issues at the local, state, national, and international level. These programs also provide graduates with insight on the factors and principles that shape U.S. and foreign public policy development.
When researching prospective programs, students should be mindful of the difference between an MPA in Public Policy and a Master of Public Policy (MPP). While an MPA in Public Policy typically focuses on refining the skills used to resolve issues and implement public policies, an MPP tends to focus on examining data to evaluate policies that address existing and emerging issues. Professionals who hope to spearhead initiatives that drive change would likely pursue an MPA degree while an MPP may be a better fit for those who seek to analyze public issues and make recommendations for improvement. Prospective students should examine the curriculum of both degrees to determine which type of program is the ideal fit for their academic and career goals.
Curriculum Details for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Public Policy
An online Master of Public Administration program often begins with core coursework that centers around developing an advanced understanding of topics including public service leadership and governance, public administration theory, research and strategy planning, communications, human resource and organizational management, law and ethics, economics, and budgeting and finance. Once foundational classes are completed, students who choose to specialize in Public Policy typically enroll in specialization or elective courses covering subject areas such as policy analysis, economics and law in public policy, urban policy, U.S. foreign policy, environmental policy, and global health policy. A specialization in Public Policy may comprise of three to six elective courses, depending on the program.
Those interested in pursuing an MPA with a specialization in Public Policy may also explore universities that offer concentrations in:
- Public Policy
- Government and Policy
- Public Policy Analysis
- Policy Analysis and Analytics
Universities will often allow up to five to seven years for students to complete the 36 to 48 graduate credit hours required to earn an MPA degree. A student enrolled full-time can typically fulfill these requirements in 18 to 24 months, while part-time students take an average of 24 to 36 months to complete an MPA program. In addition to traditional coursework, throughout an MPA program students may engage in real-world consulting and research opportunities outside of the classroom. These practical, experiential learning opportunities are often considered an essential element of a graduate degree program, allowing students to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to real issues within their communities. Students entering an MPA program with limited professional experience may also be required to complete an additional for-credit internship relevant to their chosen area of specialization.
Note: On OnlineMPAPrograms.com, for an MPA program to be classified as having a concentration in Public Policy, its curriculum must offer a dedicated specialization, area of focus, or track in public policy.
Examples of Public Policy Courses in Online MPA Programs
Elective courses for an MPA in Public Policy are developed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of how to design and implement public policies that address issues on a global, national, state, city, and/or community level and how to overcome challenges that can impede progress and policy development. Schools offering MPA programs with a specialization in public policy may offer different courses depending on the program’s faculty and specific areas of expertise. Therefore, students should research the curriculum and faculty of their programs of interest before selecting a program. The classes outlined below are provided for example purposes only, as course titles and descriptions vary by program.
- Environmental and Climate Policy: Students discuss trends currently shaping environmental and climate policy and the global effort to develop a framework for environmental protections. Coursework focuses on environmental laws and their interpretations as well as the programs in place to protect natural resources.
- Foundations of Governance and Policy: This course provides an introduction to the field of public policy, exploring its origins and defining key concepts. Students study how policies are formed; the rules that shape the different branches of government; the various social, political, and economic influences that impact decision making; and the theories that lay the groundwork for past, present, and future policies.
- Public Policy Analysis: This course uses case studies to teach students the qualitative and quantitative techniques used to systemically analyze policies and programs from an economic standpoint. Focus is put on cost-benefit analysis, determining cost-effectiveness and value, and highlights the multiple criteria utilized to evaluate public sector programs.
- Community Organizations and Public Policy: This course focuses on local organizations, both neighborhood groups and organizations dedicated to serving specific communities. Focusing on exploring the role these organizations play in local politics, students also look at the impact of federal policy on local issues as well as how these groups impact public policy processes and public affairs.
- Foreign Policy Decision-making: This course looks at the evolving factors that influence foreign policy decision-making and provides students with a high-level understanding of the global impact of U.S. foreign policy decisions. Students study the theories and patterns that create the foundation for U.S. foreign policy, the institutions responsible for policy formation and implementation, as well as current challenges that impact U.S. policy abroad.
- Health Policy: This course offers a foundational understanding of the U.S. health system, the development and implementation of national and local health policies, and the impact of healthcare reform and health policy on different sectors of the economy. Students also examine the financial role government plays in health care as well as analyze current health policies and proposals for health policy reform.
- Urban Policy and Regional Governance: This course explores the social, political, and economic influences that may impact regional policies and issues from a conceptual, analytical, and applied perspective. Students discuss the types of issues facing local communities and how governing agencies and local advocacy groups can implement more effective environmental, economic, and social policies at the local level.
Below is an example curriculum for a two-year, full-time online MPA program with a concentration in Public Policy. The sequence in which classes are completed will often vary based on the institution and an individual program’s curriculum. Many institutions also provide students with some flexibility in choosing elective/specialization courses and the sequence in which courses are completed. Some programs may even allow students to vary their course load each term based on personal and professional obligations, although this is not always the case if a program has a set curriculum that all students must complete in the same sequence. Therefore, the following course of study should be used for example purposes only.
Two-Year Sample Curriculum Plan for an Online Master of Public Administration with a Specialization in Public Policy
| Year 1 | Core Courses:
| Core Courses:
| Internship Concentration Course:
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| Year 2 | Core Courses:
| Concentration Courses:
| Capstone or Thesis |
Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs
Online MPA programs often follow the same rigorous curricula as on-campus MPA programs. Online programs can be ideal for working professionals seeking an advanced degree with the added flexibility of attending classes and completing assignments remotely. Online degree programs may also be a good option for students with additional commitments, such as childcare, are actively serving in the military, or who do not live near a university that offers an MPA degree with a specialization in Public Policy.
Classes within an online MPA program are typically conducted using either synchronous instruction (e.g., with an instructor streaming live via video conferencing software) or asynchronous instruction (where students view recorded lectures and other instructional materials on their own time). Even though students are not physically present in a classroom, they are still able to exchange diverse views, consult with faculty, and work collaboratively with classmates. Online programs often utilize learning management platforms that allow students to interact on discussion boards, review class materials, upload coursework, and communicate with instructors and peers.
Prospective students should note that all online programs utilize asynchronous instruction; however, not all online MPA programs incorporate live online sessions as part of their instruction methods. Students whose top priority is flexible scheduling may prefer a program that offers primarily or exclusively asynchronous instruction. Conversely, those who benefit from real-time lectures should research programs that utilize more synchronous instruction. No matter the format, students need to adhere to set deadlines for readings and assignments and typically have the opportunity to engage with their professors via office hours and with their peers through group assignments and online discussion forums.
It is important to note in the absence of tradition on-campus instruction, personal motivation and self-discipline is essential to keep pace with coursework and degree requirements.
Admissions Requirements for MPA Programs with a Specialization in Public Policy
While every school that offers an MPA programs has its own set of application requirements and criteria, most programs have a similar set of requirements that students must meet in order to be eligible for admission. The minimum requirement for admission to an MPA program is an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or an internationally degree that is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree) and the submission of all collegiate level transcripts.
In addition to an undergraduate degree, many MPA programs have a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement that varies between 2.5 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the institution. Supplementary application materials may also include the submission of standardized test scores (e.g., GRE or GMAT), professional letters of recommendation, a current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a personal statement. Some programs may ask qualified applicants to complete an additional virtual interview with a program director to ensure the program is a good fit for the applicant and that the applicant is a good fit for the program.
While experience in public service may enhance a prospective student’s application, it is typically not a requirement for admission. In addition, while some programs may give preference to students with an undergraduate degree in a related field, most do not require a specific undergraduate degree in order to apply. However, some schools may require applicants to demonstrate a working knowledge of U.S. government, either through previously completed undergraduate coursework or targeted professional experience. Students who lack this experience maybe required to complete a prerequisite course prior to starting their graduate studies. Applicants without previous academic or professional experience in public administration should attempt to clearly demonstrate why they wish to pursue an MPA degree in their personal statement.
It is important to note that MPA programs are often highly selective and meeting the minimum application requirements does not always guarantee admission. This is especially true for schools that get numerous applications, but only admit a limited number of students to keep their cohort sizes smaller. For these programs, students who are accepted into the program often exceed the minimum requirements for admission.
Accreditation for Online MPA Programs
All schools listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com are accredited at the institutional level by one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) which accredits institutions that offer mainly online degrees. Regional accreditation assures prospective students that the college or university they are applying to adheres to academic standards and criteria set by a third-party organization.
Depending on the subject area, schools may also choose to pursue additional programmatic accreditation from an independent outside agency. For MPA programs, this accreditation is offered by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). This optional third-party accreditation assures students that a school’s curriculum and faculty adhere to specific academic standards set by the accrediting body. However, many universities choose to forgo formal NASPAA accreditation but still align their curriculum with these standards.
Therefore, in addition to researching institutional and programmatic accreditation, students should also evaluate a program’s curriculum including core and elective course offerings, student services for online students, any potential research opportunities, public and private sector partnerships, networking opportunities, and faculty qualifications before applying.
Public Policy Organizations and Networking Opportunities
Students earning their MPA with a concentration in Public Policy can take part in events, trainings, and networking opportunities organized by groups dedicated to their field of study. In addition to the national organizations that focus on public policy highlighted below, universities often offer their own networking organizations where current students can connect with faculty and alumni.
Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM): Bringing together a network of researchers, academics, and professionals in the field of public policy, APPAM focuses on advancing public policy through research, analysis, and continuing education. The organization offers a discounted student membership that includes a mentor matching program as well as access to its annual research conference, professional development resources, peer-reviewed journal, podcasts, and webinars.
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA): In addition to its annual conference, networking events, and meetings, NASPAA hosts the NASPAA Student Simulation Competition. This annual experiential learning event uses real-world data simulations to test the skills of graduate students in public policy and other related fields, giving students the opportunity to practice their skills while networking with peers. Only students attending NASPAA-accredited programs can attend.
American Society for Public Administration (ASPA): Bringing together members from across the field of public administration, ASPA offers professional development, networking opportunities, and the chance to develop innovative solutions to some of governing’s greatest challenges. Students may enjoy special discounts and take part in events and services offered through one of the local chapters that currently operate nationwide.
Public Affairs Council: The Public Affairs Council is a professional association for people with careers in public administration and policy. Their mission is to advance the field and provide resources to public affairs executives and managers by helping them achieve their business and professional goals.