Public Administration
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Master's in Public Policy and Administration
Build the analytical, administrative, and leadership skills needed to make an impact. Northwestern’s master's in public policy and administration offers a unique and comprehensive opportunity to delve into both the administrative and analytical sides of policy. This holistic approach is grounded in the perspective that policy challenges are fluid, interconnected, and global. With this perspective, graduates will have the tools needed to rise in the field and drive change at the local, national, and international levels.
Earn your master's degree from Northwestern entirely online or with a blend of online and on-campus courses on Northwestern's Chicago campus.
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As a master's in public policy and administration student, you'll earn your master’s degree in one of the only programs that focuses on both policy and administration and build the leadership, administrative, and analytical expertise needed to drive change at the local, national, and international levels.
Students in the MPPA program will:
The master's in public policy and administration program helps students put their analytic skills and administrative knowledge together into a new, synergistic perspective and understand how these connect to achieve global solutions in an increasingly interdependent world. The program prepares students to do the following:
The master's of public policy and administration program is offered in part-time and accelerated full-time formats.
Both master's of public policy program formats offer a choice of electives that enable you to create the course of study you need to meet your career goals. Whichever format you choose, you will learn from experienced, engaged faculty who are thought leaders in their fields.
We welcome international students from around the world to apply for the accelerated MPPA option. If admitted to the accelerated option, international students are eligible to receive a student visa.
During the master's in public policy and administration program, students build skills that are relevant to a variety of fields — public and private. After successful completion of this interdisciplinary professional program, graduates will possess the knowledge and aptitude to:
Before applying to the master's in public policy and administration, be sure to review curriculum details and elective choices to make sure they align with your future goals. The MPPA program requires the successful completion of 13 courses. The curriculum covers nine core courses, three elective courses corresponding to a declared specialization, and a capstone (498) or thesis (590) project.
Students can focus on a particular area of interest by selecting one of the MA in Public Policy and Administration specializations as part of the application process. Students can also choose the "generalist" designation, which allows them to take their electives from different specializations.
Explore the Public Policy and Administration course schedule. You can narrow your course search by day, location or instructor.
A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the admission page for SPS graduate programs.
Tuition for the Master's in Public Policy and Administration program at Northwestern is comparable to similar US programs. Financial aid opportunities exist for students at Northwestern. Complete details can be found on the MPPA tuition and financial aid pages.
Already accepted into the Master's in Public Policy and Administration program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible.
Professional opportunities for graduates of Northwestern's MPPA program are as broad and varied as the field of public policy and administration itself. With five concentrations to choose from, MPPA graduates set their sights on leadership roles in government at the local, regional and federal levels, in nonprofit organizations or in private enterprise. Explore fulfilling careers in public policy and administration.
Faculty in the Master's in Public Policy and Administration program at Northwestern are leading scholars and practitioners in their field. They bring real-world experiences to the classroom and engage with students on a personal level.
Learn about the MPPA Student Leadership Council and their efforts to create and host network events for the program.
A master’s in public policy and administration is a versatile degree that can lead to fulfilling careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Take an active role in creating a better world by putting your MPPA degree to work on environmental policy, urban planning, or non-profit advocacy. Or, consider a job in government and legislative affairs to influence important topics such as economic development, healthcare, education policy, and public program evaluation which shape the lives of countless constituents every day. A public policy master’s from SPS also provides graduates with a solid foundation for their own entrepreneurial goals as well as fast-paced opportunities in research, risk management, strategic planning and law. Learn how some of our Northwestern graduates are using their master’s in public administration and policy by reading their student stories.
Going back to school for a master’s in public policy and administration can feel like a daunting decision, but there are many compelling reasons why you might choose to pursue this degree. If you are looking to get ahead in your current career or switch fields, earning a public policy and administration master’s can help you attain your professional goals by making you eligible for leadership roles, expanding your network, and equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to assess and develop effective policies. Looking for greater fulfillment in your work? Customize your MPPA degree experience by choosing the specialization that speaks to your interests and consider a role in a public or non-profit organization for the opportunity to effect positive change in your world.
Our multi-disciplinary master’s in public policy and administration curriculum challenges students to expand their perspectives and abilities with courses in statistics, global policy, data analysis, non-profits and more. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from award-winning faculty with robust field experience and forge valuable connections to strengthen your professional network. To further prepare you for your plans after completing your public policy master’s, Northwestern also offers all degree-seeking students access to comprehensive career development resources during and up to six months after graduation to help you achieve your goals. Find out why U.S. News and World Report has ranked Northwestern ninth nationally among U.S. universities; submit your application today to begin classes next quarter.
Northwestern’s master’s in public policy and administration differs from traditional MPP or MPA programs in that it combines elements and coursework from both areas of study to give students a more comprehensive education. While an MPP prepares you to analyze and create the policies that shape our world, an MPA focuses more on policy implementation through budgeting and management. Graduates of Northwestern’s combined MPPA program—one of the only degrees of its kind—will be well prepared to pursue careers in fields related to both or either of those associated with MPP or MPA degrees.
All applicants to the accelerated and online master’s in public policy and administration programs must have a four-year college degree from a U.S.-accredited institution or foreign equivalent. While the admissions committee does review each application holistically, strong candidates will have academic and/or professional experience, field experience, and a solid understanding of how the master’s in public administration and policy degree will advance their future goals.
The SPS master’s in public policy and administration offers two different tracks—the part-time online option and the one-year accelerated option. Students in the online public policy master’s program can take courses at their own pace, typically one or two classes per quarter, and learn from anywhere through virtual classes. This option is best for those who prefer to continue working full-time while enrolled in the program or who cannot commute to the Chicago and Evanston campuses. Local students, however, still have the option to attend select evening classes in-person. In the one-year accelerated master’s in public administration and policy, students take a blend of day, evening, and online classes at a rate of three per quarter. This option is great for students who can devote more time to their studies and are looking to obtain their degree on a shorter timeline. International students enrolled in the accelerated public policy master’s are also eligible for student visas.