Master of Public Policy (MPP)
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a graduate-level degree in the US that prepares students for leadership roles in public service, policy analysis, and government sectors.
Careers open to public policy graduates
Institutions awarding this level in public policy (135)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Harvard University · Cambridge
- Duke University · Durham
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- American University · Washington
- Princeton University · Princeton
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- George Washington University · Washington
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Georgetown University · Washington
- University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Brandeis University · Waltham
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Brown University · Providence
- Yale University · New Haven
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- Adler University · Chicago
- Teachers College at Columbia University · New York
- Vanderbilt University · Nashville
- University of California, Riverside · Riverside
- Pepperdine University · Malibu
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus · Atlanta
- University of Massachusetts Boston · Boston
- University of California-Irvine · Irvine
- University of Southern Maine · Portland
- Stanford University · Stanford
- New School · New York
- University of New Hampshire · Durham
- University of Houston · Houston
- Oregon State University · Corvallis
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth · North Dartmouth
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- University of Denver · Denver
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- California Polytechnic State University · San Luis Obispo
- The University of Texas at Dallas · Richardson
- Portland State University · Portland
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County · Baltimore
- William & Mary · Williamsburg
- University of Washington Bothell · Bothell
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- Jacksonville University · Jacksonville
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- California Lutheran University · Thousand Oaks
- York College of Pennsylvania · York
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- American Public University System · Charles Town
- DePaul University · Chicago
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Suffolk University · Boston
- University of St. Thomas - Texas · Houston
- Loyola University Chicago · Chicago
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- University of Rhode Island · Kingston
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Brigham Young University · Provo
- Rutgers University-Camden · Camden
- University of Delaware · Newark
- Trinity College · Hartford
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- Tufts University · Medford
- University of California Hastings College of the Law · San Francisco
- Simmons University · Boston
- Saint Joseph's University · Philadelphia
- Boston University · Boston
- Catholic University of America · Washington
- University of the Pacific · Stockton
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- Lehigh University · Bethlehem
- Claremont Graduate University · Claremont
- University of Rochester · Rochester
- Elizabethtown College · Elizabethtown
- Bennington College · Bennington
- Marshall University · Huntington
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- Worcester State University · Worcester
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- Binghamton University · Binghamton
- Delaware Valley College · Doylestown
- Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo
- University of Alaska Anchorage · Anchorage
- Monmouth University · West Long Branch
- University of Chicago · Chicago
- University of Illinois at Springfield · Springfield
- University at Albany · Albany
- New Jersey Institute of Technology · Newark
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- Calvin University · Grand Rapids
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- Baruch College · New York
- North Dakota State University · Fargo
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls
- Gratz College · Melrose Park
- University of Michigan–Dearborn · Dearborn
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- Regent University · Virginia Beach
- Iowa State University · Ames
- Cornell University · Ithaca
- National Louis University · Chicago
- Michigan Technological University · Houghton
- University of St. Thomas - Minnesota · Saint Paul
- University of New Orleans · New Orleans
- College of New Jersey · Ewing
- Northeastern University · Boston
- New England College · Henniker
- Xavier University · Cincinnati
- University of California-San Francisco · San Francisco
- Oregon State University Cascades · Bend
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- Washington State University · Pullman
- Walden University · Minneapolis
- Tuskegee University · Tuskegee
About
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a graduate-level degree in the United States, designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree. It focuses on developing skills in policy analysis, program evaluation, and public sector leadership. This degree is typically offered by universities accredited by regional agencies and prepares graduates to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector roles related to public affairs. The MPP is recognized as a professional degree that bridges theory and practice in public policy making and administration. It is well-suited for those interested in shaping policies that affect communities and societies at large.
- Graduate-level study after a bachelor's degree
- Offered by accredited universities in the US
- Focus on policy analysis and public sector leadership
- Prepares for roles in government, nonprofits, and private sector
- Combines theory and practice in public policy
- Professional degree with practical applications
How to get in
Admission to an MPP program generally requires a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants typically submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes standardized test scores such as the GRE, although requirements vary by school. Many programs look for candidates with strong academic records, relevant work or volunteer experience, and a clear interest in public policy or administration. The selection process can be competitive, especially at well-known universities. Some programs also consider applicants with diverse academic backgrounds, valuing interdisciplinary skills and experiences.
- Bachelor's degree required from accredited institution
- Application materials include transcripts and recommendations
- GRE sometimes required, varies by program
- Competitive admissions at top schools
- Relevant experience valued but not always mandatory
- Diverse academic backgrounds welcomed
Format and schedule
MPP programs typically last two years of full-time study, though some schools offer part-time or online options to accommodate working professionals. The curriculum is structured around credit hours, combining core courses with electives tailored to students' interests. Many programs incorporate internships or practicum experiences to provide hands-on exposure to policy work. Evaluation methods often include exams, research projects, presentations, and policy briefs. The flexible format allows students to balance academic study with practical experience in public policy environments.
- Two years full-time typical duration
- Part-time and online options available
- Credit hour-based curriculum with core and electives
- Internships or practicums often included
- Assessments include exams and projects
- Focus on practical experience and theory
What next?
Graduates with an MPP degree often pursue careers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, or international institutions. The degree provides a strong foundation for leadership roles in policy development, program management, and public administration. Some graduates choose to continue their education in related fields such as law or doctoral studies, depending on their career goals. The MPP can also serve as a stepping stone toward professional licenses or certifications relevant to public service. Transfer agreements or articulation with other graduate programs may facilitate further academic advancement.
- Careers in government and nonprofits
- Leadership roles in policy and administration
- Option to pursue law or doctoral studies
- Pathway to professional licenses in public service
- Transfer agreements with other graduate programs
- Strong foundation for diverse careers
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an MPP and an MBA?
An MPP focuses on public policy, government, and nonprofit sectors, while an MBA centers on business management and corporate leadership.
Do I need to take the GRE to apply?
GRE requirements vary by program; some schools require it, others waive it based on experience or academic background.
Can I study part-time or online?
Many programs offer part-time or online options to accommodate working students or those with other commitments.
What careers can I pursue with an MPP?
Graduates often work in government, nonprofits, consulting, or international organizations in policy analysis and leadership roles.
Is the MPP recognized outside the US?
The MPP is primarily a US degree; recognition abroad depends on local institutions and employers.
Can I continue my studies after an MPP?
Yes, many graduates pursue law degrees, doctoral programs, or professional certifications related to public service.
Are internships mandatory in MPP programs?
Internship requirements vary; many programs encourage or require practical experience to complement coursework.
How competitive is admission to MPP programs?
Admissions can be competitive, especially at top universities, with emphasis on academic record and relevant experience.