Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The Master's in Public Policy and Administration at Northwestern University is a unique and comprehensive program that delves 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.

Graduate Programs

• Public Policy and Administration
  • Curriculum
  • Accelerated vs. Part-time MPPA
  • Faculty
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Course Schedule
  • Global Policy Lab
  • Student Leadership Council
  • Career Options

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration

The Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration program is designed to build the analytical, administrative, and leadership skills needed to make an impact. The program offers a unique and comprehensive opportunity to delve into both the administrative and analytical sides of policy.

Two Facets of Policy, One Unique Program

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.

Choose Your Specialization

• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Global Policy
• Global Health
• Data Analytics for Public Policy

Make Informed Decisions Using a Global Perspective

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.

Choose the Pace That's Right for You

The master's of public policy and administration program is offered in part-time and accelerated full-time formats.

Part-Time Option

• Choose from online and evening on-campus classes
• Part-time format, ideal for busy professionals
• Self-paced — finish in as little as two years
• Five specialization options
• Begin in any quarter

Accelerated Option

• Blend of online and on-campus courses
• Full-time pace for total immersion
• Complete your degree in just one year
• Three specialization options
• Begin in the fall quarter
• Student visa eligible

Public Policy and Administration Curriculum

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 or thesis project.

• MPPA 401: Research Methods
• MPPA 402: Public Finance and Budgeting
• MPPA 403: Fundamentals of Public Administration
• MPPA 404: Microeconomics for Public Policy and Administration
• MPPA 405: Statistics for Research
• MPPA 406: Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis
• MPPA 407: Scope and Theory of Public Policy
• MPPA 408: Public Organization Theory and Management
• MPPA 418: Ethics and Leadership
• Three specialization courses
• MPPA 498: Capstone Project
• MPPA 590: Thesis Research

MA in Public Policy and Administration Areas of Specialization

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.

Public Policy and Administration Course Schedule

Explore the Public Policy and Administration course schedule. You can narrow your course search by day, location, or instructor.

Master's in Public Policy and Administration Admission

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.

MPPA Tuition and Financial Aid

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.

Registration Information for Public Policy and Administration

Already accepted into the Master's in Public Policy and Administration program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible.

Public Policy and Administration Careers

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.

Public Policy and Administration Faculty

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.

MPPA Student Leadership Council

Learn about the MPPA Student Leadership Council and their efforts to create and host network events for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What can you do with a master's in public policy and administration?
• Should I get a master's in public policy?
• What are the benefits of earning an MPPA from Northwestern?
• How does an MPPA degree differ from an MPP or MPA?
• What are the prerequisites for the MPPA program?
• Which version of the MPPA program is right for me?