Program Overview

University of Michigan Programs

The University of Michigan offers a range of programs through the Ford School of Public Policy. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to make a positive impact in the world of public policy.

Graduate Programs

• Master of Public Policy (MPP)
• Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
• Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
• Dual degrees and certificates
• Joint PhDs in public policy
  • Public Policy and Economics
  • Public Policy and Political Science
  • Public Policy and Sociology
• STPP certificate program

Undergraduate Programs

• Major in public policy
• Minor in public policy
• PPIA summer program

Prepared for Success

The Ford School is committed to helping students achieve their academic and career goals. This includes:

• Academic and career supports
• Leadership Initiative
• Military & veteran support
• Writing Center
  • Policy writing overview
• Policy Analysis Learning Lab
• Engaged learning
  • IEDP
  • IPE
  • Strategic Public Policy Consulting
  • Internships

Admissions & Financial Support

• Request more information
• Graduate admissions
  • Plan your visit
    • Graduate fairs
  • Master's application process
    • Dual degree applicant materials
    • International applicant materials
    • Master's FAQs
    • STPP certificate admissions
  • Joint PhD application process
    • PhD FAQs
• Undergraduate admissions
  • Undergraduate application process
    • BA FAQs
    • Undergraduate information sessions
• Why Ford School?
  • Our mission & values
  • Engaged learning
    • IEDP
    • IPE
    • Strategic Public Policy Consulting
    • Internships
  • Leadership development
  • Top-ranked school
  • World-class university
• Cost & financial support
  • Master's funding & financial support
    • Bohnett Fellowship
    • Gerald R. Ford Presidential Fellowship
    • Kohn Scholars
    • Riecker Fellowship
    • Weill Scholars & Youth Policy Fellow
    • External Fellowships
    • U-M and federal funding
    • Student Employment
    • Fee waivers
  • PhD funding & financial support
  • Undergraduate financial support

Careers in Public Policy

• Personalized career services
  • Graduate career services
    • Graduate internships and jobs
  • Undergraduate career services
• Alumni spotlights
• For employers

Research & Impact

• Ford School impact
  • Detroit
  • Education policy
  • Energy & environment
  • Diplomacy & international policy
  • Resilient democracies
  • Science & technology
• Press & policymakers
• Research centers
• Policy topics

Faculty Expertise

• Faculty Expertise
• Podcasts
• Visiting policymakers
• Faculty awards

News & Events

• Latest news
• Stay connected
  • State & Hill magazine
  • E-newsletters
  • Social media
• Upcoming events
  • Past events
  • Event series
• Video

Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

The Online MPA is designed for working professionals who want to transform their leadership and drive change. The program is flexible, accessible, and hands-on, allowing students to balance their studies with professional and personal responsibilities.

Program Benefits

• Balance your studies with professional and personal responsibilities
• Sharpen leadership and analytical skills through interactive online classes
• Build a strong professional network through two required residential experiences in Ann Arbor
• Achieve your academic and career goals with dedicated support at every stage of your journey

Curriculum

The Online MPA curriculum includes 30 credits of coursework in public policy creation and analysis, public sector and nonprofit leadership, economics, policy writing, negotiation, financial management, political analysis, and other relevant topics.

Residential Experiences

The two required residential experiences in Ann Arbor are designed to deepen your leadership development, strengthen your management skills, and build lasting connections with peers and faculty.

Support Services

The Ford School offers dedicated support services, including personalized academic advising, career coaching, and exclusive access to the Writing Center, to help students achieve their academic and career goals.

Request More Information

For more information about the Ford School Online MPA program, including admissions guidance and important dates, please complete the contact form.

Explore the Advantages of the Ford School Online MPA

• Top-ranked policy school
• Prominent and accessible faculty
• The Michigan difference

Proven Record of Developing Local Leaders

The Ford School has a proven record of developing local leaders who work in a variety of fields, including education, healthcare, energy and environment, urban revitalization, foreign affairs, and many others.

Alumni Profiles

Ford School alumni work all across the globe, addressing policy challenges and making a positive impact in their communities.