MS in Public Policy
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Introduction to NYU Wagner Programs
New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service offers a range of programs designed to educate and prepare the next generation of public service leaders. The school's mission is to provide a rigorous and relevant education that enables students to make a positive impact in the world.
Degree Programs
NYU Wagner offers several degree programs, including:
- MPA in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy
- MPA in Health Policy & Management
- Master of Urban Planning
- Online Master of Health Administration
- Master of Science in Health Law and Strategy (with NYU School of Law)
- Master of Science in Public Policy
- Executive MPA
- PhD
- Dual Degrees
Undergraduate Offerings
The school also offers undergraduate programs, including:
- Public Policy Major
- Wagner Minors
- Bachelor's-Master's Dual Programs
- Undergraduate Courses
Certificate & Non-Degree Programs
NYU Wagner provides various certificate and non-degree programs, such as:
- Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy
- Health Finance
- Health Policy Analysis
- Health Policy for Clinicians
- Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment
- Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis
- Social Finance
Admissions
To apply to NYU Wagner, students must submit an online application, which includes:
Essays
- Essay 1: Why are you interested in completing a one-year program? (500 words)
- Essay 2: Discuss a public policy issue that is important to you. (500 words)
- Quantitative Proficiency Background: Expand on any relevant coursework or professional experiences that highlight your statistics and quantitative proficiency.
Video Essay (Optional)
Applicants can submit an optional 1-minute video essay to showcase their personality, express their motivations, and highlight any unique experiences that have shaped their commitment to public service.
Resume
Provide an up-to-date resume that includes education and employment history.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required, which must be submitted through the online application system.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts are required from all colleges or universities attended. International students must also submit an international credential evaluation report from an approved evaluation service.
Standardized Test Scores
GRE or GMAT scores are optional, but recommended for applicants without evidence of quantitative proficiency. English language proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) are required for international students.
Application Fee
An $85 application fee is required, but fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.
International Applicants
International students may have additional application components, and are encouraged to apply earlier in the cycle to arrange student visas.
Dual Degrees
NYU Wagner offers several dual degree programs, including:
- Bachelor's–Master's Track
- MPA-MBA
- MPA-MA in Hebrew and Judaic Studies
- MPA-MA in International Relations
- MPA-Global MPH
- MPA-JD or MUP-JD
- MPA-MD
- Executive MPA-MSW
- MPA-MS, Applied Statistics
Research Areas
NYU Wagner's research areas include:
- Cities
- Communication Skills
- Data Science and Data Management
- Education
- Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainability
- Health Policy and Management
- Inequality, Race, and Poverty
- International Development and Humanitarian Action
- Nonprofits and Government
- Philanthropy and Fundraising
- Program Evaluation
- Social Justice and Democracy
- Transportation
Centers & Institutes
The school is home to several centers and institutes, including:
- Financial Access Initiative
- The Furman Center for Real Estate & Urban Policy
- Health and Evaluation Analytics Lab
- Institute for Civil Infrastructure Systems
- John Brademas Center of New York University
- Rudin Center for Transportation Policy & Management
- Institute of Human Development and Social Change
Initiatives & Special Projects
NYU Wagner's initiatives and special projects include:
- Democracy Scholars
- Labor Initiative
- Leadership in Action
- The NYU Democracy Project
- Social Innovation & Investment Initiative
