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Online Masters in Public Policy
While the nations are contending with a host of challenges – like the fiscal policies, regulatory measures, courses of action, funding priorities, and so on, there is a high requirement for analysts and researchers. A graduate in Public Policy or its related specializations is top on demand. Online Master’s of Public Policy (MPP online) or Masters of Public Administration (MPA) are the best programs to choose, if you want to work the society and its well-being, and can easily comprehend public policy concepts. Selecting either of the Online Master’s in Public Policy helps you in pursuing a career in multiple sectors and specialized roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and PayScale salaries for policy analysts vary based on the titles and the sectors they work with. BLS mentions that individuals working for the Federal Government as analysts are employed based on their significant experience and expertise in the subject. Most of them are at the GS-15 level, where the salary is between $93,000 to $145,000. And, lower-level analysts who work with the Government740 begin with GS-7 level, where they are paid about $31,740.
Featured Online Programs
Best Public Policy Master’s Programs Online
Public Policy degree is a prestigious program that consists of multidisciplinary and flexibility programs for students and professionals. You can pick one of the Best MPP programs available and start towards a lucrative career graph. Every university carries its own unique and analytic approach toward offering the MPP programs. The top MPP programs are usually categorized based on the career support system to the student, specializations, student outcomes, and the courses available. Below is the list of best programs
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Pittsburgh 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260 | $23,530 | 83% |
| #2 Indiana University, Bloomington 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405-7000 | $9,501 | 79% |
| #3 Northwestern University 633 Clark St, Evanston, Illinois 60208 | $56,067 | 94% |
| #4 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089 | $46,272 | 92% |
| #5 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218-2688 | $55,350 | 93% |
| #6 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016-8001 | $30,351 | 79% |
| #7 DePaul University 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60604 | $19,584 | 74% |
| #8 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211-1050 | $9,264 | 71% |
| #9 Oregon State University 1500 SW Jefferson Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 | $12,933 | 67% |
| #10 Pennsylvania State University 201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-1503 | $21,960 | 71% |
| #11 University of Northern Iowa 1227 W 27th St, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0005 | $9,159 | 67% |
| #12 Virginia Commonwealth University 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2512 | $12,701 | 67% |
| #13 Eastern Illinois University 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920 | $7,356 | 53% |
| #14 University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747 | $16,390 | 59% |
| #15 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 | $15,552 | 57% |
| #16 University of Nebraska, Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182-0225 | $5,558 | 50% |
| #17 Valdosta State University 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, Georgia 31698 | $4,572 | 40% |
| #18 New England College 98 Bridge St, Henniker, New Hampshire 03242 | $14,088 | 29% |
| #19 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
| #20 SUNY Empire State College Two Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 | $11,310 | 25% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Affordable Online Master’s in Public Policy
As per the information gathered from College Navigator, a U.S. Department of Education – run site, the universities, and institutes ensure that the online programs are designed for both flexibility and affordability. It is structured to fit in even the busiest professional. And when you are looking for an affordable online program, it does not represent a cheap online master’s degree in public policy. The colleges or universities listed here are equally accredited, reputed in the field of public policy, and other broader achievements. The list of affordable programs mentioned below is based on affordability, tuition costs, and other factors.
Link to this Page| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Carolina University Highway 107, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723 | $4,435 | 62% |
| #2 Valdosta State University 1500 N Patterson St, Valdosta, Georgia 31698 | $4,572 | 40% |
| #3 University of Nebraska, Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182-0225 | $5,558 | 50% |
| #4 University of Texas, Rio Grande 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas 78539 | $5,959 | 46% |
| #5 Park University 8700 NW River Park Dr, Parkville, Missouri 64152 | $6,012 | 62% |
| #6 American Public University 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414 | $6,615 | 40% |
| #7 Eastern Illinois University 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920 | $7,356 | 53% |
| #8 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
| #9 University of Northern Iowa 1227 W 27th St, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614 | $9,159 | 67% |
| #10 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211 | $9,264 | 71% |
| #11 Indiana University, Bloomington 107 South Indiana Ave., Bloomington, Indiana 47405 | $9,501 | 79% |
| #12 Grand Canyon University 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85017 | $10,175 | 41% |
| #13 SUNY Empire State College Two Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 | $11,310 | 25% |
| #14 Arizona State University University Drive and Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287 | $11,720 | 63% |
| #15 Walden University 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 900, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 | $12,039 | 33% |
| #16 Virginia Commonwealth University 910 W Franklin St, Richmond, Virginia 23284 | $12,701 | 67% |
| #17 Oregon State University 1500 SW Jefferson Avenue, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 | $12,933 | 67% |
| #18 Indiana Wesleyan University 4201 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana 46953 | $13,440 | 71% |
| #19 New England College 98 Bridge St, Henniker, New Hampshire 03242 | $14,088 | 29% |
| #20 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 | $15,552 | 57% |
| #21 University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747 | $16,390 | 59% |
| #22 DePaul University 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois 60604 | $19,584 | 74% |
| #23 Pennsylvania State University 201 Old Main, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 | $21,960 | 71% |
| #24 University of Pittsburgh 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260 | $23,530 | 83% |
| #25 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $30,351 | 79% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding an Online Master’s in Public Policy Program
By enrolling for a public policy graduate program, you will be equipped with knowledge and tools to evaluate policy options, outcomes about a broad range of sectors. A major in public policy makes you adept with the approaches and implementation of policymaking, understand political constraints, and other factors on human values.
Online Master’s in Public Policy Degree Types
As public policy careers are diverse and stretch across varied industries, your opting for a career depends on the type of degree you choose and the degree level. Read below to understand the different degree types available.
MPP – Master’s in Public Policy
Master’s in Public Policy comprises of study about public budgeting, ethics and law, program evaluation, policymaking and analysis, and more. A major in this degree will cultivate leadership skills and prepare you for managerial roles.
MPPA– Master of Public Policy and Administration
If you are looking to build analytical, administrative skills to create an impact and would like to explore the concepts of policy administration and analysis, then Masters of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) covers all these and more.
MPAP – Master’s in Public Administration and Policy
Like every Public Policy degree, Master’s in Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) trains you about public policy and its programs in aspects like analytics, contextual, ethical, critical knowledge, and advice. Once you are fully furnished with these skills and topics, you will be high on demand across private, public, nonprofit, and including Government sectors.
MA in Public Policy and Governance– Master of Arts
Do you want to enhance your political philosophy expertise and articulate your ideas across different fields of governance? Then, the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Governance (MAPP) teaches you the different patterns related to public policy conceptualization, implementation, and management. You will also learn to evaluate and research a broad spectrum of topics, and there is a vast scope for implementing this knowledge while trying to shape the public policy.
Specializations for an Online Master’s Public Policy
Public Policy specializations may or may not be a formal requirement for online programs. Yet, it is better to pick a specialty while enrolling for an online course because it helps you to be adept in one area and focus on gaining knowledge in accordance to your career goals. It prepares you to be ready for the Government and corporate settings. Here is a list of public policy specializations:
| Area of Focus | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Policy | If you want to delve into the research and advocacy of health care and delivery system, then Health Policy should be part of your specializations. This specialization focuses on the processes of policy formation on national, international, local, and even institutional levels. The study of Health Policy helps you to make improvements in the health service programs, create effective and enhanced practices, play a significant role in the prevention of diseases, and protect public health. |
| International Affairs | International Affairs Policy or Comparative policy or specialization trains you about the ways of contributing to the development of policy solutions. These solutions can be on global problems like labor issues, environmental issues, security, analyzing international relations, and foreign policy. |
| Environmental Policy | This is a common specialization wherein you are taught about political ecology, energy ecology, and sustainability. It emphasizes the different regulations, policies, and laws that help in developing strategies for global and national environmental programs. |
| Food and Science Policy | If you are looking at educating and training scientists in the field of food science, then pick the Food and Science policy specialization. It allows you to provide them and transfer the knowledge about the firm founding of public policy and administration. |
| Audience Analytics | Students with a concentration in Audience Analytics, such as one offered by the University of Florida, have the theoretical foundations, industry knowledge, and analytical tools needed to comprehend the nature, value, and behaviors of audiences across diverse media platforms and disciplines. This program provides comprehensive training in consumer and audience research methods and analytics. Students who complete this degree will be prepared for a job market that is growing increasingly data-driven, regardless of industry. |
| Global Strategic Communication | For those driven by a sense of purpose, a specialization in Global Strategic Communication is ideal. This curriculum provides students with the necessary tools and abilities to help solve the world’s most pressing issues through careful and deliberate communication. As a student in this program, one will learn to effectively communicate across cultural and geographic borders to answer global problems such as climate change and immigration. Strategic interpersonal communication skills and cultural sensitivity help learners handle global problems. |
| Political Communication | An emphasis on digital political communication provides students with a thorough understanding of cutting-edge digital advertising, engagement, and analysis tools, among other things. Students learn how to use the tools of modern campaigning to help boost political engagement and effect change in the world around them. Of the various skills one will learn, one will be able to drive offline political action using digital tools, use cutting-edge political technologies to impact change, use paid communication to mobilize voters, and maximize political participation, among others. |
| Public Interest Communication | Increasingly, a focus on public interest communication is becoming recognized as a multidisciplinary, systems-level discipline with strategic ramifications that go beyond the scope of an organization’s communications function. This concentration will teach students how to apply systems thinking in order to identify a specific approach to driving change, develop strategic communications campaigns that can drive positive social change, and advocate for the use of visual collateral that will best reach target communities. |
Skills Gained in an Online Master’s in Public Policy Program
The multi-dimensional degree can fetch you in a more significant number of ways than you can imagine. An online graduate Public Policy course will help you to grab top-echelon positions in most of the sectors like government, private, and nonprofit. At the end of the Master’s program, you will be adept and skilled enough to research and analyze public policy, public management, perform legal analysis, advocate on policy issues if required, and perform many diverse roles. A degree in Public policy is considered to be the most flexible and professional degree available, paving the way for the qualifiers to select from a wide range of sectors, also to switch between industries seamlessly.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Public Policy Degrees
And, while you are going in for an Online Master’s in Public Policy, researching about the accreditation status of the online program is necessary. Accreditation of college denotes that the universities or colleges are following the best programs and practices. Accreditation happens at regional and national levels. To get more details about accreditation, read our accreditation guide. Apart from that, each program has its specific accrediting agencies that review at multiple metrics before accrediting the university. One for the public policy is the National Association of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA sets standards for public policy departments and specifies the programs that must be included to be qualified for accreditation.
Online Master’s in Public Policy Admission Requirements
Public policy analyst or researcher is high on demand across the globe in varied fields and sectors. With the popularity and the requirement of a graduate in public policy, there are more and more students enrolling in large numbers. For you to be part of the lucrative career offering course, here are the admission requirements:majority of schools need the following from the applicants.
- Official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate courses
- Application form and fees
- GRE scores/ GMAT scores
- Transcripts form undergraduate degrees
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
MPP – No GRE Programs
Do you wonder if there are accredited universities that do not require GRE? Although most of the admission processes ask for GRE or GMAT scores, there are a few who do not require GRE at all. These schools or universities focus on the education part of the program rather than the GRE scores. Here are some of the universities with No GRE programs.
Public Policy Courses Online Free
If you feel like referring to some notes from your universities or would like to understand the new curricula for the masters, whatever be the reason, to brush up your skills or a quick reference, there are always sources to help you with like the free Public Policy online courses. These are usually lectures or study materials provided by the universities from the previous years. Although, this would not get you a degree but can help in honing your skills. Below is the free programs list:
- MIT OpenCourseware – Making Public Policy
- University of Virginia via Coursera – Public Policy Challenges in 21st Century
- University of Michigan via Coursera – Act on Climate
- MIT OpenCourseware – Quantitative Research in Political Science & Public Policy
One Year MPP Programs
If you are planning to complement your current graduate degree or accelerate your professional skills, then rigorous one-year MPP programs are the best way to go for. Many universities help you in your mid-professional requirement or in a study-part time mode with their intensive and accelerated courses that comprises of all the concepts of Public policy taught in a fast lane. Here is the list of universities that offer accelerated MPP Programs:
- Liberty University – 1.5 years
- Arizona State University – 19 months
- Northwestern University – 12 months with full time (with some on-campus courses) or fully online courses that can be finished at your own pace.
How to Pay for Online Master’s in Public Policy
The question that always comes up is, how to pay for the online master’s education? Many organizations offer various kinds of financial aid, scholarships, and assistance for online master’s students. See the Best Financial Aid Guide to find out more about financial aid and paying for online master’s programs in public policy using FAFSA and other sources.
Scholarships for Online Master’s in Public Policy Students
If you are a natural influencer and would like to bring improvements in the community by authorizing from a prestigious position, then the public policy scholarship would be the best channel to lead toward your goals. Here is a list of scholarships:
- Robertson Foundation for Government Fellowships: Robertson Foundation for Government (RGF) administers fellowships to students to encourage to embrace government service as a future calling. RGF emphasizes building corps of public service leaders to help the U.S formulate and implement policies that benefit Americans. Eligibility criteria include students demonstrate leadership skills, agree to work for the federal government for a minimum of 3 years of the first seven years after graduation.
- Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship: The Bluegrass foundation of Lexington, KY administers the Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship for graduate students that are pursuing a degree and career in Public Service. Applicants must have excellent academic records, demonstrate financial need, and intend to continue work in the state of Kentucky. Award Amount: $1,000 Deadline: Mar 4
- Byron Hanke Fellowship: Foundation of Community Association Research (FCAR) administers the Byron Hanke Fellowship to graduate students to implement research projects for the development, management, and governance of common interest community associations. Eligibility includes – students should be enrolled in a graduate-level program at an accredited university. Award Amount: $5,000 Deadline: May 1
- Glenn & Dorothy Dumke Fellowship: Glenn & Dorothy Dumke Fellowship is for students that are attending a graduate program at California State University, majoring in Public Policy and other areas. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0. Award Amount: $1,400 Deadline: Jan
Careers and Salary Outlook for Online Master’s in Public Policy Graduates
According to U.S. News, “in many career sectors, such as higher ed administration, public affairs, and social services, a master’s degree is replacing a bachelor’s as the minimum requirement for employment.” Considering this and the many opportunities that are open for a master’s degree in Public policy, you can consider that a lucrative job is not a distant dream. Some many potential fields and positions can give you a thriving career. Here is a sneak peek in the different job titles, responsibilities, and average salaries, for your convenience.
| Job Title | Median Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Policy Analysts | $59,428 | Analysts try to bring in change, adjust, or implement new public regulations, policies, and laws. |
| Economist | $75.723 | Advises businesses or government organizations about different aspects of economics like tax rates, health statistics, international trade, etc. |
| Public policy consultant | $80,000 | Identifying consequences of new proposed policies, analyze and resolve education, healthcare, and other fields |
| Public affairs and communication | $60,000 | Communicating news to the targeted audience |
Source: Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Certifications and Licensing for Public Policy Graduates
Certifications and licensing mark a sense of achievement and a symbol of recognition. If you want to combine skills and the application of the knowledge to be certified in a specialization, then here is a list of certifications and licensing.
- Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis: Along with the Certification in Public policy analysis, you also attain a vast knowledge about the critical tools required for program evaluation, benefit-cost analysis, multivariate regression.
- Public Affairs Council: If you are committed to enhancing your skills in public affairs, then the Public Affairs council has certifications that deserve a try.
- Certificate in Public Affairs Management: Allows you to enhance the management of your public affairs expertise.
- Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management: Best suited for mid-level professionals who are looking to leverage their skills and career.
- Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying: Helps in deepening the best practices and strategies along with putting it into practice.
Additional Resources for Public Policy Professionals
During your education or your professional career, your associating with members of the same area benefits in many ways. It marks the opportunities of discussing career opportunities for students, professionals can communicate with peers, and more. A body/association that connects and keeps everyone informed about the aspects of Public Policy is vital. Here is a list of associations related to Public Policy and its many specializations.enhance Economics careers.
- American Society for Public Administration (ASPA): ASPA represents the interests of public and nonprofit administration professionals, providing networking and career development opportunities, including online educational resources and an annual conference.
- International Public Policy Association: This organization promotes scientific research in public policy and provides networking opportunities for sharing research and professional developments in the field.
- Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM): APPAM promotes the improvement of the profession of public policy and management. Its offerings include conferences and the publication of a multidisciplinary journal highlighting research in the field.
