Public Policy Graduate Programs

Public Policy Graduate Programs and Coursework

Many applicants for a graduate degree in public policy possess the following characteristics:

• A problem solver
• Interested in how government works – specifically laws and regulations
• Intrigued by analysis of governmental decisions
• Driven by a desire to help people
• Able to work with both quantitative and qualitative data
• Enjoy challenge

Some master’s programs in public policy offer specializations. If you have a particular passion, you will want to choose the graduate program that’s strongest in this particular area. Possible areas of specialization include:

• Education
• Health
• Environment
• Criminal justice
• Economic development
• Transportation

Students embarking on this degree will likely take the following courses:

• Human resources
• Information systems
• Policy and program development
• Legal process
• Organizational management
• Organizational behavior
• Criminal justice
• Program and policy implementation
• Business economics
• Budgeting and financing

The NASPAA (National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration) accredits graduate programs in public affairs and administration. The accreditation standards are the quality benchmark used by graduate public service programs around the world and are only used for degree programs, not for entire schools or universities. Some colleges may have more than one accredited program. Be sure to check and see if the public policy program that you are interested in is accredited by the NASPAA. Accreditation could help you when seeking employment after graduation, but a non-accredited master’s degree in public policy may be just as good.

Public Policy Career Paths

Graduates with a master’s in public policy can work in almost any sector, from non-profit to government to private and corporate settings. M.P.P. graduates are prepared to work in the public sector, at the international, national, sub national and local levels.

Public Policy Future Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a master’s or Ph.D. degree in public policy, who are skilled in quantitative and qualitative techniques, and who also have specialized skills should have the best opportunities. Some will find jobs in the Federal Government as the expected number of retirements increase.