Masters in Public Policy
What Do You Learn in a Masters in Public Policy?
A Master of Public Policy is a program that typically teaches practical and applied aspects of the policy making process. It may also includes implementation of new policy. The program aims to provide individuals with the instruction they need to develop leadership skills for government positions. This may include programs in government at all levels, as well as in advocacy groups and in both non-profit and private sector companies.
Those who complete this degree path may be eligible for a wide range of jobs, including those in local, state, and federal government. Some may work as city managers or take on political positions in the field. Others could work for the State Department or run for office. They may work in leadership positions within large corporations as well. There may be a wide range of opportunities available in this field that do not include just government positions.

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Top 25 Schools Graduating Students with a Masters in Public Policy
The following is a list of the top 25 schools offering Master’s degrees in Public Policy based on the number of graduating students for the 2019-2020 school year, according to NCES.
College / University | Graduates | Acceptance Rate |
---|---|---|
University of Chicago | 337 | 6.00% |
Harvard University | 228 | 5.00% |
Georgetown University | 177 | 14.00% |
University of California-Berkeley | 126 | 16.00% |
The University of Texas at Austin | 117 | 32.00% |
Carnegie Mellon University | 111 | 15.00% |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 105 | 23.00% |
Princeton University | 96 | 6.00% |
University of Southern California | 96 | 11.00% |
Liberty University | 92 | 51.00% |
George Washington University | 86 | 41.00% |
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | 81 | 57.00% |
University of Virginia-Main Campus | 75 | 24.00% |
University of Maryland-College Park | 72 | 44.00% |
George Mason University | 69 | 87.00% |
Duke University | 67 | 8.00% |
University of California-Los Angeles | 58 | 12.00% |
Brown University | 55 | 7.00% |
American University | 54 | 36.00% |
Brandeis University | 51 | 30.00% |
University of California-San Diego | 44 | 31.00% |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | 43 | 54.00% |
Temple University | 34 | 60.00% |
Teachers College at Columbia University | 33 | N/A |
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | 33 | 57.00% |
Public Policy Courses May Include

Advanced Policy Analysis
This course often focuses on intense policy issues. In many cases, the course may do an analysis of public policy for a specific client. This is done as a group or class project.

Economics of Public Policy Analysis
In this course, the application of microeconomic behaviors with government agencies, producers, and consumers are often looked at. The course may also look at the effects of resource allocation, income distribution, and the effectiveness in achieving policy goals.

Law and Public Policy
This course often looks at a number of factors regarding public policy. These could include how it is affected by legal ramifications and administrative regulations. Cases may be looked at to help understand the relationships between those who make the laws, and those who will implement and enforce them.

Decision Analysis, Modeling, and Quantitative Methods
The use of quantitative methods in decision making are typically explored in this course. Items such as cost-benefit analysis and econometric analysis of policy are explored. How to design and interpret surveys and the creation of specific policy models may also be topics.

Public Management and Policy Implementation
This is often an introduction to public management the implementation of policies. Students may look at and study managing the performance of a program, how to manage people, and how to manage a crisis. The course typically uses cases studies and academic writings as tools and shows students how to interpret and gather data regarding the starting and managing of policies.

The Politics of Public Policy
This course may look at and analyzes the political influences behind the implementation and creation of public policy. Tools such as case studies, empirical works, and theoretical works may all be part of the curriculum for this program.
- Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
6 Most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a Master of Public Policy
There are plenty of potential questions people have about a master’s degree in public policy. Here are a few of the most commonly asked.
Find Funding
Individuals who plan to obtain their Master’s degree in public policy may need to secure funding to pay for it. NCES data shows that, in the 2018-2019 school year, the average Master’s degree program was $19,314 for students but could go much higher with out of state programs. To pay for these costs, students may wish to consider several options. These funding options may not always be available. At the Master’s degree level, there is some limited access to funding overall – the traditional loans may not always apply. Here is a look at some of the options available to help cover the cost of a public policy master’s degree.
Scholarships
Perhaps one of the options many students seek out is the use of scholarships. These are not loans. Students typically do not repay these funds. They may be available from a range of different resources and organizations, including schools, associations, private organizations, and others. Students may wish to check out the available scholarships for public policy master’s degrees to get started.
Federal Loans
Federal loans are another option for paying for higher education at the graduate school level. Loans may be available to help cover the cost of some or all of your Master’s degree in public policy.
There are three types of loans available at this level:
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
- Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
- Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.
Private Student Loans
Private student loans are another option for paying for Master’s degrees for some students. If you are enrolled in a public policy program and need additional funding sources, private lenders may be able to help. However, there are many differences in these loans from federal student loans. Some key things to keep in mind include:
- These loans typically have higher interest rates as well as both fixed and adjustable rates.
- Many require creditworthiness, meaning you may need to have a credit score that meets the institution’s goals and requirements.
- It may not be possible to consolidate these loans later.
- It may not be possible to take advantage of flexible repayment periods.
- Postponement of loan payments isn’t always available.
While still a good option for many, private student loans for a master’s degree in public policy should be carefully considered before a purchase is made.
Is operations research analyst a good career?
One of the career path options for some completing a public policy degree is an operations research analyst. A person working in this field may work to develop and interpret data about asset management and make policy decisions within a company or organization. They typically work to help make decisions related to products, services, or support. Some work to develop logistics networks and functions while also reviewing, analyzing, and implementing policy within that organization.
According to O*NET, those working in this field typically need to have analytical and scientific software skills, enterprise resource planning ERP software skills, good mathematics and critical thinking skills, as well as decision-making skills. They may need to be active listeners and be able to make sound judgments.
They typically interact with computers and analyze data, but they may also be responsible for decision making and problem solving within the organization. Some spend a lot of time researching.
Those working in this field may need graduate school education, generally at the Master’s degree, though some may need a Ph.D per the BLS. Extensive skills, especially technical skills, is a typical requirement in the field. They may have some on-the-job training, but this is typically not where they gather most of their skills in the field.

- Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2023 Median Salary for Operations Research Analysts
Below is the median salary data for those working as a research analyst for the year 2023, as reported by BLS.gov.
State | Salary | State | Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $129,310 | Alaska | $120,820 |
Arizona | $113,800 | Arkansas | $87,790 |
California | $155,170 | Colorado | $156,210 |
Connecticut | $155,870 | Delaware | $169,020 |
Georgia | $123,900 | Florida | $130,720 |
Idaho | $85,750 | Hawaii | $124,640 |
Indiana | $129,530 | Illinois | $129,590 |
Kansas | $108,470 | Iowa | $95,160 |
Louisiana | $122,050 | Kentucky | $97,500 |
Maryland | $126,410 | Maine | $107,810 |
Minnesota | $114,490 | Massachusetts | $149,870 |
Montana | $100,320 | Michigan | $118,150 |
Nevada | $125,990 | Mississippi | $101,150 |
New Jersey | $180,890 | Missouri | $98,520 |
New York | $165,000 | Nebraska | $99,080 |
North Dakota | $112,780 | New Hampshire | $139,120 |
Oklahoma | $103,270 | New Mexico | $120,760 |
Pennsylvania | $121,610 | North Carolina | $132,590 |
South Carolina | $108,710 | Ohio | $115,950 |
Tennessee | $121,270 | Oregon | $113,080 |
Utah | $106,910 | Rhode Island | $145,620 |
Virginia | $138,980 | South Dakota | $144,880 |
Wisconsin | $141,910 | Texas | $122,650 |
Washington | $144,420 | Vermont | $106,070 |
Is chief executive a good career?
Per the BLS, a career as a chief executive often entails determining and creating policies for all aspects of the company. This may be done in private organizations as well as non-profit organizations or the public sector. These individuals may develop guidelines for the way organizations work or are managed. They also plan, direct, and coordinate activities alongside the company or organization management.
Those that work in this field may direct or coordinate the financial or budget activities of an organization, help maximize investments, and work to improve efficiencies. They typically work to create policies and objectives for the organization while also ensuring the organization’s operations are run well and meeting goals. They may also work to help prepare budgets or fund goals.
Per O*NET, their skills typically include accounting, database management, enterprise resource planning ERP, and human resource software products. They also need good decision-making and judgment skills. Good critical thinking, coordination, and speaking skills are also typically important here.
Those in the field typically direct financial operations, direct organizational operations, and services, prepare staff schedules, and analyze data. This type of career may require a graduate level degree, most often at the Master’s degree level. Some may need to pursue a Ph.D. as well. Extensive skill and knowledge in this occupation is often necessary, which may include up to 5 years in the industry. Some may also need some on-the-job training, which may include some support. Yet, most employers expect individuals with this degree to be able to get started without much help.

- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2023 Median Salary for Chief Executives
Below is the median salary for those who work as chief executives in 2023 in each of the states, according to BLS information.
State | Salary | State | Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $221,030 | Alaska | $194,980 |
Arizona | N/A | Arkansas | $167,490 |
California | $281,030 | Colorado | $259,550 |
Connecticut | $345,170 | Delaware | $256,230 |
Georgia | $273,720 | Florida | $248,690 |
Idaho | $246,020 | Hawaii | $281,110 |
Indiana | $281,730 | Illinois | $281,460 |
Kansas | $183,490 | Iowa | $180,940 |
Louisiana | $216,900 | Kentucky | $220,200 |
Maryland | $293,990 | Maine | $156,260 |
Minnesota | $246,170 | Massachusetts | N/A |
Montana | $208,270 | Michigan | $296,290 |
Nevada | $251,370 | Mississippi | $155,400 |
New Jersey | $449,370 | Missouri | $181,870 |
New York | $324,150 | Nebraska | $234,830 |
North Dakota | N/A | New Hampshire | $188,920 |
Oklahoma | $158,230 | New Mexico | N/A |
Pennsylvania | $236,750 | North Carolina | $337,320 |
South Carolina | $238,230 | Ohio | $232,120 |
Tennessee | $222,920 | Oregon | $371,290 |
Utah | $196,200 | Rhode Island | $279,920 |
Virginia | $305,720 | South Dakota | $350,100 |
Wisconsin | $240,980 | Texas | $298,140 |
Washington | $324,900 | Vermont | $195,690 |
West Virginia | $214,270 | Wyoming | $145,320 |

Sandy Baker
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sandy has extensive experience writing educational articles for topics ranging from online education to college degrees. She’s worked with several Ivy League colleges to create blogs, newsletters, sales material for recruiting as well as “how to manage” college lifestyle pieces. Additionally, she’s written for well-respected study abroad programs helping students to find international opportunities spanning the globe from South America to Africa and Asia.
Sandy’s experience also includes writing about financial aid, FAFSA, scholarship searches, and managing college loans and grants. This includes aiding both students and parents in managing the application and financial aid process from start to finish. Her writing in this area has been featured in The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and several blogs.