51¶¯Âþ

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Public Policy MPP

Master of Public Policy

Learn how to evaluate existing and proposed policiesÌýwith the Master of Public Policy (MPP) in 51¶¯Âþ's College of Liberal Arts. Students gain an understanding ofÌýthe political and institutional contexts in which policies are implemented at the federal, state and local levels. The MPP program combines real-world experience with rigorous academic research to help students learn practical skills and make vital contacts needed for successful careers in the public or nonprofit sectors. Learning takes place inside and outside the classroom through internships, guest speakerÌýseries and team projects with actual clients.

The program’s dynamic faculty incorporate their professional expertise in the classroom. Many currently serve as budget and finance managers, consultants and policy analysts, leaders of nonprofit organizations, policymakers, and senior policy advisors.

In addition to preparing graduates for roles in government agencies or in private nonprofit organizations, the MPP is also tailored for students who already hold public or private sector positions and are seeking supplemental training and credentials to develop their careers.Ìý

two students are engaged in a conversation in a study room with their laptops open in front of them.

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at 51¶¯Âþ comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at 51¶¯Âþ and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers. .Ìý

Program Format & Curriculum

Students have three years to satisfy their requirements for the Public Policy program, which can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Choose to take in-person classes on 51¶¯Âþ’s campus in Center City, Philadelphia after 5 p.m. or online including a combination of scheduled evening virtual classes and asynchronous assignments.

The 36-credit curriculum comprises core courses, elective courses and an Internship in Public Policy course. 

Core courses include the following. 

  • Bureaucracy and Public Management
  • Economic Decisions for Public Policy
  • Policy Analysis
  • Program Evaluation
  • Public Policy Project (capstone course)
  • State and Local Budgeting
  • Statistics for Public Policy
  • The Policy-Making Process

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Related Graduate Degrees

*College of Public Health

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Public Policy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,148.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,577.00 per credit

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Our Advisors

College of Liberal Arts academic advisors help you navigate your curriculum and potential career paths throughout your time at 51¶¯Âþ. Contact us with questions related to advising.

Email:

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Public Policy program, emailÌý.

Elise Chor is the director of the Public Policy MPP program.
Email:

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Accreditation

51¶¯Âþ’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information