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Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Improve policy at the local, national, or worldwide level with an MPP from O’Neill

O'Neill's Master of Public Policy (MPP) is geared toward those who want to pursue a career focusing on the evaluation and design of public policy. Offered by the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs - ranked as the #1 graduate school for public affairs in 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, this reflects not just our overall strength, but our unparalleled depth in policy: ranking #4 in Public Policy Analysis, with an additional top 10 rankings across key policy areas including health, social, urban, and environmental policy.

Through the Master of Public Policy you will refine your skills to be able to analyze, evaluate, and solve a host of policy puzzles. This focus compliments our Master of Public Affairs, which focuses on implementation and management of public programs and organizations.

75% of O’Neill master’s students receive funding packages of at least 25%

Competitive funding packages are available to assist in making our top-ranked school affordable.

Take the first step

Curriculum

In the MPP program, you will choose a plan of study more heavily weighted toward analytic tools, providing you with the skills to analyze public policy—and the laws and institutions that govern these policies—as well as those who influence public policy. You will develop skills in statistics, mathematics, and economics in preparation for a policy-oriented career, able to lend your skills to improve policy at the local, national, or worldwide level.

24 credit hours

focused on classes in statistics and data analysis, public policy, economics, program evaluation, and the completion of a capstone project

6 credit hours

in public finance, budgeting, and management and leading in public affairs

6 credit hours

to delve into advanced tools such as geographic information systems, management science, and statistics for research

9 credit hours

will focus on your chosen concentration. These concentrations include:

Health Policy
Environmental Policy
Energy and Climate Policy
Social Policy
Equity and Social Justice
Public Finance

Remaining degree requirements include 3 credits of elective coursework and an internship—gaining real-world experience and the opportunity to put what you are learning into action, in real time.

Important dates

Spring Term

International deadline: October 1
Final deadline: November 15

Fall Term

Priority deadline: January 15
International deadline: March 1
Final deadline: May 1

Paul H. O’Neill
School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Improve policy at the local, national, or worldwide level with an MPP from O’Neill

75% of O’Neill master’s students receive funding packages of at least 25%

Take the first step

Curriculum

24 credit hours

6 credit hours

6 credit hours

9 credit hours

Important dates

Additional links and resources

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Improve policy at the local, national, or worldwide level with an MPP from O’Neill

75% of O’Neill master’s students receive funding packages of at least 25%

Take the first step

Curriculum

24 credit hours

6 credit hours

6 credit hours

9 credit hours

Important dates

Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs resources and social media channels

Additional links and resources