Advance your career

Master of Public Policy & Management

In-person or online formats to fit your schedule.

Our Public Policy & Management degree program for mid-career professionals gives you a highly flexible way to advance or begin a rewarding life in public service. For acceptance into the program, you must have a minimum of five years of professional experience beyond an entry-level position.

Professional Skills

  • Administration and managerial skills
  • Analytical tools and methods
  • Policy development and implementation

Program Information

As an online MPPM student, you can complete the 30-credit degree in just five terms. By taking courses during the spring, summer, and fall terms, you can earn your degree in just 20 months. A set of required degree courses are outlined in the plan of study for this program.

  • Enroll in two web-based courses (for a total of 6 credits) per term
  • Follow a set curriculum of online courses taught by GSPIA faculty members
  • Receive a faculty advisor and a full-time enrollment counselor who will be able to assist you by phone, Skype, or email 
  • All students will pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency

As an on-campus MPPM student, you have access to the full menu of courses GSPIA offers. You can take evening classes that meet one day per week on a pace that suits your work schedule. You will take a total of ten courses, four of which are required and six of which are electives, allowing you to tailor the program to your interests and pick up the skills that you find most valuable to your career. Download the plan of study for this program.

Ranked the Best Online Master in Public Policy Degree Program for Midcareer Professionals by Intelligent.com.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply to the online MPPM program, your resume should show five or more years of full-time work experience  with increasing levels of responsibility, leadership, and professional competence, especially in the following areas:

  • Program management
  • Budgeting and finance
  • Human resource management
  • Policy formulation or implementation

If you do not meet these qualifications, please explore our other degree programs.

Student Interest

Our online MPPM Program is ideal for students with an interest in:

  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Security and Intelligence Studies 

Ranked the best online Master in Public Policy Degree Program for midcareer professionals by intelligent.com

student studying
city view

How to Apply

To apply for the MPPM online program, you must submit the following. (Note that a GRE score is not required for online MPPM applicants.)

  • A résumé.
  • A personal statement outlining your background and your goals for the program (about two double-spaced, typed pages).
  • Two letters of recommendation from past or present supervisors (from paid or volunteer positions you have held).
  • Copies of your undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts, if applicable). You may submit unofficial photocopies at the time of your application; official copies are required if you are admitted and choose to enroll.
  • A nonrefundable $50 application fee.

If you do not meet these qualifications, please explore our other degree programs.

Additional International Student Requirements

If you’re an international student who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, unless you have completed a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. university, or you are a citizen of an approved English-speaking country.

Tuition and Fees

There is no tuition difference between in-state and out-of-state students for the online MPPM program. Learn more about tuition and fees.

MPPM students who are employed full-time by a local, state, or federal government agency are eligible to receive a 20% tuition discount. Employees of public school districts and active duty military personnel (who are not already receiving military tuition benefits) are eligible.

Out-of-State Students

The University of Pittsburgh is a participating institution in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), an interstate agreement that makes it easier for students to take online courses in another state.

As a result, pursuant to regulations and policies set forth by SARA, Pitt is eligible to enroll students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Note: California, Florida, and Massachusetts are currently not participating members of SARA; however, Pitt is still able to offer online education and field experiences in these states.

Centers & Initiatives
Ford Institute for Human Security
Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership
Ridgway Center for Intl. Security Studies
University Center for International Studies
Center for Social and Urban Research
Employment Data – Class of 2020
15%
Local/State Government
7%
International Government
67%
Nonprofit/NGO
11%
Private

The GSPIA Experience

Hear how our MPPM degree helped Justin Forzano grow his nonprofit organization and its impact.