The most affordable online Public Policy masters degree programs offer a flexible path for professionals to advance their careers. Graduate Public Policy degree programs train students in policy analysis, project management, and also public management. Political scientists interested in earning an accelerated online master’s in Public Policy degree will be happy to find out that more schools have programs available online for working professionals.
This means that the hardest working public servants now have access to a graduate degree that will open their career up to a wide range of possibilities, all while continuing in their continuing profession. In the current climate of employers requiring even their current employees earn a graduate degree, the influx of these degrees can only be seen as an improvement to the field.
Featured Schools:
Methodology for Ranking Online Public Policy Masters Degree Programs
This ranking used data and research from the National Center of Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. An initial group of 25 schools was created simply by searching for online masters in Public Policy degrees.
Each school was then reviewed and compared to the list based on several factors, including tuition rates as well as the average time to completion for each degree. The final schools below, were chosen based on the school’s total estimated in-state graduate tuition cost for the entire program.
15. The University of Pittsburgh
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Degree: online Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)
- Tuition: $27,600
- Credits: 30
- More: Website
The University of Pittsburgh confers an accelerated online master’s in Public Policy for mid-career professionals who are ready to move into senior-level roles within the field. Additionally, this is a wholly online course of study. So, full-time students can complete it in just 19 months with two courses every term.
This program has a sequential curriculum created by public policy professors who have experience in the field as practicing professionals. All courses are asynchronous and in 14-week sessions through the school’s learning management system.
Students will need to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also a comprehensive exit exam. Sample courses include Administration of Public Affairs, Grant Writing and Fundraising, and also Public Policy Analysis.
14. Norwich University
- Location: Northfield, Vermont
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Tuition: $25,128 total, $698 per credit
- Credits: 36
- More: Website
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Public Administration available from Norwich University is for in-service and pre-service professionals that need a flexible program to complete in two years or less.
There are eight concentrations, including Public Administration Leadership and Crisis Management, Policy Analysis and Analytics, and also International Development and Influence. This is a low-residency program. Thus, online students and out of state students will need to participate in a residential conference for graduation. All of the coursework for the program, however, is available online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are live or on-demand and students complete them in 11-week terms. Additionally, this program qualifies for federal financial aid if needed.
Political scientists will be able to complete this degree in less than two years, all while building their exit portfolio. This degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, an exit portfolio, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Public Administration Research and Analysis, Public Organization Resources and Processes, and Foundations of Public Administration and Policy.
13. Oregon State University
- Location: Corvallis, Oregon
- Degree: Online Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Tuition: $24,748
- Credits: 30
- More: Website
Oregon State University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy. This program follows the principles of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Mid-career individuals interested in high-level positions in the non-profit and government sectors will find this degree useful. Graduate students can choose one of seven established focus areas. Concentrations include Energy Policy, Environmental Policy, International Policy, Rural Policy, Social Policy, Economic Policy, and Law, Crime & Policy.
This online MPP program is a near-identical copy of the school’s traditional program. The only difference is the delivery format of the coursework. Instead of relying on face-to-face interaction, political scientists take their courses online through the school’s learning management system.
Courses are asynchronous or synchronous in the traditional 16-week academic term format. This degree requires a minimum of 46 credit hours of coursework, an optional internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive oral exit exam. Sample courses include Public Policy Theory, Understanding Social Research, and Public Policy Analysis.
12. Bellevue University
- Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration
- Tuition: $20,700
- Credits: 30
- More: Website
Students enrolled at Bellevue University can complete an accelerated online master’s in Public Policy. This program is for in-service and pre-service professionals who want to be mid-level managers and supervisors in the field. Additionally, this degree is 100 percent online so there are no residency requirements.
All coursework and assignments are on the school’s virtual portal. Courses are live or on-demand and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Additionally, full-time students can complete this degree in two years.
Out of state students can expect to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exit exam. Sample courses include Finance for the Public Administrator, Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness, and Communications in the Public Sector.
11. Liberty University
- Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
- Degree: Online Master of Arts in Public Policy
- Tuition: $20,340
- Credits: 30
- More: Website
Liberty University delivers an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy. It is for students who want to become mid-level administrators and supervisors in the field. This degree comes with seven concentrations: Campaigns and Elections, International Affairs, Policy Studies, Middle East Affairs, Leadership, Public Administration, and General Public Policy.
This is a 100 percent online degree with no residency requirements. This degree on the school’s learning management system. Students take courses asynchronously in eight-week sessions. This format ensures students can attend as part-time candidates and graduate within two years. Students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and also an oral defense of their thesis. Sample courses include Introduction to Geopolitics and International Diplomacy, Economics and Public Policy, and also Fundamentals of Public Administration.
10. UMass Dartmouth
- Location: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
- Degree: Online Master of Public Policy
- Tuition: $19,908
- Credits: 36
- More: Website
Students at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth can pursue an accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy. It prepares students for positions within the public sector. This is a highly rated program in school rankings. It is a great choice for mid-career professionals or those interested in beginning a second career in the field. This is a regionally accredited college.
This is a 100 percent online degree that has no residency requirements. There are three concentrations available for this degree: Environmental Policy, Education Policy, and Public Management. Students complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are asynchronous and synchronous in the traditional 16-week academic term format.
It is possible for students to complete this degree in two years or less. This program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exit exam. Sample courses include Research Methods for Public Policy, Environmental Consequences of Globalization, and Organizational Behavior in Educational Settings.
9. Indiana Wesleyan University
- Location: Marion, Indiana
- Degree: online MPA or Master of Public Administration
- Tuition: $19,584
- Credits: 36
- More: Website
Indiana Wesleyan University delivers an affordable accelerated online master’s degree that is offered to mid-career professionals who are ready to take on leadership roles in the government and public sectors. This degree is offered 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. This is a highly rated program in school rankings.
There are three concentrations: Non-Profit Leadership, Public Management, and Criminal Justice. This degree features a cohort model and students progress through the degree together. Courses are live or on-demand through the school’s learning management system in the traditional 16-week academic term format.
Students complete this degree in two years when they choose a full-time plan of study. This degree requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a culminating experience, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Ethical Leadership in the Public Sector, Introduction to Public Management, and Quality and Productivity Improvement in Government.
8. Grand Canyon University
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy
- Tuition: $19,570
- Credits: 30
- More: Website
Graduate students at Grand Canyon University will graduate with an accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy. This degree is for early-service and mid-service professionals who wish to work at the highest levels of government.
It is an entirely online program. So there are no campus residency requirements. Students complete all of their courses online through the school’s virtual portal. And live sessions are every eight-weeks during the evenings or on weekends. This degree requires that prospective students complete a minimum of 38 quarter credit units of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Leading Public Organizations, Economics for Public Administrators, and Influence, Power, and Politics in Public Administration.
7. Regent University
- Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Degree: Online Master of Arts in Government, Specialization in Law and Public Policy
- Tuition: $19,500
- Credits: 30
- Website
Regent University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy. Most students complete this degree in two years or less. This program is available entirely online; there are no residency requirements. All courses are through the school’s learning management system. Students take classes in eight-week sessions in either asynchronous or synchronous formats.
Students can easily complete this degree in 18 months with part-time study. This degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project or thesis, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include International Religious Freedom, The Law and Governance of Higher Education, and International and Comparative Human Rights.
6. SUNY Empire State College
- Location: Saratoga Springs, New York
- Degree: Online Master of Arts in Social and Public Policy
- Tuition: $16,632
- Credits: 36
- website
The accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy from SUNY Empire State College is for professionals. This program individuals who seek advanced study in the field. This degree can be completed with a concurrent advanced stand-alone graduate certificate, providing them with a second credential. These certificates include Nonprofit Management, Social Entrepreneurship, and Community Advocacy, just to name a few.
All courses for this degree are available online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are live and on-demand in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a research project, a culminating experience, and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Social Policy Perspectives, Ethical Issues in Social Policy, and Policy Process. A bachelor’s degree is needed as well.
5. The University of Missouri
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
- Degree: Online Master of Public Affairs
- Tuition: $14,014
- Credits: 33
- Website
The University of Missouri offers an accelerated online master’s in Public Policy. Students can complete this program in two years or less. And since this degree is entirely online, there are no residency requirements.
All courses use the school’s learning management system. Classes use a mixed format with both live and on-demand sessions that are in nine-week sessions. Students generally take just one course every term in order to graduate within two years. Individuals who wish to take more courses may need approval from the department prior to creating a degree plan. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for this program.
This degree requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive exam. Sample courses include Public Service and Democracy, Public Budgeting and Taxation, and Budgeting and Financial Management in the Nonprofit Sector.
4. University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Location: Omaha, Nebraska
- Degree: Online Master of Public Administrator
- Tuition: $11,661
- Credits: 33
- Website
Students enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha have the opportunity to pursue an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy. This degree was designed to be completed 100 percent online through the school’s virtual portal.
Students will never have to attend campus classes. Instead, they use the portal to attend live and on-demand classes, complete quizzes, and also turn in assignments. Additionally, they can choose between being focused on policy or analysis throughout the course of their degree. These paths enable them to tailor a program that fits their career goals. Graduate students must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and also a comprehensive exit exam. A bachelor’s degree is needed as well. Sample courses include Administrative Law, Policy Analysis, and Policy Evaluation.
3. Valdosta State University
- Location: Valdosta, Georgia
- Degree: online Master of Public Administration
- Tuition: $10,548
- Credits: 30
- Website
Valdosta State University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy to mid-career professionals. This program is for students who want to complete a flexible degree in just two years or less. The degree is a non-thesis program for professionals with work experience in the field.
There are three concentrations available. However, only the Public Sector Management and Public Policy concentrations are online. While the Public Sector Human Resource Management specialization is only on-campus. Furthermore, this degree has full accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.
Using the school’s learning management system, students take courses in a live or on-demand format. And the academic terms are traditional 16-week semesters. Prospective student must have a bachelor’s degree. More information on this degree, graduation requirements, and course offerings is available from the school’s graduate admissions office.
2. Western Carolina University
- Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina
- Degree: Online Master of Public Affairs
- Tuition: $9,616
- Credits: 30
- Website
The accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy from Western Carolina University combines academic and practical theories. It is a two-year graduate program for mid-career professionals.
This degree is entirely online, so there are no residency requirements. Students complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Courses are held live or on-demand and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. So, full-time students can complete the program in two years or less.
Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 39 credit hours of coursework, an internship, and also a comprehensive exam. A bachelor’s degree is needed as well. Sample courses include Public Personnel Management, Research Methods, and also Public Financial Management.
1. Eastern Illinois University
- Location: Charleston, Illinois
- Degree: Online Master of Arts in Political Science with an Option in Public Administration and Public Policy
- Tuition: $9,568
- Credits: 30
- Website
The accelerated online Master’s in Public Policy at Eastern Illinois University takes two years or less. This online MPP program is for early service and mid-service professionals that need a flexible degree that provides them with a way to advance in their careers.
As a wholly online course of study, students will never have to attend campus. All of the courses are available online through the school’s learning management system. Furthermore, the sessions are delivered asynchronously or synchronously and held in 16-week sessions.
This degree requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework, the Political Science Capstone Project, and also a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include International Policy Issues, Civic and Nonprofit Leadership, and also Cities and Urban Policy in the United States Federal System.
What Is Public Policy?
Public Policy is a set of actions taken by a government or other organizational body to achieve specific social or economic outcomes. It includes laws, decisions, programs, regulations, guidelines, and also other measures taken by public bodies to address specific problems or issues. Additionally, Public Policy is used to address a range of issues such as healthcare, public health, education, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and also environmental protection.
What are the Types of Public Policy Master’s Degrees?
Most master’s degrees require four semesters of course work and an internship in public service. Some schools use different names for degree programs, but the below list has some of the most common degrees for public policy.
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPP)
- Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Master of Public Service
- Master of Government Service
- Master of Public Affairs
- Master of Government Administration
Why Earn a Public Policy Master’s Degree Online?
Professionals need flexible degrees they can complete when it is convenient for them. Many of these individuals travel regularly for their positions and work long hours. So traditional campus programs are hard to complete.
They also need public policy graduate degrees that can be reasonably completed in two years or less. So, the investment in their degree is met with a relatively quick resolution. Online programs feature these aspects and are also some of the most affordable graduate degrees in the country.
Accreditation for Public Policy Programs
Prospective public policy students should research schools and make sure the program has both university accreditation and programmatic accreditation. For graduate and academic degrees, you should only attend regionally accredited schools.
Programmatic accreditation demonstrates that a specific degree program meets the field’s professional standards. The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) accredits master’s programs in public policy, public affairs, public administration, and also nonprofit management. Attending a NASPAA-accredited public policy program ensures a quality education.
What are the Admission Requirements for a Public Policy Masters Program?
Admission requirements for an online master’s in public policy vary depending on the institution offering the program. So, it is important to check the requirements with the school that offers the program to make sure you meet all their requirements.
Generally, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field. Although some institutions may prefer or require a degree in a related field such as political science, public administration, or also economics. Additionally, applicants may also need to provide some or all of the below items.
- official transcripts from all the institutions attended
- a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- a current resume, CV, and any relevant professional or volunteer experience
- statement of purpose, personal essay, or also a writing sample
- letters of recommendation
- GRE test scores
- international students may also need to submit TOEFL scores
What are Career Options with a Master’s in Public Policy?
Public policy graduate programs prepare students for many career paths. Additionally, graduates are also prepared to move on to a doctoral degree program in public policy or public administration. Below are some of the most popular jobs for political science graduates.
| Job | Job Growth |
|---|---|
| Political Scientist | 6% |
| Social and Community Service Manager | 12% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 28% |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 4% |
There are many other career opportunities in public service, public administration, and
policymaking for graduates of a public policy program. These include some entry level positions and also roles for mid career professionals. Graduates find jobs in the private sector, at local and federal government agencies, and also in nonprofit organizations.
- Budget Manager
- Advancement or Development Manager
- Foreign Service Officer
- Politician
- United States Ambassador
- Legislative Aide
- Government Relations Manager / Government Affairs Director
- Public Relations and Marketing Manager
- Election Campaign Staffer
- Grassroots Organizer and Advocate
- Community Outreach Manager
- Non-Profit Policy Analyst
- Public Affairs Officer
- City Manager
How Much Can You Earn in the Public Policy Field?
The average salary for public policy professionals is $67,000. Furthermore, the salary range for the field is between $45,000 to $175,000. This range doesn’t include positions at the highest level of government, such as President of the United States of America or Vice President. High-level positions with intelligence agencies or the military are also not included because of the vast amount of training and additional education required.
| Job | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Political Scientist | $122,510 (BLS) |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $74,000 (BLS) |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 (BLS) |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $75,500 (BLS) |
However, additional training, qualifications, and education may still be required for any of the positions listed above. It may also be necessary to campaign for an elected position, something that is common for the field.
What are the Various Disciplines of Public Policy?
Public policy is both an applied and academic discipline. Professionals research and analyze previous and current policies. However, they also create and implement new policies to move the country or their community forward. This means that professionals in the field may either work in academia or in real-world practice. But the two rarely intersect.
Public policy is at the intersection of political science, social sciences, international affairs, domestic affairs, history, philosophy, public administration, management, and also leadership. These are the main disciplines at play in the field, especially if professionals are working in the government in some aspect.
However, public administration can be narrowed down to other, related disciplines. These can include single issues, such as trade, reproductive rights, international relations or international affairs, armed conflicts, and healthcare. The discipline in which a professional has a stated interest in then becomes one of the major disciplines in their career.
Public Policy Professional Organizations
- American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
- Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
Your Career in Public Policy
Professionals who work in public policy are generally the politicians, lawyers, and public figures that society sees as the ones who truly shape America’s policies on everything from health care to foreign affairs. These are extremely important positions for qualified candidates. And they generally require a graduate-level degree.
An accelerated online master’s in Public Policy degree is a great option for working professionals. And the schools in our ranking offer a flexible alternative to the traditional campus programs.
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