Choose the SMU online program that matches where you want to make your impact: healthcare leadership, public administration or policy analysis.
Master of Healthcare Administration (M.H.A.)
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)
Some people want to run public service organizations. Some want to shape policy. Others want to lead healthcare systems.
The SMU Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies offers three online master’s programs designed around each goal, with live classes, applied projects and two Dallas immersions built into the experience.
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.
Healthcare administration, public administration and public policy overlap, but they prepare you to take on different work. Start with the area where you want to impact, then consider what experience you have and the skills you still need.
Learn to guide healthcare organizations through operations, data, compliance, policy and quality of care challenges.
Build the leadership skills to run programs, manage organizations and carry policy from paper into practice.
Learn to research public problems, analyze data and evaluate whether policies are working for the people they affect.
Need help deciding? Talk to an expert.
Study in one of the country’s fastest-growing economic regions and meet professionals working across healthcare, government, nonprofits and policy.
Small classes give faculty time to understand your interests and help shape your projects around the issues you want to study.
Complete self-paced work on your own time, then join live evening sessions for discussion, problem solving and feedback.
Apply what you learn through research, policy analysis, group assignments and a capstone project presented during your final Dallas immersion.
Earn a degree from a recognized private University and a network that extends across industries and regions.
Jade Miller, M.P.P. ‘26
Jade leads youth initiatives supporting education, child welfare, juvenile justice, homelessness and mental health. At SMU, she built advanced policy skills while raising a family and continuing her career. She also leveraged her experience and advocacy in an internship with the ACLU in Houston.
SMU’s Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies supports graduate-level education across the University, offering doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields in collaboration with four different colleges and schools: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, the Meadows School of the Arts and the Simmons School of Education and Human Development.
There are two required immersions at SMU’s Dallas campus. Otherwise, coursework is completed fully online, but students will still meet synchronously each week on Zoom.
Yes. All three programs are part time and designed for working professionals. Students can plan to spend about 5 to 15 hours each week on the program, including live sessions.
An online master’s degree allows you the flexibility to take classes while working or attending to other priorities. That said, online degrees are still a commitment. The self-paced portion of the program includes videos, independent assignments and group work.
The remaining 50% of the work is synchronous via Zoom. Each class meets weekly in the evening, typically between 6:30-10:00 p.m. CT. In addition, a key feature of these programs is the network that you can create with your classmates, instructors and guest speakers.
Our ideal student is self-motivated and organized enough to create a schedule that allows them to meet deadlines.
No. SMU reviews your academic background, professional experience, recommendations and personal statement without requiring GRE or GMAT scores. Learn more about what’s required to apply.
Yes! Students enrolled in SMU’s online master’s programs are encouraged to request federal and state financial aid by completing their FAFSA. Scholarships may be awarded by academic departments during the admission process. Any scholarships awarded will be submitted to the Graduate Financial Aid Office to be included in your total financial aid offer.
Active-duty military service members, veterans and their spouses and dependents have access to additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Yellow Ribbon Program can cover tuition expenses and other costs, including books and fees. Learn more about our funding opportunities on our tuition and financial aid page.
Yes, career services offers opportunities for online graduate students to meet with career advisors, build their portfolios and prepare themselves for the world of public service. Our immersion opportunities, guest speakers and faculty also work with students to connect them with agencies and think tanks that match their interests.
Yes! Online students have access to campus resources, such as:
Once you are enrolled, your online orientation will discuss these resources.
The first step is to let us know which program you are considering. We will send you a brochure with curriculum, admission and tuition information. An enrollment specialist can also help you compare programs and plan your next step.
