An online public policy master’s for professionals of all backgrounds
Master of Public Policy
Program quick facts
- Learn to drive meaningful change related to specific area of interest
- Connect with classmates and experienced policy leaders through two on-campus immersions and live, virtual classes
- Grow your expertise with innovative courses exploring how fields like AI and media impact policy
- Choose from three start times each year: fall, spring and summer
- Earn your degree in two years, part time
- Apply for our program without submitting GRE scores
Upcoming term
| Next start | Priority admission deadline | Final admission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2026 | February 1, 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
Pressing global issues are informed — and sometimes caused — by policy decisions, and as our world becomes increasingly interconnected, there’s a growing need for forward-thinking, adaptable professionals who can effectively drive change. A Master of Public Policy prepares students for successful careers as policy analysts, policy evaluators and thought leaders who can use policy tools to lead real change in their field.
SMU’s Master of Public Policy program equips students with the skills to make a difference through a comprehensive curriculum with elements tailored to their individual interests.
Eva Chiang, Ph.D., Public Policy and Administration (P.P.A.) Faculty Lead and Program Director
Connect with your classmates through collaborative coursework and on-campus immersions.
Our online M.P.P. combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework so that working individuals can connect with their classmates and build a valuable network of public policy professionals without sacrificing their responsibilities. Through a mix of virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and individual and group work, students gain hands-on experience with collaborative problem-solving, data collection and research.
On-campus immersion experience: Public policy master’s students also have the chance to meet current and aspiring policy leaders during the two on-campus immersion experiences that begin and end the program. The first immersion gives students a chance to begin building their professional network. It features workshops, networking with other students and policy experts, brainstorming activities and a tour of the SMU Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. You’ll also get the chance to hear from expert change-makers, including federal, state and city government officials and other local policy professionals. The second immersion provides an opportunity for students to present their capstone projects to classmates and policy leaders from around the country. Students in the program will also benefit from faculty and university connections with the George W. Bush Institute and policy think tanks. Learn more about Master of Public Policy courses and immersion experiences.
Master of Public Policy curriculum & learning outcomes
Students can earn this 36-credit degree in two years by completing two courses per term. The curriculum consists of 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credits of electives. Students can currently select from the following public policy elective courses:
- AI and Public Policy
- Media and Public Policy
- Sustainability and Public Policy
- Urban Development
- Introduction to Education Policy
- International Trade Policy
More electives will be added over time so that students can enhance their policy skills in the areas that matter most to their career goals and professional interests.
Our curriculum aims to equip students with a strong foundation in policymaking, statistics, critical analysis and effective design and implementation. In addition to enhancing students’ writing and public speaking skills, the program provides thorough training in quantitative and qualitative analysis. In our program, students will:
- Build the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary for policy analysis, especially as a way to support decision making.
- Design, implement and evaluate public policy and understand potential unintended consequences of policymaking.
- Communicate analysis and recommendations effectively to relevant stakeholders.
- Identify policy solutions and the political and economic institutions that influence the policy process.
- Develop a basic understanding of the economics of the public sector.
- Develop and refine an approach to ethical leadership.
Who can benefit from this online Master of Public Policy?
Given the complexity of the policy landscape, a public policy master’s is a significant advantage for individuals applying for roles in the field. This program is a great fit for:
- Professionals who currently hold a policy role and want to advance their knowledge and career prospects
- Early to mid-career individuals who aim to demonstrate to their current or future employers that they possess the capability to excel in a demanding master’s degree program
- Career changers who are interested in pivoting to public policy, but don’t yet have a background in it
-
Budget Analysts
-
Clinical Research Coordinators
-
Fundraising Managers
-
Legislators
-
Public Relations Specialists
-
Medical and Health Services Managers
-
Operations Research Analysts
-
Project Management Specialists
-
Social and Community Service Managers
-
Urban and Regional Planners
Our students can go into these careers:
Powered by Lightcast
Budget Analysts
$ 79k per year
Median Salary
368
Job Openings
4,230
Currently Employed
10.5%
Projected outlook
$ 88k per year
Median Salary
4,037
Job Openings
52,105
Currently Employed
5.3%
Projected outlook
Clinical Research Coordinators
Fundraising Managers
Legislators
Public Relations Specialists
Medical and Health Services Managers
Operations Research Analysts
Project Management Specialists
Urban and Regional Planners
M.P.P. vs. M.P.A.: which is right for you?
The online Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) is designed for those who want to develop advanced analytical skills and learn to design, research and evaluate policy. With a focus on data analysis and evidence-based solutions, the M.P.P. prepares graduates to develop effective policy solutions for complex societal challenges.
For those who want to lead organizations that put policies into practice, the online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) may be a better fit. This degree focuses on the administrative and operational aspects of public policy. Learn more in our M.P.P. vs. M.P.A. guide.
| M.P.A. | M.P.P. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Learn to implement policy and manage the day-to-day operations of public organizations. | Learn to create effective public policy through careful research, data analysis and leadership in the field. |
| Skill Development | Build expertise in budgeting, communications, management and public administration. | Develop technical skills in policy research, development, analysis and implementation. |
| Coursework | Coursework in policy, leadership, strategic planning and public finance. | Coursework in public policy, research methods, economics and statistics. |
| Career Paths | Public administrators, program managers, nonprofit executives and other leadership roles. | Policy analysts, consultants, researchers and other roles requiring deep expertise in public policy. |
Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our admission and FAQ pages.
Request information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Public Policy 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.
Frequently asked questions
So many significant issues affecting humanity today are deeply intertwined with policy. However, policies are frequently outdated and rooted in past precedent, so they struggle to keep pace with the ever-evolving landscape. To address these issues, we need individuals who are exceptionally intelligent and well-trained to step forward and lead.
Graduate programs in public policy are designed to prepare students for success, focusing on essential skills such as policy research, design and analysis, which are critical for effective public policy work. Our M.P.P. program does more than train individuals for various public policy jobs; it empowers graduates to address significant issues on local, national and global levels.
An online master’s degree will allow you the flexibility to take classes while working or attending to other priorities. That said, an online degree is still a commitment. In the SMU M.P.P., half of your work is asynchronous, meaning you can complete it at your convenience. The asynchronous portion includes videos and both independent and group work. The ideal student is self-motivated and organized enough to create a schedule that allows them to meet deadlines.
The remaining 50% of the program is synchronous via Zoom. Your instructors create engaging lessons that encourage participation, and students will benefit from arriving to class ready to engage. Each class meets weekly in the evening, typically between 6:30-10 p.m. CT. In addition, a key feature of this program is the network that you can create with your classmates, instructors and guest speakers.
Students can earn their degree on a part-time schedule in two years, or six terms, by taking two courses per term.
- Completed online application
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- English language proficiency test scores for international students
See the admission page for details.
An M.P.P. prepares graduates for fulfilling public policy careers that make a difference in people’s lives and allow professionals to earn a wage that is considered comfortable in most major cities. Labor market analytics data from Lightcast shows that the median base salary for professionals with an M.P.P. is $72,000 per year.
An M.P.P. degree equips graduates with a versatile skill set that allows them to seamlessly transition across the governmental, nonprofit and private sectors. Government career options for M.P.P. graduates may include political roles such as working for officials at various levels or engaging in campaign operations, legislative analysis and policy development. Non-political government positions can range from program management to legal analysis. In the nonprofit sector, M.P.P. holders are prepared to contribute to policy research and advocacy, or they may even establish their own organizations. Learn more about public policy careers you can pursue with an M.P.P.
According to Lightcast, the top potential careers for M.P.P. graduates are:
- Economist
- Environmental scientist/specialist
- Legislator
- Political scientist
- Social science research assistant
- Statistician
- Survey researcher
Students in our program can also take advantage of comprehensive support services from SMU’s Hegi Family Career Development Center, which offers career counseling, resume writing help, internship placement assistance and more.
Visit our FAQ page for more answers.
Social and Community Service Managers