An online public policy master’s for professionals of all backgrounds
Master of Public Policy
Online Master of Public Policy degree overview
Data-based expertise in policy research, analysis and evaluation so you can influence decision-making and lead change.
Format
Flexible, 100% online coursework
Program length
- 36 credit hours across 12 courses
- Complete in as little as 2 years (6 terms)
Cost
$36,000 total tuition
Focus Areas
- Policy analysis
- Policy design
- Research methods
- Statistics
- Program evaluation
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Collaborative decision-making
M.P.A. program benefits
Innovative courses that explore how forces like AI and media impact policy
Two on-campus immersions connect you with faculty, industry leaders and fellow students
Flexible online format with self-paced learning and live evening Zoom sessions with peers, faculty and guest experts
Benefit from faculty and university connections with the George W. Bush Institute and policy think tanks
No GRE scores needed for admission
Upcoming term
| Next start | Priority admission deadline | Final admission deadline |
|---|---|---|
| August 24, 2026 | June 1, 2026 | August 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 through collaborative coursework and immersions
The online Master of Public Policy gives you the flexibility to study on your own schedule while maintaining a real connection with your peers, faculty and policy leaders from around the country through live, evening Zoom sessions.
Online classes built around real-world approaches
Through a mix of virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and individual and group work, you’ll build hands-on experience in collaborative problem-solving, data collection and research. Course activities include:
- Policy analysis
- Public sector simulations
- Individual and group projects
Designed for connection and professional growth
To complement your online coursework, we include two short on-campus immersions at SMU that put you in the room with your peers, faculty and policy leaders. Visit the M.P.P. curriculum page to learn about the format and what to expect.
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
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
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.
The first immersion for the M.P.P. takes place at the beginning of the program and involves interactive lectures, workshops and meetings with faculty and professionals. This opportunity is designed to introduce students to foundational concepts and set a positive tone for their academic journey.
The second immersion for both programs occurs during the Capstone B course, typically in the final term of the program. Students present their capstone projects to classmates, faculty members and professionals working in a variety of sectors. Both immersion experiences provide students with networking opportunities and a deep understanding of their foundational coursework.
There are no prerequisites required for admission to the program. Visit our admission page to review the materials needed for your application.
The cost per credit hour is $1,000, with the program consisting of 36 credits. Total tuition for the program is $36,000 without including fees.
Learn more about the breakdown on our tuition and financial aid page.
While the online Master of Public Policy does not have formal specialization tracks, students have the flexibility to personalize their program by choosing electives based on their professional interests and career goals. Students need to choose 4 courses to personalize their graduate degree, including courses such as AI and Public Policy, Media and Public Policy, International Trade Policy and more.
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 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 allows military service members and their families to utilize funds to cover tuition expenses and other costs, including books and fees. Learn more about our funding opportunities on our tuition and financial aid page.
Visit our FAQ page for more answers.
