Frequently asked questions

A Master of Public Policy prepares graduates for fulfilling 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 $117,600 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 may even establish their own organizations. The private sector increasingly values M.P.P. graduates for roles in advocacy, government relations, think tanks, consulting and program evaluation.

Some top potential careers for M.P.P. graduates are:

• Policy analyst
• Environmental scientist/specialist
• Legislator
• Political scientist
• Social science research assistant
• City manager
• Survey researcher

A Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in public service, government, nonprofits and related sectors. These degrees often include coursework in public policy implementation, management, budgeting and organizational leadership.

M.P.A. programs typically blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications, teaching students how to implement effective public policy and manage the day-to-day operations of public and nonprofit organizations. Students take courses in public finance, public administration, ethics and leadership, all of which are crucial for navigating the complexities of the public sector.

If you strive to make a difference in the public sector, then a Master of Public Administration is an excellent way to move your career forward. In addition to making a difference in the world, those who possess an M.P.A. can also earn a comfortable wage. Labor market analytics data from Lightcast shows that the median salary for professionals with an M.P.A. is $93,600 per year.

The M.P.A. is ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers in public or nonprofit management, as well as those interested in leadership or management roles in international organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). According to the career website Indeed, some of the top roles you can pursue with an M.P.A. include development coordinator, financial analyst and public affairs specialist.

An M.P.A. degree is beneficial for individuals who work in or want to work in public service, policymaking and leadership in government or nonprofit sectors. The degree provides specialized skills that can open doors to advanced career opportunities. If you are looking to move up in your company or change careers, an M.P.A. provides the necessary training and credentials.

The SMU Master of Public Administration is flexible enough for students to complete while they work. It also offers a variety of opportunities to form deeper professional connections, including two immersive experiences.

Yes, the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies offers opportunities for online graduate students to meet with career advisors, build their portfolios and prepare themselves for the world of public affairs. Our immersion opportunities, guest speakers and faculty also work with students to connect them with agencies and think tanks that match their interests.

An online master’s degree will allow you the flexibility to take classes while working or attending to other priorities. That said, online degrees are still a commitment. In the SMU M.P.P. and M.P.A. programs, half of your work is asynchronous, meaning you can complete it at your convenience so long as you meet the deadlines. 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 work 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 6:30-9:30 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.

Students can earn their degrees on a part-time schedule in two years by taking two courses per term. Full-time students can complete their degrees faster by taking more than two courses each term.

The first immersion for both the M.P.P. and M.P.A. takes place at the beginning of the program and involves interactive lectures, workshops and meetings with faculty and public policy professionals. This opportunity is designed to introduce students to foundational public affairs 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 public sector professionals working in a variety of sectors. Both immersion experiences provide students with networking opportunities and a deep understanding of policy analysis and implementation (M.P.P.), and public sector management and leadership (M.P.A.).

Yes! Online students have the same access to campus resources, such as:

• SMU libraries
• The Dedman Center
• SMU Health Center

Once you are enrolled, your online orientation will discuss these resources.

There are priority deadlines that have some benefits, but the program has rolling admission. Find the next priority application deadline on our admission page.

The admission committee wants to see a strong argument for why you are a good fit for the program. Tell us who you are, what you want to achieve and why you think this graduate program will get you there. Be sure to address how you plan to engage in an online program. Even though the program is online, it is meant to be collaborative with your other classmates and instructors. Tailor your statement to SMU and the program.

We look at all the materials in an application carefully to get a holistic impression of an applicant and try to gauge their chances for success in the program. The statement is especially important because it is one of the few pieces of the application that you create. You can’t change your transcripts or recommendations, but you can be sure to craft a strong and logical statement. Please note that a statement of purpose is also a writing sample, so be sure it is error-free and well written.

The purpose of the recommendations is to give the admission committee an indication of your ability to succeed in the program. Choose recommenders who know you well and have evidence they can share about how you will succeed in an online master’s program. Ideally, applicants should submit at least one from an academic source, although this is not a strict requirement.

No, GRE scores are not required to apply to our programs.