Welcome to the online Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) and Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) programs! As you begin your education at SMU, we want to make sure you’re aware of important upcoming dates and events that will help support your journey as a student.
Learn about each event below:
- Synchronous orientation: This mandatory Zoom session will introduce you to the program structure, faculty and your fellow students. You will receive an Outlook invite with a Zoom link one week before the orientation.
- Canvas course access: Your online courses will become accessible on Canvas approximately two weeks before class starts, giving you time to review materials and prepare for classes. Please note that there are assignments due on the first day of class.
- First day of classes: The term officially begins with your first scheduled classes! Both the M.P.P. and M.P.A. programs use the Graduate & Advanced Studies calendar, which you will find on the SMU Registrar’s website. Scroll down to “Additional Graduate School Academic Calendars,” locate the desired term, and choose “Graduate & Advanced Studies.”
- On-campus immersion experience: This two-day event gives students an opportunity to engage with faculty, guest speakers and peers in an in-person environment.
Please mark these dates in your calendar and ensure your availability for these essential components of the online M.P.P. and M.P.A. programs.
Note that the first start for the online M.P.A. program will be Fall 2025. Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 dates are for the online M.P.P. program only.
Spring 2025 (M.P.P. only)
| Event | Event notes | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronous orientation | Attendance required; Zoom link will be provided one week before the event | 12/12/2024 | 7:30-8:15 p.m. CT |
| Canvas courses open | Course work due first day of class; students should login and start work | 12/16/2024 | Times may vary |
| First day of class | 1/6/2025 | Times may vary | |
| On-campus immersion | Attendance required; you will receive more information the first few weeks of class | 2/28/2025- 3/1/2025 |
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. CT Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT |
Summer 2025 (M.P.P. only)
| Event | Event notes | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas courses open | Course work due first day of class; students should login and start work | 4/14/2025 | Times may vary |
| Synchronous orientation | Attendance required; Zoom link will be provided one week before the event | 4/17/2025 | 7:30-8:15 p.m. CT |
| First day of class | 4/28/2025 | Times may vary | |
| On-campus immersion | Attendance required; you will receive more information the first few weeks of class | 6/13/2025- 6/14/2025 |
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. CT Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT |
Fall 2025 (M.P.P. and M.P.A.)
| Event | Event notes | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canvas courses open | Course work due first day of class; students should login and start work | 8/11/2025 | Times may vary |
| Synchronous orientation | Attendance required; Zoom link will be provided one week before the event | 8/14/2025 | 7:30-8:15 p.m. CT |
| First day of class | 8/25/2025 | Times may vary | |
| On-campus immersion | Attendance required; you will receive more information the first few weeks of class | 10/17/2025- 10/18/2025 |
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. CT Saturday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT |