Master of Public Administration and
Master of Public Policy Programs
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To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Public Policy or the Master of Public Administration 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.
From rapid advancements in AI and machine learning to the debate about the affordability of healthcare, the world is full of immense challenges, and policy holds the key to advancing and effecting change. Virtually every significant issue affecting humanity today is deeply intertwined with policy, but our existing policies are often rooted in the past and struggle to keep pace with our rapidly changing societies.
Government and public sector leaders face intense challenges, including insufficient resources, policy implementation issues and a lack of trust from the public they serve. The world needs professionals who are dedicated not only to driving change but to leading in these critical areas. That’s where a master’s degree focused on public service comes in.
If you're passionate about addressing the world's most pressing challenges and shaping a brighter future for everyone, then a master’s in public policy or master’s in public administration is your first step toward making a meaningful impact.
Online M.P.P. and M.P.A. program overviews
The online Master of Public Policy and the online Master of Public Administration from SMU provide early to mid-career professionals and aspiring government leaders with an all-encompassing public affairs education. While both programs incorporate policy research and coursework, they have slightly different focuses and learning outcomes:
- The M.P.P. is designed to hone critical thinking and analytical skills so that you can successfully analyze, create and evaluate policy.
- The M.P.A. is focused on leadership and management skills that prepare you to implement and manage effective policy in public organizations.
Each curriculum includes interactive components such as virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and work based on real-world problems and skills. Students gain hands-on experience with collaborative problem-solving, data collection techniques and policy analysis methods.
Each program’s core courses are designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the various facets of the policy process and public service. Elective courses allow students to customize their education to their career goals.
Project-based synchronous and asynchronous coursework
Two immersive on-campus experiences
Networking opportunities with public policy and administration professionals
Small class sizes and direct access to faculty
Strong connections with the George W. Bush Institute and policy partners
No GMAT/GRE scores required for admission
Immersions, experiential learning and networking
The M.P.P. and M.P.A. programs include two on-campus immersions where students can network with their classmates and experienced policy professionals. The experience includes workshops, networking with other students and policy experts, brainstorming activities, and panels with expert guest speakers who work in federal, state and city governments and grassroots policy professionals. They also provide a platform for students to practice applying policy analysis and engage with professionals in the field.
Outside of the immersions, students are encouraged to connect with their peers and instructors in our collaborative virtual environment. From the comfort of their home, students have the opportunity to build relationships, engage with guest speakers and collaborate with policymakers in their areas of interest. Students also benefit from small class sizes and regular interactions with faculty members.
— Information taken from Lightcast labor market analytics between August 2022 and September 2023.
— Information taken from Lightcast labor market analytics between August 2022 and September 2023.
Online M.P.P. learning outcomes
The SMU Master of Public Policy curriculum aims to equip students with a strong foundation in policy and policymaking, statistics, critical analysis and effective policy design and implementation. 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.
Online M.P.A. learning outcomes
The SMU Master of Public Administration curriculum aims to equip students with a strong foundation in management and administration, public policy implementation, organizational development, public finance and ethics. Students will:
- Design, implement and evaluate public policy and understand potential unintended consequences of policymaking.
- Develop leadership and management skills needed for effective governance in public sector organizations.
- Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability and public trust in administration.
- Identify policy solutions and the political and economic institutions that influence the policy process.
- Learn how to communicate and advocate to effectively engage stakeholders.
- Develop a basic understanding of economics in the public sector and also gain proficiency in public finance and budgeting to responsibly manage public resources.
The master’s in public policy and master’s in public administration student learning and program outcomes will be assessed through individual course projects and the final capstone requirements.
I believe these programs will offer working individuals, who often have busy schedules, an opportunity to gain valuable experience in a rigorous master’s program at a lower cost compared to some of SMU’s peers. Students can enjoy the best of both worlds: the flexibility to continue working, managing their family responsibilities and living their lives, while also benefiting from our efforts to build an exceptional network of public policy professionals and leaders.
Eva Chiang, Ph.D.,
Public Policy and Administration (P.P.A.) Lead Faculty and Academic Coordinator
About SMU
A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching. SMU’s diverse, high-achieving students come from the U.S. and around the world to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves thousands of undergraduate and graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem — paired with entrepreneurial drive — creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas — the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions — offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.