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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Public Policy

Master's

The Master of Public Policy enables students to assess public problems, develop appropriate policy responses, and evaluate program effectiveness.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
1 - 2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
Yes
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Program overview

Data-driven public policy

The Master of Public Policy emphasizes the analysis of data and other relevant information to enable graduates to assess public problems, develop appropriate policy responses, and evaluate program effectiveness. MPP graduates enter careers as policy analysts, researchers, consultants, program evaluators, and policymakers in a broad range of public and nonprofit settings, from the local to the international and private sectors.

The curriculum is designed to offer methodological rigor, a theoretical framework, and opportunities for applied experiences. The majority of classes are offered in the early evening to accommodate working students.

Students can conduct research outside the classroom with Northeastern’s Community to Community Impact Accelerator, jointly based in Oakland and Boston.

Sustainability and Climate Change Policy

This optional, three-course concentration will help you develop deeper insights into the policy dimensions of the intertwined but conceptually distinct realms of climate change inquiry and action in both domestic and international domains.

  • Develop experience during a required internship or co-op for students with fewer than one year of relevant professional experience.
  • Choose to complete an optional internship or co-op for candidates with relevant professional experience.
  • Study on your schedule: the majority of classes are offered in the early evening to accommodate working students.
  • Gain unparalleled access to employers and policy-related career opportunities. Known for its deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, Oakland is home to an unmatched range of nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups.
  • Learn from policy experts in the heart of the Bay Area—a hub for public sector innovation—that’s home to 101 city governments and countless regional, state, and federal agencies seeking to deliver innovative solutions to policy problems.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineAugust 15
International Out-of-country DeadlineJune 15

Spring Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineDecember 15
International Out-of-country DeadlineNovember 1

  • Application

  • Application fee

  • Personal statement

  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

  • Resumé

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Standardized test scores such as the GRE are not required for master's degree applicants to the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. However, such test scores may be helpful for applicants with little or no experience beyond undergraduate school.

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Students develop expertise in public policy with leadership training and an education focused on the intricacies of modern policy challenges.

Collaborative research

Students work with faculty in class and at The Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, The Social Impact Lab, The Mills Institute, and the Community to Community (C2C) Impact Accelerator, based jointly in Boston and Oakland.

In-class case studies

Professors integrate case studies, small group exercises, and applied projects into the classroom to add a real-world perspective to the coursework.

Capstone

Students complete a capstone, a semester-long project where student teams work in partnership with local, state, or federal agencies or nonprofit institutions.

Opportunities abroad

Students can participate in a one-semester exchange program with the University of Amsterdam’s Urban Studies Research master’s program or KU Leuven.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $40,520 - $41,533
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

All applicants to the Master of Public Policy program in Oakland will be considered for a merit scholarship of 50% tuition.

Studying in Oakland

A legacy of entrepreneurship

A man and woman walk alongside a building with floral pillars. The man carries a backpack and wears a denim jacket. The woman wears a brown top and dark pants. Pink flowers are in the foreground, with "#LIKEAHUSKY" visible on a pillar.

Our Oakland campus is close to natural beauty, urban adventure, and innovation. You can choose from dozens of interdisciplinary programs in tech, business, public policy, education, design, and biotechnology, and specialized programming and facilities that promote entrepreneurship are available.

Learn more about our Oakland campus

10.5K

Northeastern alumni in the Bay Area

Our alumni work at top companies in the region and can become valuable partners as you chart your career.

#3

Most diverse large city in the U.S.

Oakland is home to dozens of unique cultures and languages, making it a welcoming and vibrant city. (WalletHub, 2024)

40%

Percent of new U.S.-based unicorn companies in the Bay Area

The Bay Area has a long history as one of the world's top locations for startups, especially in tech. (Bay Area Council Economic Institute, 2023)