Public Policy

The MPP degree 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, ranging from local to international, and the private sector. 

At Northeastern, the MPP joins our long-established and nationally accredited Master of Public Administration, as well as our Master of Urban Planning and Policy, Master of Science in Urban Informatics, and Master of Arts in International Affairs. As such, students are part of a larger community of great intellectual and policy area diversity. The curriculum is designed to offer methodological rigor, a theoretical framework, and opportunities for applied experiences in optional areas of specialization. The majority of classes are offered in the early evening to accommodate working students.

MPP students build an area of subject expertise based on an array of electives offered by the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, by other programs in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and elsewhere in the university. As experiential learning is a key element of the program, students who enter with fewer than two years of relevant professional experience will be required to complete an internship. Students also have the option to take the internship for credit. Candidates with relevant professional experience can request a waiver of the internship requirement.

Please visit the Master of Public Policy (MPP) site to learn more about the program and download a free brochure.

Benefits of the Arlington Campus

Located in the heart of federal government, Arlington, Virginia is a fast-growing region and a top global destination. With a focus on security and resiliency, the campus funnels students to political and economic partnerships in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Arlington is proximate to all the D.C. area has to offer and features excellent dining options and varied entertainment. The community is a safe place to live or visit. Arlington hosts a vibrant population with a commitment to diversity and inclusion that welcomes all. Students have access to national organizations, important projects, and opportunities in 30 countries around the world.

Arlington is home to top businesses and hosts extensive government jobs and career opportunities. The U.S. Marine headquarters and the Pentagon, which can be viewed from the rooftop level of the campus, are located in the campus’ new home. 

Leading employers include:

Accenture, AES, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Amazon, AvalonBay, Boeing, Bloomberg BNA, Booz Allen Hamilton, Center for Communications and Computing, Central Intelligence Agency, Deloitte, Department of State, E*TRADE, Gartner, Graham Holdings, Grant Thornton, Lockheed Martin, March of Dimes, Microsoft, M9 Solutions, National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, National Security Agency, Nestle, PBS, Politico, Raytheon, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, ThreatConnect, and Virginia Hospital Center.