Public Policy
Master's
The Master of Public Policy enables students to assess public problems, develop appropriate policy responses, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Program overview
Data-driven public policy
The Master of Public Policy degree emphasizes the analysis of data and other relevant information 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 the local to the international, and in the private sector.
The curriculum is designed to offer methodological rigor, a theoretical framework, and opportunities for applied experiences in optional areas of specialization.
The Master of Public Policy degree emphasizes the analysis of data and other relevant information 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 the local to the international, and in the private sector.
The curriculum is designed to offer methodological rigor, a theoretical framework, and opportunities for applied experiences in optional areas of specialization.
Optional Concentration in Sustainability and Climate Change Policy
This graduate concentration is available to students in the Master of Public Policy program in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. It is designed to enable MPP students to develop deeper insights into the policy dimensions of sustainability and climate change—two intertwined but conceptually distinct realms of inquiry and action—in both domestic and international domains. The concentration comprises three courses.
- Required internship or co-op for students with fewer than one year of relevant professional experience
- Optional internship or co-op for candidates with relevant professional experience
- Online courses offered asynchronously, meaning you can view class lectures on your own time
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.
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.
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Fall Term Entry
| Domestic and International In-country Deadline | August 15 |
| International Out-of-country Deadline | June 15 |
Spring Term Entry
| Domestic and International In-country Deadline | December 15 |
| International Out-of-country Deadline | November 1 |
Summer Term Entry
| Domestic and International In-country Deadline | April 15 |
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.
Professors integrate case studies, small group exercises, and applied projects into the classroom to add a real-world perspective to the coursework.
Students collaborate with faculty on research in class and at The Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, The Social Impact Lab, and the Boston Area Research Initiative.
Students complete a capstone, a semester-long project where student teams work in partnership with local, state, or federal agencies or nonprofit institutions.
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
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$41,760 - $43,848Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2026-2027 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 aidTotal 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.
Your education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)