Engineering and Public Policy
Master's
The Master of Science in Engineering and Public Policy provides engineering students the knowledge and tools to conduct robust policy analysis and decision-making.
Program overview
Engineering meets public policy
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Engineering and Public Policy provides the knowledge and tools needed to combine engineering analysis with public policy and decision-making.
This program covers the core skills necessary to link engineering design and analysis research with the economic and policy contexts needed for decisions that affect society at large. You’ll study specific engineering applications within one of the concentrations, coupled with fundamental methodologies in policy analysis, economics, and statistics.
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Engineering and Public Policy provides the knowledge and tools needed to combine engineering analysis with public policy and decision-making.
This program covers the core skills necessary to link engineering design and analysis research with the economic and policy contexts needed for decisions that affect society at large. You’ll study specific engineering applications within one of the concentrations, coupled with fundamental methodologies in policy analysis, economics, and statistics.
- Interdisciplinary core with courses from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs
- Option to pursue coursework-only, project-based, or thesis tracks
- Can be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate or other graduate certificates from the College of Engineering
- Opportunity to participate in Northeastern’s leading cooperative education program, gaining up to eight months of professional experience
Issues of climate change, environmental health, resource sustainability, and resilience are some of the most pressing public policy challenges facing today’s engineers. The security of our communities relies on the resilience of our critical infrastructure systems, spanning buildings, transportation, water, or cyber infrastructure. Whether considering a technical career with government environmental agencies, such as the EPA, or interfacing with policy from within an engineering firm, this degree equips students with a broad range of skills to become engineering policy leaders in both the public and private sectors.
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.
Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.
Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Fall Semester Entry
| Early Action | December 1 |
| Final Deadline International Students outside the US | June 1 |
| Final Deadline: International Students Inside the US | July 1 |
| Domestic applicants | August 1 |
Spring Semester Entry
| International Students Outside the US | October 1 |
| International Students Inside the US | December 1 |
| Domestic Applicants | December 1 |
Completed online application form
Two letters of recommendation
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.)
GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years
Statement of purpose
Resumé
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants
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.
The application fee is waived for all new applicants applying to any of our Master of Science or Graduate Certificates for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 application terms.
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Students learn to apply their background in engineering toward leadership in public policy.
You will learn from faculty across the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Public Policy and receive a broadly interdisciplinary education.
There is great demand for public policy experts in areas including renewable energy. AI, and civil and environmental engineering projects. The program will provide you with the training to lead.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$61,728Tuition 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.
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