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MSPPM Two-Year Track (Pittsburgh)

The Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM) prepares students to advance the public interest by developing exceptional analytic, quantitative and technical skills. The program provides market-oriented training that is applicable to any policy field in the public, non-profit and private sectors. Students take core courses emphasizing analytic and quantitative tools, communication and management skills and how they interrelate with the field of public policy. Advanced coursework allows students to pursue an area of focus and provides the opportunity to integrate learning in a capstone Systems Synthesis project.

Traditional Two-Year Track Requirements (both years of study at Pittsburgh campus) 

  • Begin the program in the Fall semester (late August).
  • Complete a total of 198 units with a cumulative QPA of 3.0.
  • Complete the core curriculum.
  • Undertake an internship in the summer between the first and second years.
  • Complete Systems Synthesis, a group capstone project, during your second year.

MSPPM Course Requirements

The MSPPM core curriculum—reviewed, refined and validated by the top professionals in the public policy arena—provides a solid foundation of comprehensive skills you need to lead an organization to success and address critical social issues. Below is a list of required courses you'll need to earn the degree.

Policy Analysis

  • Applied Economic Analysis
  • Empirical Methods for Public Policy Analysis
  • Public Policy and Management Convocation

Management

  • Organizational Design and Implementation
  • Management Science
  • Strategic Writing Skills
  • Strategic Presentation Skills

Political Science

  • Policy and Politics: An International Perspective -or- Policy and Politics in American Political Institutions

Technology & Management

  • Introduction to Database Management
  • Information and Communication Technologies

Finance

  • Financial Analysis

Project Application

  • Systems Synthesis Project
  • Advanced Policy Topics (choose one of several)
  • Advanced Methods Courses (choose two of many)
  • Capstone Course (each concentration has one capstone course-e.g., Methods of Policy Analysis, Public Leadership, Public Finance, Urban and Regional Economic Development)
  • Concentration coursework (may include Advanced Methods, Policy and Capstone courses)

Course Exemptions

If you have a strong background in any of the core courses, you can receive an exemption either by passing an exemption exam administered by Heinz during your orientation program or through successful completion of comparable coursework during your undergraduate work. Exempting a course doesn't reduce the required number of courses you must complete. However, you can add more elective courses to expand your knowledge base.