M.S. in Public Policy & Management

The Master of Science in Public Policy & Management (MSPPM) program is where your passion for public service meets the power of data, analytics, and technology. Learn to solve society's most complex problems with evidence-based solutions.

Thank you for your interest in Heinz College. Tell us a little more about yourself.

Loading...

Your Path to Impact

Our program is designed to be rigorous and deeply practical. You'll engage in a core curriculum focused on quantitative methods, economics, and policy analysis, while also having the flexibility to choose from a wide range of electives.

Data-Driven Decisions: Our foundation in empirical methods and data analytics sets you apart, enabling you to make and justify decisions with concrete evidence.
Diverse Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in a variety of sectors, including government agencies, tech policy, non-profits, and consulting.
Real-World Projects: Solve complex problems for real clients through our team-based Capstone projects, providing invaluable experience before you graduate.

Whether you are interested in urban policy, health care management, or international development, our program equips you with the analytical and leadership skills to make a tangible, positive difference.

PUBLIC POLICY CONCENTRATIONS

Heinz College offers a variety of concentrations that build upon the foundational Public Policy and Management curriculum, allowing students to explore specialized policy areas. Students also have the option to design a custom concentration tailored to their interests.

AI Management: Students in this concentration gain both conceptual and applied skills to manage the lifecycle of AI solutions, from development and deployment to oversight and accountability. Courses emphasize the technical foundations of AI and machine learning alongside critical considerations of ethics, governance and responsible innovation.
Energy and Environmental Policy: Students in this concentration examine climate change, energy markets, and resilience planning from a policy and governance perspective, with an emphasis on evidence-based decision making and cross-sector solutions.
Health Policy: Students in this concentration explore the structure of health care systems, the economic and political forces that shape them, and innovative approaches to improving outcomes.
International Policy: Students explore the drivers of globalization and their impacts on trade, investment and development, while also examining the political, strategic and social dimensions of international affairs.
Nonprofit and Public Management: Students learn to design impactful programs, engage stakeholders, and navigate complex policy environments.
Public Interest Technology: This concentration emphasizes technology expertise defined broadly, encompassing the capabilities to create, apply, study and use new technologies, together with an understanding of the ethical, legal, policy and societal dimensions of technological change.
Social Policy: Students in this concentration examine the drivers of poverty and inequality both in the U.S. and globally, explore the role of social movements in advancing change, and apply insights from behavioral economics to craft policies that are both effective and equitable.
Technology, Governance, Cybersecurity and Private Policy: Students in this concentration explore the intersection of technology, governance and public interest, developing skills to address pressing issues such as cybersecurity threats, data privacy, emerging innovations, and the regulation of wireless and digital systems.
Urban and Regional Economic Development: Students in this concentration build expertise in urban policy, planning, housing, and smart city design, while gaining the analytical and management tools needed to support thriving economies and resilient communities.
U.S. Politics and Policymaking: Students examine presidential powers, congressional dynamics, federal budgeting, and the broader policymaking process, gaining both critical insight and applied experience.

Whether you are interested in urban policy, health care management, or international development, our program equips you with the analytical and leadership skills to make a tangible, positive difference.

What Will You Get From the MSPPM Program?

Career Outcomes
Scholarships and Financial Aid

Your education is one of the most valuable investments you will ever make. We can help you pay for it. Nearly 95 percent of our public policy students receive a scholarship.
We are here to help you determine how much your master's degree will cost, and give you strategies and options for how to pay for it.
Request more information about our financial aid options
Real-World Experience
- Gain tangible skills through work opportunities both on- and off-campus, including research and teaching assistantships alongside our faculty experts.
- Solve a real-world problem for a real-world client in your team-based Capstone Project, collaborating with our top industry and government partners.
- Make meaningful connections through internships and fellowships, many of which lead to full-time job offers.
- Apply your newly earned knowledge from class to immersive activities, workshops, events, and student clubs.
Request more information about our practical experience

How to apply

At Carnegie Mellon University and Heinz College, we are committed to removing barriers. We do not charge an application fee.

We have two application deadlines for the August 2026 starting date for our full-time master’s programs. Please select the deadline that meets your needs.

Round 1 Deadline: December 1, 2025

Submit your application form and required supporting materials by the priority deadline to receive a decision by the end of January.

round 2 Deadline: January 10, 2026

The regular deadline is best for applicants who have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree, or for those who do not need an earlier decision from us. Applicants who apply by the regular deadline can expect to receive a decision by the end of March. Our application portal is open.

Start an application

What are our STUDENTS saying?

My data analytics courses, Database Management, and Statistics were most helpful in preparing me for my technical tasks. My AI management courses gave me the language and structure needed to navigate the growing AI space. Lastly, Policy Innovation Lab introduced me to the agile methodology that I used weekly on the job. Amy Kang | MSPPM '26, Interned at the Federal Reserve Board

Courses in data visualization helped me design clear dashboards, while policy classes taught me to identify meaningful metrics for decision-making. Most importantly, Heinz’s focus on real-world impact shaped how I approach data—not just as numbers, but as tools for transparency and public service. Zarina Davletova | MSPPM '26, Interned at the City of Rockville in 2025

The interdisciplinary nature of the work that we do at Heinz was key to everything. You get such a wide array of skills that you can bring to the table. Having that broad background really helped me contribute to whatever gaps they needed me to fill. Samantha Archie | MSPPM '26, Interned at the PA Dept of Corrections Bureau of Planning, Research, and Statistics

Powered by Curator.io