star twitter facebook envelope linkedin instagram youtube alert-red alert home left-quote chevron hamburger minus plus search triangle x

POLICY FOR THE PIONEERS


Use data analysis and evidence-based decisions to make an impact

Master's Degree in Public Policy and Management


Heinz College is a public policy school like no other. That’s because we're so much more than a policy school.

To tackle society’s most complex problems, you need a firm understanding of policy, but also the analytical foundations to create the right solutions—and the management prowess to deploy those solutions for maximum impact. The Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program at Heinz College gives you skills that simply cannot be matched by any other school of public policy, school of management, or school offering purely technical training.

By infusing our policy curriculum with instruction in statistics, economics, finance, organizational design, and presentation skills, you'll leave here prepared to tackle policy in any realm you choose. This is a degree for life: You won't be pigeonholed into a specialty. You will possess the data analysis skills to make an impact in whatever sector you choose, and that core skillset is applicable across industries. As your career evolves, your Heinz education will allow you to evolve with it.

Tell us more about yourself

Loading...
A female student in Heinz College's Master of Science in Public Policy and Management: Washington, D.C., track giving her final presentation in front of a read CMU banner.

Key Program and Track Information


  • Program Length: 2 years, 4 semesters (3-semester track available for some students)
  • Application Deadline: December 2, 2024 (priority), January 10, 2025 (regular)
  • Degree earned: Master of Science
  • Internship: Required (except 3-semester track)
  • STEM-Designated: Yes
  • Chelsea Jones, a Heinz College alumna and voting rights researcher, giving a presentation at Heinz College
  • Quentin Auster, a Heinz College alum and a NobleReach Scholar
  • Emily Reese, a Heinz College alumna
  • Mateo Dulce Rubio, a Heinz College Ph.D. candidate who created a program to use AI to find landmines, giving a presentation.
  • Douglas Owens, a Heinz College alum who used to work for FEMA.

Stories of Impact


Read our articles and stories about Heinz College's impact in public policy.

Read more

What public policy issues will i address?

At Heinz College, you will receive practical experience to complement your coursework through our Capstone projects, during which you'll solve a problem for real-life client. You will use your policy analysis and data analytics skills to improve social equity and data governance, contribute to the public service sector, and prepare for a career in public policy. Here are some of our past projects:

Curriculum and Class Profile

What courses will you take during your public policy degree?

Policy Curriculum

Jobs in Public Policy

Our graduates are employed by government agencies, non-profits, and private firms in all key sectors of the economy

Careers

Hands-On Learning

Through internships, projects, research positions and conferences, Heinz students get real-world experience.

Practical Experience

How will I pay for this?

We are committed to reducing the cost of attendance.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

My Story: Stachal


Heinz College stood out to Stachal Harris because of its emphasis on not only social policy, but on data-driven solutions.

My Story: Curt


Working at a nonprofit in Cleveland, Curt saw firsthand the power of digital access—as well as the security risks it posed.

  • Rayid Ghani
  • Amelia Haviland
  • Brian Kovak
  • Jonathan Caulkins

Trail-Blazing Faculty


Our faculty are innovators who solve emerging problems at the nexus of technology and society.

Learn more

What's Next?

Get all the details about applying to our public policy and management program, including:

  • Application deadlines
  • Scheduling a visit
  • Attending an online info session
  • Connecting with a current student

Ready to apply? Check out our graduate application checklist now!