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
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
Stories of Impact
Read our articles and stories about Heinz College's impact in public policy.
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:
- Modeling routes to place optimal charging stations for an all-electric bus fleet
- Standardizing organ transplant handbooks nationwide
- Using large language models to help a policy think tank access Congressional information
- Enabling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to serve 20,000 additional callers
- Increasing access to lending and credit to low-income and traditionally excluded communities
Curriculum and Class Profile
Jobs in Public Policy
Hands-On Learning
How will I pay for this?
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.
Trail-Blazing Faculty
Our faculty are innovators who solve emerging problems at the nexus of technology and society.
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!