Best Online Master of Public Policy (MPP) Degree Programs

Pepperdine University's online Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a 20-month hybrid program that prepares leaders to address complex policy challenges through rigorous economic and research analytics combined with moral leadership principles. The program offers customizable specializations and emphasizes a values-centered curriculum, with over 90% of students receiving scholarships covering an average of 70% of tuition. No GRE is required for admission, and the program features both Malibu and Washington DC locations, providing an accessible pathway to transformative public leadership across public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

• 20-month MPP program
• 50 total program units
• No GRE required
• 5 unique specializations
• Malibu and DC locations
• 90% receive scholarships
• 70% average tuition covered
• August 25th start date
• Priority deadline Jan 31st
• In-person daytime classes

Pepperdine University's online Master of Public Policy (MPP) with a concentration in American Policy and Politics is a 20-month hybrid program that equips aspiring leaders with comprehensive policy skills through economic, historical, and philosophical perspectives. The program features a streamlined admissions process with no GRE requirement and focuses on candidate potential and commitment. Over 90% of students receive scholarships covering an average of 70% of costs, and the program offers a values-centered curriculum with a Christian ethical framework, preparing graduates for impactful careers across public, private, and nonprofit sectors with Malibu and Washington DC learning options.

• Values-centered curriculum with Christian ethical framework
• Five unique policy specialization tracks
• Malibu and Washington DC learning options

Pepperdine University's online Master of Public Policy (MPP) with a concentration in Public Policy and Dispute Resolution is a 20-month hybrid program that empowers future leaders to tackle complex policy challenges through a unique, values-driven approach. The curriculum blends economic analytics, historical perspectives, and ethical decision-making, with a streamlined admission process and no GRE required. Extensive scholarship opportunities cover up to 70% of tuition, and the program offers multiple specialization tracks in beautiful Malibu with a Washington DC option, preparing graduates for diverse careers in government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

• 20-month in-person program
• 50 total program units
• No GRE required
• 95% receive scholarships
• Malibu and DC locations
• 5 unique specializations
• August 25th start date
• Christian faith-based approach
• Tuition averaging 70% covered
• Multiple joint degree options

Pepperdine University's online Master of Public Policy (MPP) with a concentration in International Relations and National Security is a 20-month hybrid program that prepares strategic leaders to address complex policy challenges with moral grounding and analytical rigor. Students gain skills in economic analysis, research methods, and policy evaluation, with no standardized test requirements for admission. Over 90% of students receive scholarships averaging 70% tuition coverage, and the program offers a values-centered curriculum with opportunities to specialize in areas like international relations, located in stunning Malibu with a Washington DC track, providing exceptional value for diverse sector careers.

• 20-month program length
• 50 total program units
• No GRE required
• 90% receive scholarships
• Malibu and DC locations
• Five unique specializations
• In-person daytime classes
• Start date: August 25th, 2025
• Faith-based approach
• Multiple joint degree options

Duke University's Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a hybrid online program that prepares dynamic leaders for impactful careers in government, nonprofits, and corporate sectors. This two-year professional degree develops advanced analytical capabilities, policy expertise, and strategic thinking to address complex societal challenges. The program requires the GRE entrance exam and is military-friendly. Students gain comprehensive skills to drive meaningful change across diverse organizational landscapes through a curriculum focused on practical policy-making.

• Two-year professional degree for dynamic policy careers.
• Prepares leaders for government, nonprofit, corporate sectors.
• Develops advanced analytical and strategic policy skills.

Duke University's hybrid online Master of Public Policy with a Development Policy concentration offers specialized learning through seven policy-area options. Students complete nine concentration credits, a related summer internship, and a master's project, gaining practical skills to tackle complex societal challenges. The program requires the GRE entrance exam and features cross-institutional coursework with UNC, NC State, and NC Central University for enhanced academic flexibility. This military-friendly program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and real-world policy application.

• Seven policy concentration options for specialized learning.
• Interdisciplinary coursework across multiple universities.
• Internship and master's project required for graduation.

Duke University's hybrid online Master of Public Policy with an Energy & Environment Policy concentration provides specialized training through seven policy tracks. Students develop advanced policy analysis skills through rigorous coursework, tailored internships, and a specialized master's project. The program requires the GRE entrance exam and offers interdisciplinary curriculum exploring complex challenges across health, national security, technology, and social domains. This military-friendly program emphasizes practical application through mandatory summer internships and cross-university learning opportunities.

• Seven specialized policy concentration tracks available.
• Interdisciplinary coursework across multiple universities.
• Mandatory summer internship and master's project required.

Oregon State University's online Master of Public Policy with an energy policy concentration offers a NASPAA-accredited hybrid program that requires no entrance exam. This interdisciplinary program integrates cutting-edge scientific research with policy analysis, preparing graduates for leadership roles in government and nonprofit sectors. Students develop critical analytical skills through seven concentration options, with a focus on innovative energy policy solutions for 21st-century challenges.

• NASPAA-accredited interdisciplinary policy program
• Seven diverse policy concentration options
• Prepares leaders for government and nonprofit roles

Oregon State University's online Master of Public Policy with an environmental policy concentration is a hybrid program that does not require an entrance exam. This NASPAA-accredited interdisciplinary curriculum leverages world-class scientific research to develop innovative environmental policy solutions. Students explore seven specialized concentrations while preparing for careers in government, nonprofit sectors, and policy analysis through comprehensive training in complex policy challenges.

• NASPAA-accredited interdisciplinary policy program
• Seven specialized policy concentration options
• Integrates cutting-edge scientific research into policy

Oregon State University's online Master of Public Policy with an international policy concentration is a hybrid program with no entrance exam requirement. This NASPAA-accredited interdisciplinary program integrates cutting-edge science with policy analysis across seven concentration options. Students gain comprehensive training to address complex global policy challenges, preparing for impactful roles in government, nonprofits, and research institutions through innovative international policy solutions.

• Seven unique policy concentration options
• NASPAA-accredited interdisciplinary program
• Integrates scientific research with policy solutions

Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a comprehensive online Master of Public Policy (MPP) program designed for professionals seeking careers in policy analysis and public affairs. This two-year hybrid program requires 48 credits with no thesis requirement, focusing on advanced analytical skills through both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Students gain practical experience via applied internships and research practica, preparing them to address complex societal challenges. The program does not require an entrance exam like the GRE, making it accessible to working professionals. Multiple concentration options allow for specialized expertise in various policy areas.

• Two-year full-time degree
• 48 total credit requirement
• 9-credit policy concentration
• Applied field experience internship
• Multiple concentration options
• Research methods training
• No thesis requirement
• 3.0 GPA graduation standard

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's online Master of Public Policy (MPP) with a Budget and Finance concentration prepares students for specialized roles in economic policy and fiscal management. This hybrid program spans two years and requires 48 credits, emphasizing practical skills through required internships and research opportunities. The curriculum blends quantitative analysis with policy formation studies, focusing specifically on public finance and budget management. No entrance exam is required for admission, making this program accessible to professionals seeking to advance their careers in government or nonprofit financial policy sectors.

• 48 total credit program
• Hybrid learning format
• Internship field experience required
• Multiple concentration options
• No thesis requirement

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's online Master of Public Policy (MPP) with a Health concentration equips professionals for policy careers in healthcare sectors. This two-year hybrid program requires 48 credits (30 core, 18 elective) with a mandatory 9-credit health policy focus. Students develop advanced analytical skills through both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, gaining practical experience via internships and research projects. The program prepares graduates for roles in public health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private healthcare entities. No entrance exam is required for admission, and the program maintains a 3.0 GPA graduation standard.

• Two-year graduate degree program
• 48 total credit requirement
• Practical internship experiences
• Multiple policy concentrations
• Analytical methods training
• No thesis requirement
• Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
• In-person with remote options

Drexel University's Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a hybrid program combining online and on-campus learning for professionals seeking public service careers. This 18-24 month program develops critical skills in data analysis, policy research, and strategic problem-solving across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The curriculum features unique case study research methodology for deep specialization, with interdisciplinary coursework across multiple colleges. The program requires an entrance exam (GRE/GMAT typically), and offers flexible start dates in fall, winter, or spring quarters with rolling admissions and decisions within one month.

• Flexible online and in-person learning options
• Unique case study research methodology
• Interdisciplinary coursework across multiple colleges

Drexel University's Master of Public Policy (MPP) with certificate programs prepares professionals for impactful careers in government, nonprofit, and public sectors through a hybrid format. This 18-24 month program offers flexible full-time and part-time options, both online and on-campus, focusing on advanced policy analysis, research, and communication skills. The unique case study research curriculum allows specialization in specific policy areas. An entrance exam (GRE/GMAT typically) is required, with priority domestic applications due August 1st and multiple start dates available.

• Unique case study research curriculum
• Flexible full-time and part-time formats
• Interdisciplinary coursework across multiple schools

Drexel University's Master of Public Policy (MPP) with graduate minors is a dynamic hybrid program for professionals driving meaningful change. This 18-24 month program develops critical skills in data analysis, policy research, and strategic problem-solving across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Offering both online and in-person options with specialized tracks, it features a unique case study research approach for comprehensive policy expertise. The program requires an entrance exam (GRE/GMAT typically) and provides flexible formats to tackle complex societal challenges.

• Unique case study research methodology
• Flexible online and on-campus formats
• Interdisciplinary curriculum across multiple schools

Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers an online Master of Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in Public Management. This program prepares professionals for leadership roles through an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines theory with practical experience. As an online program, it provides flexible learning options for working professionals. The program does not require an entrance exam. It focuses on developing skills for effective public management and is eligible for the Western Regional Graduate Program, offering potential cost savings for eligible students.

• Master of Public Policy and Administration
• Online and on-campus formats
• Three areas of study available
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Prepares for public service leadership
• Western Regional Graduate Program eligible
• Accelerated master's option available
• Focuses on real-world experience
• Areas include Public Management
• Areas include International Policy

Colorado State University-Fort Collins provides an online Master of Public Policy and Administration concentrating in Public Policy. This program equips students to address complex societal issues through evidence-based policy development and implementation. The online format offers accessibility for professionals seeking to advance their careers in government, nonprofits, or international organizations. No entrance exam is required for admission. The curriculum emphasizes leadership development and real-world policy experience, preparing graduates to create meaningful impact across various sectors.

• Online and on-campus formats
• Three areas of study available
• Leadership-focused curriculum
• Western Regional Graduate Program
• Accelerated master's option
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Real-world policy experience
• Multiple career sector opportunities

Colorado State University-Fort Collins delivers an online Master of Public Policy and Administration specializing in International Policy and Management. This program prepares students for global leadership roles through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates academic theory with practical applications. The online delivery provides flexibility for professionals engaged in international work or seeking global careers. Admission does not require an entrance exam. The program focuses on developing skills for managing international policy challenges and offers accelerated completion options for qualified students.

• Online and on-campus formats
• Three areas of study available
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Accelerated Master's Program option
• Western Regional Graduate Program eligible
• Focuses on public service leadership
• Real-world experience integrated
• Multiple career sector opportunities