The Top 6 Master’s in Public Policy Online Under $50,000

We see you there, world-changer. You’re passionate about improving the lives of others through practical, research-based, and actionable public policies. You’re probably busy and not able to go to an on-campus college, but you’re starting to wonder if an online program could help you better reach your goals. Well, friend, you have come to the right place. A Master’s in Public Policy online degree might be just the right path for you!

It can be super overwhelming to sort through all the information about getting your master’s, so we condensed all the “must-know” information here. We’ll go through all the basics of getting an online Master’s in Public Policy and then give you a jumping-off point with six of the best online MPP programs we think you should check out. Ready to dive in?

Article Navigation: Master’s in Public Policy Online | Accreditation for Master’s in Public Policy Online | Schools Under $50k | Is an MPA or MPP Better? | Admission Requirements for Online MPP Programs | Cost of a Public Policy Degree Online | Find Your MPP Online with GetEducated

Master’s in Public Policy Online

What is the typical format of an online Public Policy degree?

A large majority of MPP online programs are 100% online. Some of these programs are asynchronous—meaning students can log on and complete work at any time. Some programs are synchronous in nature and require students to join in virtual classes at specific times. A small minority of MPP online programs are hybrids and have some on-campus requirements that supplement virtual learning.

Most Public Policy degrees begin with a core curriculum of classes that are then supplemented by a student’s choice of specialization classes. Most programs culminate with some sort of final project. Depending on how many classes are taken at once, students finish in 1-6 years.

Are there any capstone or thesis requirements for MPP Programs?

Yes. Most online MPP degrees require some form of final project. Some programs allow students to choose which type of project they’d like to do, while others have stricter requirements. Let’s look at some common types of final projects for an online Public Policy Master’s degree:

• Internship: Students earn real-world public policy experience by working on-site with a local organization. Students can usually choose from a list of government, non-private, and private sector businesses.
• Capstone Project: A capstone project is a bit of a catch-all title that refers to a final, comprehensive course. Requirements vary amongst programs. Typically, though, this involves a student working one-on-one with a professor to complete a special research project within that student’s area of focus/interest. Often these projects are graded with a Pass/Fail instead of a GPA.
• Thesis: Similar to a Capstone Project, the goal of a thesis is for a student to demonstrate thorough mastery of the subject. It is a research paper that often requires students to conduct their own original research.
• Oral Exam: Some schools require students to take an oral exam. This exam is conducted by faculty, and students must answer general public policy questions as well as questions about their specific capstone projects or internships.
• MPAQE: Sometimes, students earn an MPP degree as a concentration within a broader Master of Public Administration degree. In this case, they may be required to take the MPAQE—the Masters of Public Administration Qualifying Exam —to demonstrate their competency in the field.

What are some specializations for online Public Policy Master’s degrees?

Sometimes an MPP is a specialization/concentration in and of itself under the umbrella of a Master’s in Public Administration. Other times, the MPP is the main degree, and students are able to choose another specialization under that umbrella. Here are some common concentrations students can choose from:

• Educational Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Public Management
• International Policy
• Public Policy Analysis
• Rural Policy
• Social Policy
• & more!

Accreditation for Master’s in Public Policy Online

When it comes to accreditation for online Public Policy Master’s programs, there are two things to keep in mind: Regional Accreditation and Programmatic Accreditation.

If a college is regionally accredited, that means that a regional and independent review board has monitored and approved the academic quality of the entire school. Perhaps contrary to instinct, it’s actually better to seek out a regionally accredited program rather than a nationally accredited one. This represents the gold standard of quality.

See more about online college accreditation here.

In addition to a regionally accredited school, students can look for Programmatic Accreditation. This is accreditation is not for the entire college but rather accredits specific degree programs. In the case of an online Master’s in Public Policy, the gold standard of accreditation would be given by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. There are currently 207 accredited programs by the NASPAA.

The 6 Best Master’s in Public Policy Online Schools Under $50k

After sorting through a plethora of options, we found the six best schools with a Master’s in Public Policy online that are also under $50k. Schools are listed from most affordable to most expensive. This is without taking into account any potential scholarship or aid. Some of these programs are exclusively Master’s in Public Policy programs while others also incorporate Public Administration. They also offer a wide range of specializations.

Whatever you’re hoping for in a program, these six schools have some of the best online MPP programs out there. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Liberty University

   Degrees: MA in Public Policy; MA in Public Policy/Public Administration
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $21,236-$21,436

   Liberty University has a fully online Public Policy program with several specializations to choose from. Students can either earn a general MPP or pursue one of seven tracks like Public Administration, Policy Studies, or International Affairs. All programs finish with a six credit thesis sequence involving a proposal, research, and defense.

   Liberty has an award-winning online program and allows students to finish in as little as 1.5 years. Courses are eight weeks long and there are eight different start dates throughout the year.

   Liberty is well-known in the online space for its “frozen tuition” model—they haven’t raised the cost of tuition for over 8 years! Their affordability, reputation, easy application process, and specialization options make it a great choice for MMP students.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Public Policy
   MA in Public Policy/Public Administration

    

2. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

   Degree: Master of Public Policy
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $22,692

   The Master’s of Public Policy online program at Massachusetts-Dartmouth features a core curriculum of seven courses. At the time of admission, students must also declare their area of focus and take three additional courses in either:

   – Public Management
   – Environmental Policy
   – or Education Policy

   Students without two or more years of Public Policy experience are required to participate in an internship. Also, all students must complete a capstone project.

   This fully online program focuses on helping students understand the role of government, the reasons behind government choices, and the real-life implications of those choices. They have a well-rounded core curriculum, small class sizes, and offer students a personal advisor to help them through each step of the program.

   Prospective students should be aware that they have a very rigorous admissions process including: a statement of purpose, transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and a GRE requirement.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Public Policy

    

3. Colorado State University

   Degree: Master of Public Policy & Administration
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $22,982

   Colorado State boasts some pretty impressive numbers when it comes to student satisfaction. A whopping 93% of their online students say that if given the choice, they would choose CSU again for their studies. Let’s see what this program is all about.

   Slightly different from an MPP, Colorado State’s degree is in Public Policy and Administration. Their core curriculum is seven courses. It offers a balance between policy creation, personnel concerns, and administration. In addition to the core, students take 12-15 credits in the specialization of their choice—either Public Management, Public Policy, or International Policy and Management. The program also includes an internship and capstone project.

   While CSU doesn’t require the GRE, they do ask students to submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose along with their undergraduate transcripts.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Public Policy & Administration

    

4. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

   Degree: Master of Public Administration / Public Policy & Administration
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $23,652

   CUNY offers students an impressive Master of Public Administration degree with an optional concentration in Public Policy and Administration. They do have an on-campus program as well, but this degree is offered 100% online.

   This program has a core curriculum of eight courses that focus heavily on management and administration. The Public Policy focus dives more into policy creation and analysis and gives students the tools to evaluate policy outcomes. In addition to this curriculum, students must also complete a Capstone project and pass the MPAQE. Its emphasis on both administration and policy makes this school a fantastic choice for students interested in both disciplines.

   John Jay is known for its commitment to diversity and serving minority students. Also, of special note, 50% of their students are first-generation college students, and 85% of students graduate with zero debt. Some impressive numbers help make this a top MPP program.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Public Administration / Public Policy & Administration

    

5. Oregon State University

   Degrees: Executive Master of Public Policy; Master of Public Policy
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $25,550-$35,070

   Oregon State offers two online Public Policy degrees: Master of Public Policy and Executive Master of Public Policy. While the programs are overall similar, the online Master of Public Policy has more courses on economics and general government courses while the EMPP includes more leadership courses. The EMPP is also designed for those already working in public policy jobs. It requires that applicants have at least five years of experience.

   This MPP online degree is perfect for students who have a niche area of concentration. Oregon has 18 established areas of concentration including Urban Forestry, Gerontology, and Social Policy. They will also work with students to create their own areas of focus if one of the 18 existing options isn’t suitable.

   And for any high-schoolers interested in a fast-track program, Oregon allows students to earn credits toward their Master’s of Public Policy online while in their undergrad program.

   Find Out More:
   Executive Master of Public Policy
   Master of Public Policy

    

6. Northwestern University

   Degree: Master of Arts in Public Policy & Administration
   Tuition Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $49,699

   The Northwestern degree in Public Policy and Administration has a dual focus on developing analytical skills as well as leadership skills. While the program can be 100% online, it is also offered as an accelerated full-time program that combines online learning with on-campus courses.

   In addition to the core courses, students will choose to specialize in either:

   – Public Administration
   – Public Policy
   – Global Policy
   – Global Health
   – Data Analytics

   There is a final project requirement that students can either fulfill by themselves or with a team, according to their preferences.

   Northwestern is one of the ten best universities in the nation and has a strong reputation for academic excellence. This, plus its holistic, well-rounded program, makes it a great choice for prospective online Master of Public Policy students.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Public Policy & Administration

    

Is an MPA or MPP Better?

This is a bit of a trick question because the truest answer is that neither one is “better” in and of themselves. However, there may be a better fit for you depending on your goals. While fairly similar, there’s a couple of key differences between these two degrees:

A Master’s in Public Administration is generally for students who want to oversee the implementation of public policy initiatives. The Master’s in Public Policy benefits students who want to create the policies that will be implemented.

If you’re particularly interested in data collection, analysis, and design—an online MPP will probably be your best bet. If you’re more interested in management, city planning, or other leadership positions, we’d recommend an MPA online. That being said, many programs offer the best of both worlds and will allow you to earn a Public Administration degree with a Public Policy concentration.

How much does an MPA make compared to an MPP?

For those of you crunching the numbers, there can sometimes be a slight difference in salary—with MPP grads earning an average of $3,000 more per year. However, those differences also can vary a lot according to location and specific job roles.

Admission Requirements for Online MPP Programs

What undergrad programs generally lead to an MPP degree?

While most Master’s in Public Policy online programs won’t require specific undergraduate degrees, there are some that can help give you an extra leg-up. Bachelor’s degrees in disciplines like Political Science, History, International Relations, or Economics will give students a solid background in the world of government. Another good strategy would be to earn a degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Business Administration.

Typical master’s degree requirements?

Like most Master’s programs, applying for a top MPP program will often require a couple more steps than an undergrad degree. Unless you apply to a dual-enrolled program to get your BA and MA at the same time, all schools will require transcripts from your undergraduate degree. In addition to transcripts, applicants may have to submit some form of a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a resume.

The six schools we listed were great examples of varying admissions requirements—from transcripts only at Liberty all the way to transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and GED at Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

Do you need to take the GRE for a Master’s in Public Policy?

That will vary from school to school. Many online MPP programs will require applicants to submit GRE scores while others do not list that as a requirement.

Anything specific to MPP program requirements?

There typically aren’t any MPP-specific requirements outside these typical requirements. That being said, students should make sure to tailor any personal statements and recommendation requests to showcase their interest and potential for a career in public policy.

Cost of a Public Policy Degree Online

As with any college program, there can be a wide range of costs for a Master’s in Public Policy. There are two main categories to look at when considering cost: a stand-alone MPP under the Political Science umbrella and a Public Policy concentration under the umbrella of a degree in Public Administration.

• Master of Public Policy: A stand-alone MPP degree ranges from $10,860 to $59,910, with an average of $22,500.
• Public Administration MPP: This degree can be slightly higher and ranges from $10,746.12 to $81,817, with an average of $25,100.

While a degree in Public Administration with an MPP concentration is, on average, slightly more expensive, the two categories are fairly comparable. Students should be able to find their preferred program within their preferred price range.

Find Your MPP Online with GetEducated

You’re now armed and ready to continue your search for the perfect Public Policy degree online program for your needs and values. As you can see, there are some fantastic options out there with lots of flexibility and variety. We are rooting you on as you start the application process and become the kind of Public Policy master who can literally change the world.

Want to learn more about other online programs? Check out GetEducated for all of our degree guides and start down the road to achieving your dreams!