Top 30 Best Master’s in Public Policy Degrees Online 2019

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In this article, we profile the top 30 best online master's in public policy degree programs for 2019.

Policy analysts and political scientists typically hold master's degrees in public policy or public administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the job outlook for these positions is expected to grow 3% over the next decade, slightly slower than the average of all other occupations. Approximately 200 more jobs will be added over the next several years. To set yourself apart from competition, an earned master's or PhD is needed. We explored a number of accredited institutions that offer master's in public policy online programs.

To be considered for our list of best master's in public policy online degree programs, the college or university must be accredited (regionally or nationally) and offer at least one master's in public policy online degree program. We examined approximately 95 accredited institutions that offered a master's in public policy online program or a closely related degree, such as public administration or public policy management. From our original pool of schools, we narrowed the list by selecting institutions that had received recognition from a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then chose programs that cost less than $25,000 per year. We listed the schools in order of raw affordability.

Featured Online Programs

Below is our list of the top online master's in public policy degree programs of 2019.

#30 – University of San Francisco

Online Master's in Public Administration

San Francisco, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $24,260

University of San Francisco provides mid-career professionals and aspiring public administration professionals with an accredited online master's in public administration. The program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). In addition to the general track, students can choose a concentration in health care public administration. The 39-credit program consists of 13 three-credit classes including economics and finance for public managers, human resource planning and management, integrative seminar in public management, and public administration as a field and practice in contemporary society. U.S News and World report ranks University of San Francisco #110 in national universities.

#29 – University of Pittsburgh

Online Master's in Public Policy and Management

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,140

Through its Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, the University of Pittsburgh offers a master's in public policy online for mid-career professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and career mobility through completion of the 30-credit program that can be completed within one year with full-time enrollment or two years with part-time study. Students typically take two courses (6 credits) per semester and can complete in five terms. Admission requires students to submit transcripts, resume, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required for online admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Pittsburgh #68 in national universities.

#28 – Pennsylvania State University

Online Master's in Public Administration

University Park, Pennsylvania

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,974

Pennsylvania State University provides an online master's in public administration accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The program is 36 credits and requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA during the junior and senior years. Students who have a GPA less than 3.0 may need to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Additional requirements include resume, personal statement, and three references. In addition to the 36-credit hour program, students with fewer than two years of full-time relevant work must complete a 3-credit 300-hour internship. Courses include federalism and intergovernmental relations, governmental and nonprofit accounting, and multifaceted approaches to homeland security. U.S. News and World report ranks Penn State #52 in national universities.

#27 – DePaul University

Online Master's in Public Policy

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,689

DePaul University offers an online master's in public policy through its College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences for individuals seeking a graduate degree that influences local, regional, and national policy. Admission requirements include transcripts, two-page statement, and resume/cv. Core courses include applied statistics for public service, economic foundations of public service, ethical leadership in public service, and introduction to public service management. Graduates are prepared for a variety of positions including public service, private consulting, and more. Graduates are also prepared to move on to doctoral studies in public policy or public administration. U.S. News ranks DePaul #120 in national universities.

#26 – Norwich University

Online Master's in Public Administration

Northfield, Vermont

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,578

Norwich University offers one of the strongest online public policy programs for individuals seeking leadership careers in government, non-government organizations (NGOs), and non-profits. The average time to completion is 18 months. The maximum students per cohort is 15 students, which ensures close engagement with faculty and peers. The organization is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to online classes, students are required to visit campus for one week. Core classes include corrections administration, critical incident management public policy, fiscal management accounting and contracting, and law enforcement administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks Norwich #86 in regional universities North.

#25 – Strayer University

Online Master's in Public Administration

Washington, District of Columbia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,449

Strayer University's master's in public policy online provides students with a rigorous graduate education, allowing individuals to keep their commitments while taking classes. Admission to the public administration program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and satisfactory performance of either a 2.5 GPA during junior and senior years, 450 minimum on the GMAT, or a 1,000 minimum on the GRE. Courses may include constitutional and administrative law, international public administration, leadership and conflict resolution, policy analysis and program evaluation, and public personnel management. Strayer University is recognized in U.S. News and World Report's cohort of regional universities North.

#24 – California University of Pennsylvania

Online Master's in Legal Studies Law and Public Policy Concentration

California, Pennsylvania

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,203

California University of Pennsylvania offers online public policy programs for students seeking a degree that intersects law and public policy. The program's goal is to teach and train students in these fundamental areas critically important to effective policy. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher and official transcripts. Conditional admittance requires students to provide a resume, three references, and 500-word personal statement. Courses may include law and administrative agencies, law and civil litigation, law and criminal conduct, and law and the international community. California University of Pennsylvania is ranked #146 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#23 – University of Massachusetts

Online Master's in Public Policy

North Dartmouth, Massachusetts

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,854

University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth has one of the top online public policy programs designed for individuals seeking employment at all levels of government, the non-profit sector, and other areas of industry. UMass Dartmouth is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). In addition to core classes, students can choose from concentration areas in public management or environmental policy. The 36-credit program includes classes such as applied policy research, policy analysis, public institutions and the policy process, and research methods for public policy. U.S News and World Report ranks University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth #207 in national universities.

#22 – Oregon State University

Online Master's in Public Policy

Corvallis, Oregon

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,061

Oregon State University's master's in public policy online is geared for early and mid-career public policy and administration professionals seeking a graduate degree to leverage future career opportunities. The program includes concentrations in energy policy, environmental policy, rural policy, and social policy. Core classes include applied research methods, conducting social research, microeconomics for master's in public policy, and public policy analysis. The program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration. Admission requirements include five years of professional experience or a recent graduate degree or submission of GRE scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks OSU #145 in national universities.

#21 – Virginia Commonwealth University

Online Master's in Public Administration

Richmond, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,633

Virginia Commonwealth University's L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs offers an online master's in public administration for current public affairs and policy professionals in addition to pre-service aspiring professionals. Most top public administration positions require a master's degree for which VCU's program is a strong choice because of its rigorous curriculum and online convenience. The Wilder School was awarded the 2016 social equity award from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks Virginia Commonwealth University #171 in national universities and #44 in best public affairs programs for its 2018 cohort.

#20 – Regent University

Online Master's in Government – Law and Public Policy

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,326

Regent University's online master's in public policy consist of 30-33 credits accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. The program is fully online providing convenience for individuals seeking a graduate education while maintaining current personal and professional commitments. Admission requirements include bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school, transcripts, admissions questionnaire, and resume. GRE or LSAT score submission is optional. Courses include Christian ethics and the law of armed conflict, international and comparative human rights, introduction to cybersecurity policy and affairs, and the law and governance of higher education. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regent #231 in national universities.

#19 – New England College

Online Master's in Public Policy

Henniker, New Hampshire

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,080

New England College's master's in public policy online is geared towards public policy professionals and aspirants seeking top positions in the field of public policy and administration. New England College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges through the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The degree is delivered fully online and features rolling admissions occurring every 7-weeks. Additionally, no GMAT or GRE scores are required. Graduates go on to careers as policy advisors, communication directors, senior policy analysts, public policy program directors, and more. New England College is ranked #146 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#18 – Thomas Edison State University

Online Master's in Public Service Leadership

Trenton, New Jersey

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,024

Thomas Edison State University's online public policy programs prepare students for leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, government, and community-based organizations. The program's curriculum was created in accordance with the standards and practices of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. Students can choose from a wide range of concentration areas including community and economic development, environmental policy, information technology management for public service, nonprofit management, public and municipal finance, and public health policy. The entire program requires completion of 36 credits. Thomas Edison State is recognized in U.S. News and World Report's 2018 cohort for regional universities North.

#17 – Arizona State University

Online Master's in Public Administration

Tempe, Arizona

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,938

In collaboration with the McCain Institute for International Leadership, Arizona State University's online master's in public administration is a 30-credit 10-class program that can be completed in just 19 months. The program is designed for current professionals with 5-7 years of increasing leadership responsibility in related professions. Students are required to spend short periods of time in Phoenix, Arizona and Washington, DC for orientation and two executive sessions. Courses include data analytics for the public good, ethical issues for managers, federal budgeting and tax policy, leadership in public organizations, and strategic planning for public sector leaders. U.S. News and World Report ranks ASU #115 in national organizations.

#16 – University of North Carolina

Online Master's in Public Administration

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,929

The University North Carolina at Chapel Hill's online master's in public policy is a top ranked program operating out of the institution's School of Government. Students can select a concentration in areas including community and economic development, international relations, local government, nonprofit management, and public health. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, resume, statement of purpose, and GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores. Test score requirements are waived for individuals with a JD or PhD. Courses include federal policies and institutions, government and nonprofit accounting and reporting, human resource management, and law for public administration. UNC is ranked #30 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#15 – Indiana Wesleyan University

Online Master's in Public Administration

Marion, Indiana

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,392

Indiana Wesleyan University's master's in public policy online focuses on social responsibility and community engagement through governmental intervention and policy. The 36-credit program consists of 24 credit hours of core classes and 12 elective credit courses. Students can choose from specializations in non-profit leadership, criminal justice, and public management. Indiana Wesleyan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Required classes include ethical leadership in the public sector, financing public services, organizational management and behavior, and scholarly research and writing. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan #29 in regional universities Midwest.

#14 – SUNY Empire State College

Online Master's in Social and Public Policy

Saratoga Springs, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,385

State University of New York Empire State College's online master's in public policy is a 36-credit program requiring four core classes, four elective courses, and four research courses. The research emphasis prepares students to enter the workforce with strong critical thinking and applied research practices. Required classes include ethical issues in social policy, public process, public policy analysis, and social policy perspectives. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, personal statement, and any prerequisite courses or test scores required by the department. SUNY Empire State accepts up to six transfer credits. The institution is recognized by U.S. News and World Report in its cohort of regional universities North.

#13 – CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Online Master's in Public Administration

New York, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,892

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the top online public policy programs available 100% via the internet. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The 42-credit program allows students to choose from a variety of specializations including criminal justice policy and administration, emergency management, human resources management, and management and operations. Students can complete the program in two years. Required courses include economic principles for public administration, human resources management, organizational theory and management, and public sector financial management. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is ranked #111 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.

#12 – Aurora University

Online Master's in Public Administration

Aurora, Illinois

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,800

Aurora University offers an online master's in public administration. The program consists of 36 credit hours with each course lasting eight weeks. Students can complete the program in as little as one year. Admission requirements include bachelor's degree from regionally accredited school, resume or CV, personal statement, and transcripts. A UGPA less than 3.0 requires two letters of recommendation and/or interview with the program director. Courses may include administration of public institutions, advanced seminar in applied public administration, government and community relations, and public policy and analysis. U.S. News and World Report ranks Aurora University #126 in its cohort of best regional universities Midwest.

#11 – Grand Canyon University

Online Master's in Public Administration

Phoenix, Arizona

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,555

Grand Canyon University offers an online master's in public policy with an emphasis in government and policy. Operating out of the institution's College of Humanities and Social Science, the program is available entirely online and is taught by full-time faculty and trained adjuncts. The 38 credits include courses such as economics for public administrators, introduction to graduate studies in the liberal arts, public budgeting and financial management, and public and non-profit management. Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has been since 1968. Admission to Grand Canyon varies by department, with the institution having an overall acceptance rate of 43%. GCU is ranked #231 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#10 – University of South Florida

Online Master's in Public Administration

Tampa, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428

University of South Florida offers an online master's in public policy accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The program has been training public policy and administration professionals since 1977 through it 45-credit curriculum. Full-time students can complete the degree in just two years. Part-time students typically graduate in 3-4 years. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. The admissions committee recommends GRE scores of 60th percentile verbal and 25th percentile quantitative (154/144). The GRE can be waived for certain students. USF is ranked #140 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.

#9 – Indiana University

Online Master of Public Administration

Bloomington, Indiana

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,279

One of the most affordable online master's in public policy on our list is the online MPA at Indiana University. This fully online 48-credit hour program consists of three components: core classes, advanced electives, and an experiential internship that may be waived if the student has prior professional experience. Classes are delivered online and include law and public affairs, public finance and budgeting, public management economics, and statistical analysis for effective decision-making. While GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission, students may submit satisfactory scores to supplement their application. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana University #90 in best national universities.

#8 – University of Missouri

Online Master's in Public Affairs

Columbia, Missouri

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,828

University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers online public policy programs, including the master's in public affairs. This 33-credit hour program is delivered 100 percent online through the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs. Classes run nine weeks in length, and students typically take one class each nine-week session. Courses include collaborative governance, economic analysis, ethical leadership, financial management, organizational dynamics and leadership, and public policy strategy. Admission requires an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better. GRE scores are not required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Mizzou #120 in best national universities and #77 in best value schools.

#7 – Eastern Illinois University

Online Master's in Political Science – Public Policy

Charleston, Illinois

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Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,785

Eastern Illinois University offers a master's in public policy online degree program that consists of a master's in political science with an option in public policy. Courses are delivered online and include budgeting in government and nonprofit organizations, human resource management in public and nonprofit organizations, international policy issues, research in political science, and state governments and policy in the U.S. Federal System. Additional credits may be earned by participating in an administrative internship or studying abroad. U.S. News and World Report ranks Eastern Illinois #51 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #51 in best value schools.

#6 – Ohio University

Online Master of Public Administration

Athens, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,715

The online master's in public administration degree program at Ohio University is a two-year program that does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission. There are two concentrations offered so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. These concentrations include non-profit management and public leadership and management. Courses are delivered online and include data analytics for public and non-profit managers, financial management in government, organizational leadership, and public sector program evaluation. U.S. News and World Report rank Ohio University #151 in best national universities and #78 in top public schools. Also, several of the online graduate programs rank among the top 50 and top 100 surveyed programs.

#5 – The University of Texas

Online Master of Public Administration

Arlington, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,128

The University of Texas offers online public policy programs, including the online MPA degree. This 39-credit hour program takes twenty-four months to complete. The program requires a series of online courses and the completion of an internship in the public sector. Online courses include ethics in public service, evaluation research, foundations of urban research and analysis, introduction to public administration, public and non-profit human resources law, and public budgeting. Admission requirements include an undergraduate bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, satisfactory GRE scores, and strong letters of recommendation. U.S. News and World Report ranks UT Arlington #231-#300 in best national universities.

#4 – Liberty University

Online Master's in Public Policy

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723

Liberty University's master's in public policy online program prepares students for opportunities in various career fields, including government, public administration, and politics. The program is 100% online, which offers flexibility for students to remain employed while attending classes. To tailor the degree toward career aspirations, students have the option of specializing. A number of specializations are offered, including campaigns and elections, international affairs, leadership, policy studies, and public administration. Admission to the program requires an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty #231-#300 in best national universities.

#3 – Valdosta State University

Online Master of Public Administration

Valdosta, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,628

Valdosta State University offers a 36-credit online master's in public administration that can be completed as a non-thesis degree. The online MPA has three available concentrations: Public Sector Management, Public Sector Human Resource Management, and Public Policy. Both the public sector management and public policy concentrations are offered fully online. Students will be required to work 300 hours as a participant-observer in a government, non-profit, or NGO. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, have satisfactory scores on the GMAT, MAT, or GRE, and provide three letters of recommendation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Valdosta #231-#300 in best national universities.

#2 – American Public University System

Online Master of Public Policy

Charles Town, West Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600

American Public University offers an accredited online master's in public policy (MPP) program designed to provide training in policy analysis and evaluation. The 36-credit, two-year degree offers four concentration areas so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. These concentrations include environmental policy, health policy, national security policy, and public policy and the law. Admission requires applicants hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank APU among the top regional universities in the South.

#1 – University of Nebraska

Online Master of Public Administration

Omaha, Nebraska

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,458

The most affordable master's in public policy online degree program on our list is the Master of Public Administration offered at the University of Nebraska. This NASPAA-accredited program serves as a gateway to transforming society through a career in public service. Six MPA concentrations are offered to allow students to tailor their degree toward career goals. These concentrations include emergency management, healthcare administration, local government, nonprofit management, public management, and public policy. Core courses include analysis and decision-making, foundation of public service, organization theory and behavior, and policy design and implementation. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Nebraska #124 in best national universities.

BMD Staff
September 2018

This concludes our list of the top 30 best online master's in public policy degree programs of 2019.