Public Policy & Administration

Leaders in Applied Policy

When administered thoughtfully, policy can remedy societal ills and ultimately serve the greater good. The online format of Northwestern University’s Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) is designed specifically for current and aspiring leaders who are motivated to apply systemic thinking and pragmatic solutions to contribute to the greater well-being of our society.

In fields like child health care, monetary policy, and municipal government, Northwestern MPPA graduates are not only shaping meaningful policy, they’re providing substantive leadership and applying policy in ways that make a positive difference.

As engaged participants in the program, students actively contribute to the greater learning community and emerge as uniquely equipped and empowered leaders.

A Program for Leaders

• Comprehensive and Integrated — This is a comprehensive degree that truly connects public policy creation to the implementation and administration of policy.
• Real-World Application — This is a professional degree that builds essential skills that can be immediately applicable to your career, of value to your employer, and relevant to your industry.
• Leadership Focused — The curriculum emphasizes fundamental skills in effective leadership, communication, innovation, and change management.
• Decidedly Professional — Professors are actively engaged in leadership roles within diverse Public Policy and Administration fields.

What Our Students Are Saying

“I liked that our professors were practitioners in the field – that’s really important when you’re in an applied field. They put the book aside and said, ‘This is what I did.’ You can’t get that real-life perspective from a book.”

David Browne, MPPA Alumnus

Top Ranked

Northwestern University is consistently ranked as one of the best universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Award Winning

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies has received a creative academic programming award from the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) for its online curriculum.

Regional Accreditation

Northwestern University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA).