Updated: Sep 7, 2023, 10:39am
A broad, interdisciplinary field, public policy jobs encompass various career areas, including policy analysis at government agencies, college-level research and teaching jobs, and nonprofit management and administration. Public policy graduate programs explore policy as it relates to the environment, education, economic development and other areas.
Earning an online master’s in public policy can help you develop the research and analytical skills you need to make policy recommendations and create positive change in your community at various levels.
Keep reading to learn about some of the best online master’s in public policy programs. Our guide can help you understand what it takes to earn this degree and figure out how to choose the right school.
Our Methodology
- Best Online Master’s in Public Policy Degree Options
- Liberty University
- New England College
- Oregon State University
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- Regent University
- Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Public Policy Program?
- Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Public Policy
- How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Public Policy Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Public Policy
Best Online Master’s in Public Policy Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Public Policy Program?
Earning an online public policy degree works well for many people, but some students learn better in person. Before you choose an online program, consider some of the factors below.
Budget
Choosing an online public policy program that lets you learn from home can help you avoid the cost of on-campus housing and transportation. In many cases, an online degree costs the same as or less than similar in-person options.
Also, many public universities do not charge out-of-state tuition to distance learners, making it less expensive to attend an out-of-state school as an online student.
Schedule
If you plan to work full time during your studies or you have other time-consuming obligations, you might prefer the flexibility and convenience of an online program. Many distance education programs offer asynchronous courses, which allow you to log on and finish your coursework when it works best for your schedule.
Learning Preferences
Online students need good time management, organizational and communication skills to keep up with their courses. Unlike face-to-face programs, many online options do not have set meeting times, requiring learners to stay motivated and avoid procrastinating to do their best work. If this wouldn’t suit your learning style, you might prefer an on-campus program.
Accreditation for an Online Master’s in Public Policy
Universities can receive institutional accreditation if they pass an evaluation process by an accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). You should only consider institutionally accredited colleges and universities to ensure you receive a high-quality education and are eligible for federal student aid.
You can research a school’s accreditation status by looking on its website or searching on CHEA’s directories.
Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that applies to individual academic programs and departments. The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) provides programmatic accreditation to on-campus and online master of public policy programs. You can look up a prospective program’s accreditation status on NASPAA’s website.
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Public Policy Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
A public policy master’s online degree can help you build the skills you need to succeed in various public service roles. However, not all public policy master’s programs cover the same topics or include the same experiences.
For example, some programs involve internships, which can help students get hands-on experience in the field. If you plan to enter the workforce right after earning your master’s, you might choose an internship-focused program to prepare you for the job search. However, if you want to go on to earn your doctorate, you could instead prioritize research-oriented master’s programs.
You should also consider which area of public policy you want to work in. The field is fairly broad, so set your sights on programs offering specializations and courses that suit your long-term career goals.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Tuition rates for the master of public policy programs on our list vary significantly, ranging from $560 to $695 per credit. The typical program requires 33 to 62 credits, bringing the total estimated cost of this online degree between $18,480 and $43,090.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that one year of graduate tuition and fees costs $19,749 on average, or nearly $40,000 for a two-year master’s degree. Most of the degrees on our list fall below this average cost.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to see if you qualify for any federal student aid, which may include loans, grants and work-study opportunities. You can also seek funding options like scholarships, grants and graduate assistantships offered directly by your school or department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Public Policy
What is the difference between a master’s in public policy and a master’s in public administration?
A master’s in public policy focuses on policy analysis, research and evaluation, preparing learners for careers as analysts. A master’s in public administration covers management in the public and nonprofit sectors, readying students for management and administrative careers.
Is a master’s in public policy a terminal degree?
No; many universities offer Ph.D. programs in public policy. However, to get a job in public policy research and evaluation, a master’s degree usually suffices.
Why do people get a master’s in public policy?
People earn master’s in public policy degrees to prepare themselves for policy, evaluation and research jobs in the government, nonprofit and private sectors. Many public policy master’s graduates aim to make positive changes in their communities.