Academic programs
College OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
Master of Public Policy
Master’s Degree
Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) prepares you to assess public programs, develop appropriate policy responses, and evaluate program effectiveness. The MPP is the industry standard degree amongst public policy professionals, and emphasizes the analysis of data and other relevant information. Graduates enter careers as impactful policy analysts, researchers, consultants, program evaluators, and policymakers.
Location
Oakland, California
Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time
Duration
1–2 Years
Type
On-Campus
Program overview
Northeastern’s Master of Public Policy program is designed to prepare you to analyze problems, strategize and devise policy options, assess the impacts of different alternatives, and advocate for effective solutions. The curriculum focuses on developing competencies in statistical analysis, research methods, policy analysis, and program evaluation.
The faculty at the Oakland campus bring many years of national and local experience to the classroom. The curriculum integrates case studies, small group exercises, and applied projects to tie the academic subject matter directly to current real-world policy.
Students may choose to follow the standard MPP curriculum, or add a concentration in Sustainability and Climate Change Policy.
Unique features
- You will complete a capstone project working with a real external client.
- If you would like to complete a co-op or internship you will be supported in the search process.
- Classes are scheduled to accommodate working students.
- Research opportunities are available with Northeastern’s Community to Community Impact Accelerator.
Program objectives
You will graduate able to:
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
- Identify and explain the institutional, structural, and political contexts of policymaking
- Employ analytical tools to collect, analyze, and interpret data, including appropriate statistical concepts and techniques
- Participate in and contribute to the public policy process
- Communicate results of analysis and interact productively with wide-ranging audiences
Career outlook
Graduates can go on to work as legislators, policy analysts, researchers, program evaluators, policymakers, consultants, city managers, urban and regional planners, and more. Our alumni work in a broad range of public, private, and nonprofit settings.
Curriculum
The Northeastern MPP in Oakland takes a practice-oriented, research-based approach. You’ll build a toolkit of essential skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis and evaluation. Our curriculum offers methodological rigor and a strong theoretical framework.
Experiential learning
Northeastern’s signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person. As an MPP student, you will take part in real-world projects during your capstone project and as part of your coursework. In addition, support is available for finding and completing an internship or co-op.
Tuition and aid
Tuition
$40.5K
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Find detailed information on tuition and fees from Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
How to apply
Learn more about the admissions process and required materials for the School of Public Affairs at the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, including deadlines.