Online public policy degree programs

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page. Pennsylvania State University is a publically funded university with campuses throughout the state.

This online public policy degree provides students with foundational knowledge of the management and policy elements of healthcare. Courses cover topics, such as population health and healthcare, health systems management, and strategic planning and marketing for health services.

The program requires students to participate in a field experience internship at a healthcare facility before the final semester of coursework. Arizona State University is a public research university located in Tempe, Arizona, with other campuses across the Phoenix metropolitan area. The university provides several fully online degrees and certificates that include hybrid programs and individual online courses. Their online BS in public service and public policy benefits students who wish to work within government or public service institutions dealing with policy development.

Possible careers associated with this degree include city planner, community health worker, government programs specialist, or human resources manager. Students take credit hours of coursework, which can usually be completed in four years. Core courses feature topics like public policy and service in the 21st century, public service ethics, and contemporary policy challenges.

The curriculum also offers three interdisciplinary tracks for students who wish to combine public policy knowledge with another area of study, such as criminal justice and criminology, social work, or tourism and leisure. Degree requirements include a capstone course where students apply the knowledge they learned in the classroom in a hands-on research project.

Wilmington University is a private university, with its main campus located in New Castle, Delaware and other campuses located throughout Delaware and New Jersey. In addition to their traditional on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs, they offer over 90 fully online degrees, certificates, and concentrations.

Their online BS in government and public policy degree prepares students for a career in government agencies or nonprofit organizations involved in shaping, developing, and implementing policies. This degree is offered in a traditional classroom setting, hybrid format, and fully online.

Their online option takes place asynchronously through the learning management system Blackboard, where students can log in and complete assignments at their own pace. Degree requirements include credit hours of coursework and can typically be completed in four years. Government and public policy courses cover topics, such as education policy, criminal justice policy, and international organization and politics.

If students have completed relevant coursework at another institution, they may transfer up to 90 credits toward their public policy degree online at Wilmington University.

Wilmington also offers a degree completion option in government and public policy for those who already hold an associate degree in the same or related field from an accredited institution. Students who wish to transfer credits from an associate degree should consult an academic advisor to confirm eligibility.

In addition to their main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida, Indian River offers numerous satellite campuses and facilities throughout these counties. Among their fully online offerings, IRSC provides a bachelor of science degree in public administration with a concentration in public policy and leadership.

This is a credit hour program that can typically be completed in five semesters. Courses feature topics, such as public relations for public managers, ethics and conflict resolution, and program evaluation in public management.

The core classes will likely cover things like quantitative research methods. The electives are broader and more wide-ranging to account for different specializations, such as finance, economics, health policy, environmental policy, or international business. Even an online program might require in-person fieldwork with a nonprofit, government office, or social service agency. Generally speaking, the requirements will look a little something like this:.

Sometimes it can take weeks or even months to gather all of the necessary documents, submit an application, arrange for financial aid, and work out the minutiae of your schedule. Instead of waiting until the last minute to apply, you might want to give yourself plenty of time to figure things out.

Department of Education for accredited schools when looking at public policy doctoral programs. High-level universities and government agencies are generally only going to recognize a PhD from an accredited school.

Additionally, many loan and scholarship organizations require you to attend an accredited school to qualify for financial aid. Financial aid for PhD students is a little different than financial aid for undergrads.

Instead, you may want to look at fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships that are meant specifically for PhD students. You can also see if you qualify for fully-funded or partially-funded PhD programs that may pay you a stipend in addition to covering costs of tuition and textbooks. A public policy degree can help prepare you for a number of different careers.

If you want to make the world a better place, you might focus on education, public health, or social services work as an administrative manager. You might study or teach at universities as a researcher or professor. You may even become a fundraiser for your favorite charitable cause. It may take anywhere from 3 years to 5 years to earn a Doctor of Philosophy Ph.

Political science takes a broad, sweeping look at politics as a whole. On the other hand, public policy has a narrower, more specialized focus on public organizations and their policies and procedures. On the contrary, it may lead to many different jobs in schools, charities, courtrooms, law firms, government agencies, and social service offices. The program teaches students the skills needed to pursue careers in public or nonprofit community organizations. Students take courses such as policy analysis methods and approaches, public finance, ethics in public policy, and program evaluation in public policy.

Participants complete a capstone project at the end of the program, as well as an internship to receive hands-on training in preparation for future careers. Students can waive the internship requirement if they already have public policy work experience. Based in Corvallis, OSU offers an online master of public policy. The program helps early- and midcareer professionals complete their degrees by providing flexible online courses. Students take 62 quarter credits, including required core courses such as microeconomic theory, introduction to econometrics, public policy analysis, and understanding social research.

Students can also choose one of four concentrations: energy policy, environmental policy, rural policy, or social policy. By completing additional credits, students can add one of 15 graduate certificates to their concentration area, such as data analytics or water conflict management. Students take courses online through seven-week terms, allowing learners to concentrate on one or two courses per term.

The credit curriculum includes core courses such as public budgeting and finance, public personnel administration, and scope and methods. Students choose 15 credits of electives from courses such as public service ethics, formulation of public policy, and grant writing and public development. Students also take a capstone experience designed to explore an aspect of public policy. Students can choose from four concentrations: criminal justice policy and administration, emergency management, human resources management, and management and operations.

The credit program includes core courses, such as public administration, economic principles for public administration, public sector financial management, and policy analysis. Students focus electives in their concentration area and take two research methods courses.

A capstone seminar provides students with a final chance to demonstrate skills mastery and apply knowledge to a real-world problem.

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty is an evangelical Christian institution that offers an online master of arts in public policy. The credit program includes core courses like economics and public policy, political philosophy, and foundations of American governance. Students choose from a general track or one of six concentrations, including international affairs, leadership, or policy studies. Military veterans and service members receive tuition discounts, and students can enroll on one of eight start dates each year.

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pitt offers an online master of public policy and management through its Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Students who complete two courses per semester and can finish in five semesters. The credit program includes four core courses: microeconomics, administration of public affairs, program evaluation, and a policy seminar. Students also take elective courses, such as public policy analysis, financial management, and strategic management.

Participants complete all courses online. Students need at least five years of work experience to apply to this program. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent offers an online master of arts in government - law and public policy.

Students explore public policy through the lens of the Christian faith, learning about best practices in the field. The credit curriculum includes core courses such as Christian foundations of government, public policy initiatives, and American political thought. Students also choose electives such as constitutional law and policy, cybersecurity policy and affairs, and healthcare policy and ethics.

Students with no work experience can engage in an internship or take an additional elective course to satisfy curriculum requirements. Students can complete the program in two years by taking two courses each term. Enrollees first complete a graduate introduction to public administration course before moving on to other major courses, such as methods in public administration, public sector information technology management, and personal accountability in the public service.

Students also participate in a capstone seminar and an internship in a public administration setting. Students do not need previous work experience to apply for the program. Its public administration program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. For students interested in affecting public policy, a master's in public policy and public affairs is worth it. It is also good for students who want to pursue roles in government and management-level positions in the private and nonprofit sectors.

A master's degree enables students to hone their area of interest, increasing skills specific to their career goals.

Graduates may increase potential earnings and career advancement since some employers only accept candidates with a master's degree. For example, political scientists typically must have a master's or doctorate for jobs, and most policy analysts hold a graduate degree. An online master's in public policy and public affairs can lead to numerous career paths in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.

Graduates work for government agencies, community social service organizations, and corporations. Many graduates pursue roles as policy analysts. These professionals may work for the federal government or at think tanks for large corporations.

Others go on to careers as community and social service managers, political scientists, and government affairs directors. Some master's in public policy degree-holders work as political lobbyists or campaign operators for a specific party. Master's in public policy and public affairs degree-holders can find in-demand and varied positions. Additionally, almost every industry turns to these professionals, including private companies, international organizations, healthcare, education, and security and intelligence.

Some positions offer greater demand. Washington, California, Texas, Virginia, and Illinois are among the states with the highest reported wages and employment rates for these professionals.

Salaries vary dramatically based on position, location, experience level, and employer. Other examples of career opportunities and associated salaries include economic development directors , research directors , and lobbyists.

More experience and contacts in the field may lead to an increase in earnings. Graduates with a master's in public policy and public affairs can aspire to several high-paying jobs. Two top-paying positions include political scientist and government affairs director. Some of these degree-holders also pursue roles as public relations managers. View the most relevant school for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to find your college home.

Edited by Darlene Earnest. Share this Article. Ready to start your journey? Application Online college application systems are geared primarily to undergraduate students. Test Scores Programs vary in their standardized test score requirements. Letters of Recommendation Applicants typically need to submit letters of recommendation. Resume and Work Experience Most programs require a current resume that details a student's relevant work experience. Essays A statement of purpose or essay allows students to display their writing abilities, state their academic and professional goals, and describe how the school's program fits into their aspirations.

Official Transcripts Schools require official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Program Format Some online master's in public policy and public affairs programs offer fully asynchronous learning formats. Location Despite enrolling in an online program, students should consider its location.

Accreditation Accreditation can ensure that a school and program meet the highest quality of educational standards. Student Support Consider choosing a program that offers similar student services for online and on-campus students.

The Biden administration's "expansive interpretation" of Title IX to prosecute discrimination based on sexual orientation meets resistance from state Republicans. Millennials and Gen Zers represent the largest share of eligible voters in But college-aged voters often face steep hurdles getting to the polls.

Student activism has been around for centuries.