A career in public policy and management can take you in many different directions, allowing you the freedom to work with other professionals in a field or location that you are truly passionate about. Those pursuing a career in public policy and management are able to conduct the research necessary to create solutions to a multitude of different societal problems, and these professionals are able to work with government officials, doctors, and other highly respected members of society in improving the lives of those in their communities or any other area in which they choose to work. Public policy and management professionals are able to solve problems related to health, social issues, economic development, security, or any other issue which may be plaguing an area, and the solutions they come up with truly help the people who live in these areas.
Featured MPH Programs for Policy and Management
The top 5 schools to consider when looking to obtain a public policy and management degree are:
Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College School of Public Policy and Management
Master of Science in Public Policy and Management
Summary
Carnegie Mellon Heinz College’s School of Public Policy and Management offers a master of science program geared towards preparing students to become leaders in their field through a curriculum of experience and hands-on real world learning experience. The course of study combines many different aspects just as information technology to quantitative analysis to give students the education they need to be masters of problem solving and leadership upon completion of the program. Graduates of this program are prepared to work locally or internationally in private, public, or non-profit sectors.
Tuition
Students can expect to pay around $21,458 per semester in tuition while completing this program.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Master of Public Policy
Summary
The innovative program offered by Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health uses already acquired skills to build upon the skills needed to obtain a master of science degree in public policy. Upon graduation, students will be able to implement their skills while taking on a leadership role in a real world setting whether they choose to work locally or around the globe. Critical decision making skills are one particular focus that this program values greatly, as these will help the students to create solutions in today’s modern world. This program will also give students the opportunity to gain real world experience in the field through internships, observation, seminars, and coursework.
Tuition
A full-time student wishing to enroll in this program can expect to pay around $45,792 for the total 5 terms needed for completion, and a part-time student will be expected to pay around $954 per credit.
University of Southern Maine Muskie School of Public service
Master of Public Policy and Management
Summary
Part of University of Southern Maine, the Muskie School of Public Service offers a master of science program for public policy and management that focuses on multi-disciplinary learning in order to give students their best chance at the leadership positions of their chose. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work in the public, private, or non-profit sectors if they should choose, and their work locations are unlimited to anywhere around the globe. Students will learn to not only analyze public policy, but to develop their own policies as well in an effort to solve problems at home or overseas.
Tuition
In-state students who are residents of Maine can expect to pay around $380 per credit hour while completing the program, while out of state students will pay around $1,026.
Harvard School of Public Health
Master of Science in Health Policy and Management
Summary
The master of science program offered by Harvard School of Public Health is a 2 year program that prepares students to succeed in leadership roles in public policy and management, allowing them to effectively come up with solutions to today’s health related problems around the globe. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work in a vast array of different settings from hospitals to community centers, and experience is gained through both study and field work.
Tuition
Full-time students enrolling into this program can expect to pay around $38,800 per year for the 2 year master of science course.
Georgia State University Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Bachelor of Science in Public Policy
Summary
The bachelor of science in public policy program offered by Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies is an undergraduate program for students to become the policy makers of tomorrow. The program is fully accredited by the NASPAA, and students may continue and advance their education at the school if they should choose upon graduation.
Tuition
In-state students can expect to pay around $260 per credit hour for tuition, while out of state students can expect to pay around $867.
Selection Criteria for MPH Public Policy & Management Degree Programs
Real World Planning Exposure
Watching public policy being made in the real world is enough to make a lot of people squeamish, but if you want a career in the field, that kind experience is critical. It’s equally true of health program management, where the tricks and techniques used to get the best out of staff and to earn the faith and compliance of the public simply can’t be taught solely in the classroom.
The programs on this list are all at the top of their game when it comes to putting you into relevant, realistic, and well-supported placements where you can watch practicing professionals dealing with real-world problems of managing public health programs and hashing out policy.
Faculty
Our selections here all feature instructors who are highly respected in the field. Public policy making leans heavily on academia, and many professionals working in the field have positions teaching it as well. In this field, that’s not a distraction, but an asset… staying connected with the latest in academic thinking shapes better policy, and real-world political expertise keeps academia on track. We sought out programs who have faculty with genuine on-the-ground experience and expertise in the field who are active in making important contributions in both research and practice.
Cost
Although cost was not our primary consideration in developing this top picks list, it’s always something to look at when considering what school to pick for a public policy or management degree. So while we chose only schools that are the very best in the field, we let you know what the costs will look like so you can choose something that is not only excellent, but affordable.
Reputation
The top schools in public health don’t hide their light under a bushel; usually we’re not the only ones who have figured out they belong on lists like this. We consider the opinions of other popular third-party rankings, such as those from The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, or the Economist. Chances are good that a school we’ve found at the top of the spectrum has also been well-reviewed by one or more of them.
All schools shown here have been contacted and informed of their inclusion on this list. Schools that do not wish to be featured are immediately removed. School names are the registered trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark does not imply any association with the school.
