Master of Public Policy & Management | Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Advance your career and skillset.

The Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) degree provides professionals the opportunity to advance their skillset by working on real-world problems, grow in a current job, or begin a new path. MPPM students graduate with the knowledge needed to excel in so many fields including government, nonprofits, and public service-oriented work.

Those eligible should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience, beyond an entry-level position. The MPPM degree accounts for knowledge gained through work experience, which is why MPPM students are required to take 10 courses or 30 credit hours, substantially fewer than our other master's programs (which require 48 credit hours).

The four required courses are designed to blend theory, skills, and each student’s professional interests. Coursework can be completed online, in-person, or a mix of both to maximize flexibility for students needing to balance work, school, family, and community commitments.

Want to learn more? Register for one of our upcoming information sessions, offered both in-person and virtually.

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Or, if you're ready to take the next step, apply today and start classes in the fall!

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Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply to the MPPM program, your resume should show 5 or more years of full-time work experience with increasing levels of responsibility, leadership, and professional competence, especially in the following areas:

- Program management

- Budgeting and finance

- Human resource management

- Policy formulation or implementation

If you do not meet these qualifications, you can still explore our other degree programs.

Complete Your Degree On-Campus

As an on-campus, in-person MPPM student, you have access to the full menu of courses we offer. Evening classes meet one day per week which helps students find a pace that suits their schedule. You will take a total of ten courses, four of which are required and six of which are electives, allowing you to tailor the program to your interests and pick up the skills that you find most valuable to your career.

Complete Your Degree Online

As an online MPPM student, you can complete the 30-credit degree in just five terms. By taking courses during the spring, summer, and fall terms, you can earn your degree in just 20 months.

Enroll in two web-based courses (for a total of 6 credits) per term

Follow a set curriculum of online courses taught by University of Pittsburgh faculty members

Receive a faculty advisor and a full-time enrollment counselor who will be able to assist you by phone, Zoom, or email

All students will pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency

Additional Information

How to Apply

To apply for the MPPM program, you will submit the following:

A résumé.
A personal statement outlining your background and your goals for the program (about two double-spaced, typed pages).
Two letters of recommendation from past or present supervisors (from paid or volunteer positions you have held).
Copies of your undergraduate transcripts (and graduate transcripts, if applicable). You may submit unofficial photocopies at the time of your application; official copies are required if you are admitted and choose to enroll.
International applicants only: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score (some exceptions exist, please reach out or visit the main application page with any questions).
A nonrefundable $50 application fee.

Tuition and Fees

Learn more about tuition and fees. There is no tuition difference between in-state and out-of-state students for the online MPPM program.

MPPM students who are employed full-time by a local, state, or federal government agency are eligible to receive a 20% tuition discount. All full-time government employees are eligible, including public school district employees and active-duty military personnel (who are not already receiving tuition benefits from the military).

Out-of-State Students

The University of Pittsburgh is a participating institution in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), an interstate agreement that makes it easier for students to take online courses in another state.

As a result, pursuant to regulations and policies set forth by SARA, Pitt is eligible to enroll students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Note: California, Florida, and Massachusetts are currently not participating members of SARA; however, Pitt is still able to offer online education and field experiences in these states.