What Differentiates the Heinz School's MSPPM Program 

Several features of the Heinz School's Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program set us apart from other professional master’s programs. First, we offer three curriculum tracks for degree completion:  

1. a two year track consisting of two academic years;

2. a one year track (12 months) for students entering the program with extensive, relevant experience;

3. a two year track with the first year of course work completed in Pittsburgh and then course work and an apprenticeship in our nation’s capital during the second year

Second, we have a skills-based curriculum. We recognize that, in today's job market, multiple job changes - and even career changes - are inevitable. We want you to graduate from our program with a set of skills that will allow you to shape a flexible career now and twenty years from now.

Third, we believe that the future of any organization - private, public or non-profit - will be affected by technology. Our graduates have an understanding of current trends in information technology that can help their organizations run more efficiently and strengthen their future success.

A final distinctive aspect of our program is our systems synthesis project. In lieu of a master's thesis, our students participate in a semester-long group project. The groups start with an unstructured problem, refine the scope, analyze, develop and often implement a solution.