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MSPPM Three-Semester Track

As a student in the three-semester MSPPM program at Heinz College, you'll experience an innovative, challenging curriculum in public policy and management unlike any in the world. The option to begin the program in the fall semester (August) and complete the degree in 16 months allows those with extensive relevant professional experience to complete a high quality professional master’s degree without leaving the workforce for too long. Our interdisciplinary approach fosters an exceptional education in emerging issues of public policy, as well as in public and non-profit management.

Three-Semester Track Requirements

  • Begin the program in the fall semester (August).
  • Complete a total of 168 units with a cumulative QPA of 3.0.
  • Complete the core curriculum.
  • Complete Systems Synthesis, a group capstone project, during your second or third semester.

MSPPM Course Requirements

The MSPPM core curriculum—reviewed, refined and validated by the top professionals in the public policy arena—provides a solid foundation of comprehensive skills you need to lead an organization to success and address critical social issues. Below is a list of required courses you'll need to earn the degree.

Policy Analysis

  • Applied Economic Analysis
  • Empirical Methods for Public Policy Analysis
  • Public Policy and Management Convocation

Management

  • Organizational Design and Implementation
  • Management Science
  • Strategic Writing Skills
  • Strategic Presentation Skills

Political Science

  • Policy and Politics: An International Perspective -or- Policy and Politics in American Political Institutions

Technology & Management

  • Introduction to Database Management
  • Information and Communication Technologies

Finance

  • Financial Analysis

Project Application

  • Systems Synthesis Project
  • Advanced Policy Topics (choose one of several)
  • Advanced Methods Courses (choose two of many)
  • Capstone Course (each concentration has one capstone course-e.g., Methods of Policy Analysis, Public Leadership, Public Finance, Urban and Regional Economic Development)
  • Concentration coursework (may include Advanced Methods, Policy and Capstone courses)

Course Exemptions

If you have a strong background in any of the core courses, you can receive an exemption either by passing an exemption exam administered by Heinz during your orientation program or through successful completion of comparable coursework during your undergraduate work. Exempting a course doesn't reduce the required number of courses you must complete. However, you can add more elective courses to expand your knowledge base.


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Three-semester track application requirements.

In order to be considered for the 3-semester MSPPM, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria prior to enrolling in the program:

  • Minimum of three years of relevant professional work experience.
  • Completed a term of service as a Peace Corps volunteer.
  • Completed the Coro Fellows program.
  • Completed one of the Congressional Hunger Center’s fellowship programs.
  • Attained the rank of Captain in the Army, Marines or Air Force.
  • Attained the rank of Lieutenant in the Navy or Coast Guard.
  • Completed a term of service as a Teach for America volunteer.
  • Completed the Executive Ally program through Public Allies Pittsburgh.