Review the information below to successfully submit your application
The Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program has multiple, specialized academic tracks that emphasize multidisciplinary thinking, teamwork, and leadership development through experiential learning and co-curricular programming. Some pathways have different application requirements, so it is important for you to review the information below regarding the application deadline and requirements before you begin your online application.
Before you begin your online application, please carefully review the information below.
We offer multiple application deadlines for the August 2026 start date for our full-time master’s programs. Refer to the information below for related details.
Am I eligible to apply by this deadline? Prospective students who have previously completed their bachelor’s degree* are eligible to apply in round #1. The committee will not review applications during the first round of the admission process if the student has not completed their bachelor's degree before December 1, 2025.
What do I need to submit to be considered for admission within this round of admission? Eligible students should submit their application form and the required supporting materials by this deadline. The required supporting materials are two (2) recommendations, official transcript/ evaluation report for your bachelor's degree, and official test scores (if applicable). Review the application checklist below for more details.
When will I receive my admission decision? Application and supporting materials received by the first deadline will receive their admission decision by the end of January.
Other than the earlier notification of your admission decision, there is no “advantage” to applying by December 2. This deadline is available for students who have previously earned their bachelor’s degree and want to receive their admission decision as early as possible.
* Applicants who are currently pursuing their bachelor’s degree should apply for the Round #2 Deadline so your fall (or seventh) semester grades are included on your official transcript/evaluation report.
Am I eligible to apply by this deadline? There are no limitations or restrictions for this round of the admission process. This is the most popular deadline among our applicants. It is best for applicants who have not yet completed their bachelor’s degree, or for those who do not need an earlier decision from us.
This round is available for students who did not complete their bachelor’s degree before December 1, 2025 (therefore ineligible for round #1) and want to receive their admission decision as early as possible.
Students who have previously earned their bachelor’s degree are also encouraged to submit during this round if they did not meet the deadline for round #1.
Note for international students: it is STRONGLY recommended that you submit the application and your supporting materials by January 10 to allow additional time for the immigration process (applying for the I-20, visa application/ appointment, etc.) you will be required to complete if you are admitted and you choose to enroll at Heinz College.
What do I need to submit to be considered for admission within this round of admission? Prospective students following this deadline should submit their application form and the required supporting materials by January 10. The required supporting materials are two (2) recommendations, official transcript/ evaluation report for your bachelor's degree, and official test scores (if applicable). Review the application checklist below for more details.
When will I receive my admission decision? Students who submit their application and supporting materials by January 10 will receive their admission decision by the middle of March.
We will continue to accept applications after the published deadlines if space remains in the incoming class. Please contact the Office of Admissions if you are interested in submitting an application after January 10.
Prospective students who do not apply by the published deadlines will be considered for merit-based scholarship support from their program. However, certain competitive scholarships and fellowships are awarded on a limited basis, and applications received after January 10 may not be included in the selection process.
On June 15, 2026, the application system will close for admission to the full-time master’s programs’ incoming cohort for August 2026.
Regardless of your chosen deadline, you will complete these steps to submit your application:
Applications are reviewed after all required materials have been received.
Before you begin the online application process, please carefully review the list of application requirements and admission criteria for the Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program.
The Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications, and we will complete the review of your application after we have received all of your application materials.
The Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program at Heinz College is quantitatively focused. In order to ensure success for our master’s students, the faculty have established guidelines for preparedness that must be achieved prior to starting classes at Heinz College. It is ideal for students to demonstrate the required quantitative and technical preparation prior to submitting their application (however, there are opportunities for students to complete these requirements once admitted to the program prior to the start of the first semester as a student).
Please note the following for the required quantitative and technical classes:
Courses that do not grant credit and a grade will not fulfill these requirements, even if you receive a certificate of completion for the course. The course must be completed prior to their first semester at Heinz College.
As an applicant to the Public Policy and Management program's D.C. track, you are required to submit an additional admission essay.
As an applicant to the Public Policy and Management program's D.C. track, you are required to submit an additional admission essay. The essay should be no longer than 1,000 words.
Applicants to the Fast Track must meet at least one of the following criteria to be eligible for consideration:
3+ years of relevant work experience; terms of service in Peace Corps, Coro, Public Allies Pittsburgh (Executive Allies only), or Teach for America; or an officer's commission in the U.S. military
Applicants can opt to obtain admission to either the Public Policy and Management or Pitt Law JD program.
Applicants can opt to obtain admission to either the Public Policy and Management or Pitt Law JD program (or both) prior to the first year of study at either school.
Applicants must first obtain admission to the Tepper MBA program prior to the first year of study at either school.
Applicants must first obtain admission to the Tepper MBA program prior to the first year of study at either school. Applicants can opt to apply to Heinz simultaneously with Tepper, or during their first year at Tepper.
Find more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.
Find more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.
Didn't find what you were looking for on this page? Check out our Admissions Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information on any of the topics or processes outlined above.