Review the information below to successfully submit your MSPPM application
The Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM) program has multiple, specialized academic pathways 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.
If you’re looking for MSPPM program overview, including information regarding curriculum, experiential learning, scholarships and financial aid, or career outcomes, please visit the MSPPM main page.
Before you begin your online application, please carefully review the information below.
The final admission application deadline in order to be considered for all of our scholarship and fellowship support is April 1, but we will continue to accept applications after the deadline as long as space remains in the incoming class. To submit the application, you’ll need to do the following:
Supporting materials (transcripts, test scores, recommendations) can arrive after the deadline without negatively impacting your admission decision or scholarship review. Applications are reviewed after all required materials have been received. Certain scholarship awards may be limited for applications received after the deadline. Please contact the Office of Admissions if you are interested in submitting an application after the published deadline.
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 (MSPPM) 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.
As an applicant to the MSPPM program's DC Pathway, you are required to submit an additional admission essay.
As an applicant to the MSPPM program's DC Pathway, you are required to submit an additional admission essay. The essay should be no longer than 1,000 words.
Applicants to the MSPPM Fast Track pathway 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 MSPPM or Pitt Law JD program prior to the first year of study at either school.
Applicants can opt to obtain admission to either the MSPPM or Pitt Law JD program (or both) prior to the first year of study at either school, and/or apply to the second school during their first year of study.
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 MSPPM simultaneously with Tepper, or during their first year at Tepper.
Applicants can opt to obtain admission to either the MSPPM or PST MDiv program prior to the first year of study at either school.
Applicants can opt to obtain admission to either the MSPPM or PST MDiv program (or both) prior to the first year of study at either school. Applicants typically apply for admission to MSPPM after matriculation at PTS.
Click here for more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.
Click here for more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.
The master’s programs at Heinz College are 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. In some cases, the required preparation may be completed prior to submitting your application for admission. For other students, the preparation may be completed between the time you have been admitted and prior to the start of your first semester as a Heinz College student.
The MSPPM program’s Data Analytics (MSPPM-DA) pathway requires incoming students to have prior programming experience due to the more technical nature of the curriculum. In order to ensure success for our MSPPM-DA students, the faculty have established guidelines for preparedness that must be achieved prior to starting classes at Heinz College. In some cases, the required preparation may be completed prior to submitting your application for admission. For other students, the preparation may be completed between the time you have been admitted and prior to the start of your first semester as a Heinz College student.
All enrolling students in the MSPPM-DA pathway must meet the basic OOP requirement by completing a college-level introductory course in Python (preferred), Java, C++, or C# with a grade of B or higher. Please note the following:
Courses that do not grant credit and a grade will not fulfill this requirement, even if you receive a certificate of completion for the course. The course must be completed prior to their first semester at Heinz College.
For MSPPM-DA students who have not completed this course prior to admission, they will be required to take and pass an “Introduction to Python” course offered by Heinz College, which is available online during the summer prior to enrolling at Heinz College (no tuition is charged).
See below for pre-approved course options.
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.