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Apply now to the MSPPM program


Review the information below to successfully submit your MSPPM application

Public Policy and Management (MSPPM) Application Process


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.

MSPPM Program Page

Before you begin your online application, please carefully review the information below.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The final admission application deadline in order to be considered for all of our scholarship and fellowship support is January 10, 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:

  • answer required questions within the online application form
  • upload required essay and résumé
  • register each recommender's name and email address
  • enter test date and registration number for any required standardized test(s)

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.

Schedule a Visit

Schedule a visit to our campus to learn more about CMU and interact with current MSPPM students and faculty members.

Schedule a Visit

Attend an Online Info Session

Register to attend an upcoming live webinar, or view any of our previously recorded webinars at your convenience.

Register or Watch On-Demand

Attend Fall Visitation

Register for our Fall Visitation, where you can meet fellow applicants, current students, and faculty members.

Learn more and Register

Request Information

Request email updates or additional information about the MSPPM program.

Request Information

Connect with a Current Student

Find out how you can connect with a current MSPPM student via email to learn more about the program.

Connect with a current MSPPM student now

Events Near You

Find out about Heinz College events near your hometown, including visits from reps from our Office of Admissions.

Find an event near you

Application Checklist


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.

Required Quantitative & Technical Preparation for MSPPM


The MSPPM 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/or 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 MSPPM student.

Please note the following for the required quantitative and technical classes:

  • Must be a college-/ university-level course at an accredited institution
  • Must be for credit and a grade of B or higher
  • The course may be taken on-campus or online 

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. 

Pathways With Additional Application Requirements

Washington, D.C. Pathway

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.

Download Essay Form

MSPPM Fast Track (Three-Semester) Pathway

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

Apply Now

MSPPM-JD Dual Degree with the University of Pittsburgh School of Law

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.

Apply to Pitt Law

MSPPM-MBA Dual Degree with CMU's Tepper School of Business

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.

Apply to Tepper

MSPPM-MDiv Dual Degree with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

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.

Apply to PTS

Exchange Students

Click here for more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.

Click here for more information on the Exchange Program application requirements.

Learn more

Applying to an accelerated master’s program as an Undergraduate Student


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Frequently Asked Questions


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.

FAQs