WHAT PROBLEMS DO YOU WANT TO SOLVE?
Master of Science in Public Policy & Management (MSPPM)
Heinz College is a public policy school like no other. That’s because we're so much more than a policy school.
To tackle society’s most complex problems, a firm understanding of policy is essential, but so are the technology and analytical foundations to create the right solutions—and the management prowess to deploy those solutions for maximum impact. The Master of Science in Public Policy & Management (MSPPM) program at Heinz College gives you skills that simply cannot be matched by any other school of public policy, school of management, or school offering purely technical training.
Policy. Technology. Management. Heinz College is the only place to get all three.
The MSPPM program is available in five distinct pathways—our flagship two-year and three-semester programs in Pittsburgh, our award-winning Data Analytics program, our Washington D.C. option for those seeking an immersion in policy analysis in our nation’s capital, and our exciting Global track which begins in Adelaide, Australia. Regardless of the path you choose, our MSPPM program builds well-rounded thinkers prepared to change the world at the nexus of people, policy, and technology. You will emerge a leader with the ability to convert data into evidence-based action for a better world.
Some of the world’s greatest challenges, that our faculty and students are working to solve:
- Blocking the financing of terrorism and human trafficking
- Predicting societal impacts of legal cannabis
- Combating the opioid crisis through smart countermeasures
- Innovating in transportation to help lower income citizens connect to jobs
- Protecting the Internet from cybercrime
- Reducing homicide rates using machine learning
- Thwarting piracy of digital media
- Mapping the safest routes to school for children in high crime areas
- Eradicating food waste and hunger with mobile technology
Top-Ranked Programs
Leader in Innovation
Carnegie Mellon University is the birthplace of autonomous cars, AI, and technologies that are transforming society
Innovation at CMUA Diverse, Inclusive Community
We are a truly global institution—our recent MSPPM classes have represented 21 different nations
Class ProfileIncomparable Outcomes
Our graduates are employed by government agencies, non-profits, and private firms in all key sectors of the economy
Careers
My Story: Maria
Maria Ibarra (MSPPM '19) is from the Rio Grande Valley. As a "Dreamer" from a low-income single-parent household, she knows how policy impacts people and is fighting for change.
Choose the experience to drive your mission:
MSPPM: PITTSBURGH
Our flagship two-year public policy and management program
Our flagship two-year public policy and management program in Pittsburgh. The traditional two-year MSPPM experience offers you a challenging policy, management, and technical curriculum.
MSPPM: DATA ANALYTICS
An intensive public policy analytics curriculum, training you to turn raw data into solutions for society's most pressing problems (STEM)
This Pittsburgh-based program is our most quantitatively intensive MSPPM pathway. Solve complex policy issues with the leading edge in analytic skills. MSPPM: Data Analytics is a STEM-designated degree program.
MSPPM: WASHINGTON, D.C.
Experience that earns you a seat at the table, completing your second year while working in Washington, D.C.
For students with their sights set on public service roles in D.C. Spend the second year of your MSPPM living and working in our nation’s capital, building your network and mastering policy analysis.
MSPPM: FAST TRACK
A faster, three-semester MSPPM path for experienced professionals
This Pittsburgh-based pathway includes most elements from our standard MSPPM: Pittsburgh program in a shortened three-semester format for students with significant work experience.
MSPPM: GLOBAL
First year in Adelaide, Australia, for an exciting intercontinental MSPPM experience
Complete the first year of your MSPPM in beautiful Adelaide, Australia, gaining a unique international perspective before joining us in Pittsburgh for year two.
MSPPM Dual Degrees
Explore dual degree partnerships
Explore dual degree options with Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Accelerated Master’s Programs
Earn your bachelor's and MSPPM in five years instead of six
Students in undergraduate programs at Carnegie Mellon, Allegheny College, Bethany College, Chatham University, and Messiah College can earn their bachelor’s and MSPPM degrees together in five years instead of six.
Exchange Programs
Spend a semester abroad in Australia, Italy, Mexico, or the Netherlands
The MSPPM program has exchange partnerships with CMU Australia (Adelaide), the University of Bocconi School of Management (Milan), CIDE (Mexico City), and Delft University of Technology.
Accreditation
Heinz College's MSPPM Program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)