Public Policy Degree Concentrations | Master of Science in Public Policy and Management Program | Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College

AI Management

Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations deliver services, make decisions and address societal challenges. This concentration prepares students to understand, design and govern AI systems that are effective, ethical and aligned with the public interest.

Students in this concentration gain both conceptual and applied skills to manage the lifecycle of AI solutions, from development and deployment to oversight and accountability. Courses emphasize the technical foundations of AI and machine learning alongside critical considerations of ethics, governance and responsible innovation. Graduates will be ready to lead AI strategy in government, nonprofits, and industry, shaping systems that drive impact while safeguarding equity and trust.

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Graduates of this concentration are equipped to bridge the gap between technology and policy, guiding the responsible integration of AI into decision-making processes that shape the future of society.

Energy and Environmental Policy

This concentration blends policy expertise with technical insight through a unique partnership between Heinz College and CMU's College of Engineering. Addressing the climate crisis and managing the transition to sustainable energy systems are among the most urgent policy challenges of our time. This concentration equips students with the analytical, technical and managerial skills needed to craft effective responses to environmental risks and energy demands.

Students in this concentration examine climate change, energy markets, and resilience planning from a policy and governance perspective, with an emphasis on evidence-based decision making and cross-sector solutions. They gain practical tools to design, implement and evaluate policies that promote sustainability, resilience and innovation.

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Graduates of this concentration are equipped to lead across government, nonprofit, and private sectors, advancing policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and resilience.

Health Policy

Health systems are central to the well-being of individuals and communities, yet they face ongoing challenges in cost, access, quality and equity. The Health Policy concentration prepares students to analyze, design and lead policies that strengthen health systems at local, national and global levels.

Students in this concentration explore the structure of health care systems, the economic and political forces that shape them, and innovative approaches to improving outcomes. They learn to apply rigorous analytical methods and policy frameworks to issues such as insurance design, financing, public health infrastructure, and the integration of new technologies in care delivery.

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Graduates of this concentration are prepared for careers in government, health organizations, nonprofits, and international agencies, where they will contribute to building healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable systems of care.

International Policy

Globalization, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and economic development challenges continue to reshape the international landscape. The International Policy concentration provides students with the analytical frameworks and conceptual tools needed to understand and engage with the most pressing global policy debates.

Students explore the drivers of globalization and their impacts on trade, investment and development, while also examining the political, strategic and social dimensions of international affairs. Courses emphasize comparative and cross-national perspectives, preparing graduates to navigate complex international systems and design policies that foster stability, equity and sustainable growth.

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Graduates of this concentration are prepared for careers in international organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector, where they will address global challenges in economic development, security, diplomacy and governance.

Nonprofit and Public Management

Mission-driven organizations play a critical role in addressing societal challenges, delivering public services and fostering innovation. This concentration prepares students to lead effectively in the public and nonprofit sectors by building expertise in financial decision-making, ethical leadership and strategic management.

Students learn to design impactful programs, engage stakeholders, and navigate complex policy environments. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based decision making, cross-sector collaboration and values-driven leadership.

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Graduates of this concentration are equipped to lead nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and philanthropic institutions, driving mission-focused initiatives that strengthen communities and promote the public good.

Public Interest Technology

As technology rapidly transforms society, questions of ethics, governance and equity are increasingly urgent. This concentration prepares students to ensure that technological innovation advances the public good.

This concentration emphasizes technology expertise defined broadly, encompassing the capabilities to create, apply, study and use new technologies, together with an understanding of the ethical, legal, policy and societal dimensions of technological change. Students develop the ability to evaluate emerging technologies, anticipate risks, and design policies and strategies that align innovation with democratic values and social justice.

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Graduates of this concentration are equipped to work across sectors—government, nonprofits, advocacy and industry—bridging the gap between technology and the public interest while advancing solutions that are innovative, ethical and equitable.

Social Policy

Public policy has the power to shape opportunity, reduce inequality and improve lives. This concentration provides students with a deep understanding of how policies can be designed and implemented to improve outcomes in areas such as poverty alleviation, health care, education, gender equity and economic opportunity.

Students in this concentration examine the drivers of poverty and inequality both in the U.S. and globally, explore the role of social movements in advancing change, and apply insights from behavioral economics to craft policies that are both effective and equitable. Courses emphasize comparative analysis, critical thinking, and evidence-based strategies for addressing complex social challenges.

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Graduates of this concentration are prepared to lead efforts in government, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and international agencies to design and advance policies that expand opportunity, promote equity and foster social change.

Technology Governance, Cybersecurity, and Private Policy

The rapid evolution of digital technologies is reshaping how governments, businesses and society operate, bringing enormous opportunities alongside complex risks. The Technology, Privacy, and Security Policy concentration equips students with the expertise to navigate these challenges and craft forward-looking policy solutions.

Students in this concentration explore the intersection of technology, governance and public interest, developing skills to address pressing issues such as cybersecurity threats, data privacy, emerging innovations, and the regulation of wireless and digital systems. Courses emphasize both technical understanding and policy analysis, preparing graduates to bridge the gap between technologists and policymakers.

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Graduates of this concentration are prepared for impactful careers in government, industry, consulting, and the nonprofit sector, where they will drive the development and assessment of policies that foster security, innovation and public trust in the digital age.

Urban and Regional Economic Development

Cities and regions drive innovation and opportunity, but they also face complex challenges in housing, transportation, sustainability and equity. This concentration equips students to design and implement strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth at the local, regional and state levels.

Students in this concentration build expertise in urban policy, planning, housing, and smart city design, while gaining the analytical and management tools needed to support thriving economies and resilient communities. Courses integrate practical policy analysis with forward-looking approaches to urbanization and mobility.

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Graduates of this concentration are prepared to lead in government, planning agencies, nonprofits, and consulting, advancing policies and strategies that strengthen communities, expand opportunity and promote sustainable urban and regional development.

U.S. Politics and Policy Making

Public policy in the United States is inseparable from politics. This concentration equips students with the knowledge to analyze how political institutions, actors and strategies shape policy outcomes, while developing the practical skills to navigate the policy ecosystem.

Students examine presidential powers, congressional dynamics, federal budgeting, and the broader policymaking process, gaining both critical insight and applied experience. Courses combine theoretical analysis with hands-on engagement, preparing graduates to lead in legislative affairs, political strategy, and public administration.

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Graduates of this concentration are prepared to influence and advance public policy from within government, advocacy organizations, and the political arena, applying both strategic and analytical skills to strengthen democratic governance.

Your degree, your way with our policy concentrations

Areas of Concentration