Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM)
Accelerated Mid-Career Masters (Traditional)
The accelerated mid-career, 30-credit Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) degree provides mid-career professionals an opportunity to expand their knowledge, develop new analytic tools and professional skills, explore new ideas and theories, and interact with experienced faculty and practitioners.
The program is designed to help enhance and advance the careers of professionals in the public and nonprofit sectors. It is also ideal for professionals in other fields looking to change careers, and begin a new, rewarding life in public service. Degree requirements can be completed within one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study. Students may specialize in security & intelligence, global political economy, human security, development planning & environmental sustainability, non-governmental organizations & civil society, urban & regional planning, public & nonprofit management, and policy research & analysis.
The MPPM program seeks applicants with a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five or more years of experience beyond an entry-level position. Candidates’ experience should demonstrate increasing levels of responsibility, leadership, and professional competence, particularly in areas such as budgeting and finance, human resource management, or policy formulation or implementation. Candidates with fewer than five years of such experience should not apply to the MPPM program, but should apply instead to one of GSPIA’s other, 48-credit master’s degree programs.
Online Accelerated Mid-Career Masters
The online Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) degree is a part-time, 30-credit program for mid-career professionals with at least five years of full-time work experience. It is an online version of the MPPM program that GSPIA has offered to talented mid-career students for more than a decade. Students who apply to the MPPM program may now choose whether they want to pursue the degree in its traditional, on-campus format or in a 100% online format.
The program provides mid-career professionals with an opportunity to expand their knowledge, develop new analytic tools and professional skills, explore new ideas and theories, and interact with experienced faculty and practitioners. It is designed to help enhance and advance the careers of working professionals in the public and nonprofit sectors, but is also ideal for professionals in other fields looking to change careers, and begin a new, rewarding life in public service.
Online Program Structure
As an online MPPM student, you will enroll in two web-based courses (for a total of 6 credits) per term. You will be able to complete the 30-credit degree in just five terms. By taking courses during the spring, summer, and fall terms, you can earn your degree in just 20 months. You may, if you prefer, complete the program at a slower pace by taking just one course at a time.
You will follow a set curriculum of online courses, all of which are taught by regular GSPIA faculty who are dedicated to your success, wherever you are. You will complete your coursework using the Pitt Online Website, where you can login at your convenience to view course material and submit assignments.
In addition to the professors teaching your courses, you will be assigned to a faculty advisor and a full-time enrollment counselor who will be able to assist you by phone, Skype, or email with any questions you may have. Your advisor and enrollment counselor will help you navigate the registration process and work with you throughout your time at GSPIA to ensure your success.
