Master's in Public Policy & Management

Student Profile

In 2001, Crispin Bolese and his family emigrated to the US from the Democratic Republic of Congo to start a new life. A former political science lecturer at universities in both Congo and Rwanda, Bolese chose to pursue new educational opportunities at the Muskie School. Read more about Crispin.

The Public Policy & Management (PPM) program prepares graduates for senior leadership positions in nonprofit organizations, government, and the private sector. Students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to analyze and address contemporary issues of public concern. The program connects academic study with public service to strengthen communities and develop effective public leaders.

The program is nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Build Your Career. Build Your Community.

Graduates hold leadership positions in the private, public and nonprofit sectors at local, state and national levels. They include managers at federal agencies, directors of state agencies, attorneys, nonprofit directors, police officers, elected officials, and military officers.

Credit Requirements

Alumni Profile

Katherine Freund was inspired to develop a nonprofit organization to address the mobility needs of seniors. Read more about Katherine.

A total of 39 credits are required to earn the master's degree in Public Policy and Management. A core curriculum of 18 credits assures an understanding of basic principles of political science, management and organizations, economics, public finance, and the use of microcomputers and statistics. The core provides a foundation of knowledge and skills for effective performance in public policy and management.

Following the core courses, students elect one of two tracks of study: policy analysis and planning or public management. Each track requires a combination of required and elective courses totaling 12 credits, including a field experience and a Capstone Project.

Students who specialize in policy analysis examine the role of analysis in public policy making, and are taught the methods typically employed by analysts. The curriculum provides students with numerous opportunities to apply developing skills to real decision-making situations.

The track in public management allows the student to focus on either organizational or financial aspects of public management. Organizational management provides the student a greater understanding of how organizations and people work in the public sector, and the skills to improve the management of public and nonprofit organizations. Financial management builds skills in accounting, economics, and the financial management of public agencies and governments. Special attention is offered to the financial management problems confronting local governments.

After the core and track courses, students have an additional six credits of electives to be used in any manner. Typically, a student will either take an additional course in a track, or courses toward a certificate of graduate study.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Students completing the master's degree are prepared for a wide range of careers. Recent graduates have accepted positions as town managers, policy analysts for the state legislature, local and regional planners, policy analysts in private corporations, directors of nonprofit agencies, and private consultants.

For More Information

For more information about the Public Policy and Management Program, please e-mail Bruce Clary, Chair of the program.

Visit our admissions page for more information on Master's admissions.