Master's in Public Policy & Management

Alumni Profile

"I knew there was a problem. The Muskie School taught me how to fix it."

Katherine Freund was inspired to develop the nonprofit Independent Transportation Network® to address the mobility needs of seniors. Katherine is now the founder and executive director of ITNAmerica®, a nonprofit helping communities across the nation replicate the ITN® model.

Katherine was appointed by President George Bush to the advisory committee for the 2005 White House Conference on Aging. In 2006, she received the Maxwell Pollack Award from the Gerontological Society of America for successfully applying research to improve practice.

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

A total of 42 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.

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 Dahlia Bradshaw Lynn, Chair of the program.

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