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150 Online Master's degrees in Public Policy
An online master's degree is a fully digital programme that allows students to complete their studies remotely. This flexibility means you can study from anywhere in the world, fitting your coursework around your personal and professional commitments. In our system, any master’s programme that is entirely online is considered an online master's degree. For international students, this means you can pursue your academic goals without relocating, making it a practical and accessible option.
Online master’s degrees in Public Policy offer numerous benefits. The flexibility of studying online allows you to balance your studies with work or personal life, making it ideal for those who cannot commit to a traditional on-campus programme. Additionally, studying online can lead to potential cost savings, as you may avoid expenses related to relocation and accommodation. Pursuing a master’s in Public Policy equips you with specialised knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in various sectors, including government, non-profits, and international organisations. Graduates often find diverse career opportunities and are well-prepared to address complex policy issues. To explore more study options, whether online or in person, visit Explore more study options also in person or Explore more online programmes from all disciplines.
Emergency and Disaster Management and Homeland Security
Crisis action planning, including impacts of global warming are key topics examined with the dual Emergency and Disaster Management and Homeland Security MA course at American Public University (APU).

Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning)
Discover the challenges associated with ageing, and assessing academic and policy evidence at the Global Ageing and Policy (Distance Learning) MSc course offered by the University of Southampton. This distance learning master's degree will teach you how to carry out policy evaluation to improve older people's wellbeing, with a focus on ageing societies.

Public Policy and Administration
Transform Lives Through Leadership. Join this Public Policy and Administration programme from Colorado State University.
Economic Policy Management
The University of Nairobi's Economic Policy Management MA program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in economic policy formulation and analysis.
Food Systems and Society
The M.S. in Food Systems and Society at Oregon Health & Science University engages learning about food systems and social change. The cohort-based structure combines asynchronous online courses with short, synchronous intensives. You are able to maintain your work and life commitments, while engaging and collaborating with inspired, motivated peers and other food system leaders.
Social Work - Practice, Policy and Research MasterTrack
In this 6-course Social Work - Practice, Policy and Research MasterTrack programme offered by Coursera in partnership with University of Michigan. No application necessary for the MasterTrack Certificate - enroll today.
Government And Policy
Prepare for a career in service to others by earning your Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government And Policy program at the Grand Canyon University.
Public Administration and Policy (Online)
Public Administration and Policy (Online) from American University Washington DC blends foundational competencies from our nationally recognized and NASPAA-accredited Master in Public Administration (MPA) and Master in Public Policy (MPP) programs to offer you a prestigious and marketable credential.

Public Policy - Chinese Affairs (Online)
Liberty University’s Master of Arts in Public Policy - Chinese Affairs (Online) can help set you on a career path that involves working to understand China’s global presence, ambitions, and the threat they may pose to the free world.
Social Work with a concentration in administration, planning and policy practice
The Social Work with a concentration in administration, planning and policy practice program at Virginia Commonwealth University prepares graduates to become leaders skilled in analyzing, formulating, implementing and evaluating policies, plans and programs.
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
The Criminal Justice and Public Safety program at Indiana University Southeast delivers the most current theory and practice in these two critical and exciting fields.
Public Policy
Enhance your innovative and critical thinking as you build skills to address today’s real-world issues with this Public Policy program at American Public University.
Government
Explore the institutions of government, politics, policy, and the systems used to govern communities and nation-states. In this Government master offered by Harvard University, you gain a deeper understanding of the complex role of governmental organizations within society.
Public Policy
Advance your skills for leadership in local and national government, non-governmental organisations, or the private sector with this Master of Public Policy from University of Auckland.
Healthcare Management - Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Leadership
We offer a master degree in Healthcare Management - Healthcare Policy and Regulatory Leadership at the University of Denver. Develop long-term solutions to the healthcare challenges we face today by learning to shape, interpret, and implement policies that impact healthcare systems and patient safety.
Social and Public Policy
This Social and Public Policy, MPA degree from University of York Online has been specifically designed for aspiring leaders working in the public or non-profit sector, or in private sector roles with a link to public policy or public management.
Politics and Policy
Focus on the development, implementation and politics of public policy with a Master of Politics and Policy at Deakin University.
Aging Studies (Online)
Aging Studies (Online) from Oklahoma State University is a multidisciplinary field of social scientists, biologists, health care professionals, economists and others who focus on aging.
Public Affairs
The Public Affairs program at the University of Minnesota is geared toward mid-career professionals with 10+ years of work experience who want to advance their skills in public and nonprofit leadership, policy, and program analysis, and the use of research data for evidence-based decision-making.
Public Affairs
Public Affairs from University of Missouri - Columbia provides a balance of public service values, interpersonal and analytic skills, and a thorough knowledge of administrative and policy processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admission requirements for an online master's in Public Policy typically include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most programmes require a minimum GPA, often around 2.7 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, applicants may need to submit standardised test scores such as the GRE, although some institutions are moving towards test-optional policies. Other common prerequisites include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV. Some programmes may also require relevant work experience in the field of public policy or a related area. It's important to check specific programme requirements as they can vary between institutions.
An online master's in Public Policy can significantly enhance your career prospects. This degree equips you with advanced knowledge and skills in policy analysis, research methods, and strategic planning, which are highly valued in both public and private sectors. Graduates often find opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organisations, consulting firms, and international organisations. The flexibility of online programmes allows you to continue working while studying, making it an ideal choice for professionals looking to advance their careers. To explore more options, you can discover online master's degrees that align with your career goals.
Employers increasingly recognise the value of online master's degrees, including those in Public Policy. Accreditation plays a crucial role in employer acceptance; ensure the programme is accredited by a recognised body. Employers value the skills and knowledge gained through online programmes, such as critical thinking, research capabilities, and policy analysis. Additionally, the flexibility and self-discipline required to complete an online programme are often seen as positive attributes. For those considering this path, a masters degree in Public Policy from a reputable institution can be a strong asset in the job market.
Studying Public Policy online offers several benefits. Firstly, flexibility is a major advantage, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Online programmes often provide access to a diverse range of resources, including digital libraries, online forums, and virtual simulations. Additionally, students can interact with peers and instructors from around the world, gaining a global perspective on policy issues. The cost-effectiveness of online education can also be a significant factor, as tuition fees are often lower than traditional on-campus programmes. Furthermore, online learning encourages self-paced study, enabling students to progress at a comfortable rate.
Online Public Policy programmes are highly interactive, utilising various digital tools to facilitate engagement. Common platforms include learning management systems (LMS) like Moodle or Blackboard, which allow for course material distribution, discussion forums, and assignment submissions. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom are frequently used for live lectures and seminars, enabling real-time interaction with instructors and peers. Additionally, many programmes incorporate group projects and collaborative assignments, fostering a sense of community among students. Interactive elements such as quizzes, simulations, and virtual policy labs further enhance the learning experience, ensuring that students remain engaged and motivated throughout their studies.
Online Public Policy master's programmes offer a variety of specialisations to cater to diverse interests and career goals. Common specialisations include Environmental Policy, Health Policy, International Development, Urban Policy, and Economic Policy. Each specialisation delves into specific policy areas, providing in-depth knowledge and skills relevant to that field. For instance, Environmental Policy focuses on sustainability and regulatory frameworks, while Health Policy examines healthcare systems and public health initiatives. Students can choose specialisations based on their career aspirations and the specific policy issues they are passionate about. Exploring these options can help you tailor your studies to align with your professional objectives.