Which Program is Right for You?
The McCourt School offers five rigorous programs of study.
- Master of Public Policy
- Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy
- Master of International Development Policy
- Master of Policy Management & Master of Public Management – National Urban Fellows (MPM-NUF)
- Executive Master of Policy Leadership
Our five professional master’s degree programs (more about each below) provide essential career preparation for recent college graduates and working professionals. McCourt’s professional master’s degree programs prepare motivated professionals for career success. Designed for both seasoned professionals and individuals who have recently received undergraduate degrees, our graduate degree programs equip students with the skills and expertise that will help them excel in their respective fields.
Master of Public Policy
Program Description: This degree provides a set of core skills in economics, quantitative methods, management, and politics.
- Credit Hours: 48
- Program Entry: Fall
- Full-time or Part-time: FT or PT
- Time to Complete Program: 2-3 years
- Dual Degree Options: Yes
- Summer Requirement: No for FT; Yes for PT
- Years of Work Experience: none required
- Prior Quant coursework: Prior microeconomics coursework required
- GRE or GMAT Required: Yes, but can be waived
- STEM Eligible: Yes
Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy
Program Description: This degree provides a unique curriculum at the intersection of data science and quantitative public policy analysis.
- Credit Hours: 39
- Program Entry: Fall
- Full-time or Part-time: FT
- Time to Complete Program: 2 years
- Dual Degree Options: No
- Summer Requirement: No
- Years of Work Experience: none required
- Prior Quant coursework: Prior college level calculus & course in computer science, advanced statistics, or higher level mathematics is recommended
- GRE or GMAT Required: Yes
- STEM Eligible: Yes
Master of International Development Policy
Program Description: The MIDP was designed for people who intend to work in developing and emerging countries in local public and non-government institutions and in the external institutions that support them.
- Credit Hours: 48
- Program Entry: Fall
- Full-time or Part-time: FT
- Time to Complete Program: 2 years
- Dual Degree Options: No
- Summer Requirement: Yes, an internship
- Years of Work Experience: none required but 2 years is recommended or substantial residence in developing country contexts
- Prior Quant coursework: Prior microeconomics coursework required
- GRE or GMAT Required: Yes, but can be waived
- STEM Eligible: Yes
Master of Policy Management
Program Description: This degree strikes a balance between analytics, management, and substantive focus within specific policy areas.
- Credit Hours: 36
- Program Entry: Summer, Fall (with permission)
- Full-time or Part-time: FT or PT
- Time to Complete Program: 1-2 years
- Dual Degree Options: Yes (KDI only)
- Summer Requirement: Yes
- Years of Work Experience: minimum 5 years
- Prior Quant coursework: None
- GRE or GMAT Required: No
- STEM Eligible: No
Master of Public Management – National Urban Fellows (MPM-NUF)
Program Description: National Urban Fellows’ Academic and Leadership Fellowship is a rigorous, full-time 14-month leadership accelerator experience, with 3 core pillars:
- Academic – A customized Master of Policy Management (MPM) degree program
- Racial equity-focused leadership development training and coaching;
- Mentorship – Assignment of nine months with a social impact-focused host organization or company
Learn more about the admissions process here: MPM-NUF Program Webpage
- Credit Hours: 36
- Program Entry: Summer
- Full-time or Part-time: FT
- Time to Complete Program: 14 months
- Dual Degree Options: No
- Summer Requirement: Yes
- Years of Work Experience: minimum 5 years
- Prior Quant coursework: None
- GRE or GMAT Required: No
- STEM Eligible: No
Executive Master of Policy Leadership
Program Description: This degree is tailored for seasoned professionals with at least 10 years of work experience. Our 30-credit program combines in-person sessions, experiential learning, and a cohort model enriched by diverse elective options to prepare you for the next level in your career.
- Credit Hours: 30
- Program Entry: Summer 2025
- Full-time or Part-time: FT (Standard) or PT (Extended)
- Time to Complete Program: 15 months or three years
- Dual Degree Options: N/A
- Summer Requirement: Yes
- Years of Work Experience: minimum 10 years
- Prior Quant coursework: None
- GRE or GMAT Required: No
- STEM Eligible: No