Master of Public Administration & Master of Public Policy
Preparing the Next Generation of Policy Leaders in the D.C. Area
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Benefits
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World-renowned experiential learning
We prepare students to succeed in dynamic, diverse professional environments, and real-world experience is key to our mission. Experiential opportunities include full-time co-ops; flexible internship options; and a capstone that delivers a portfolio-ready project. -
Finish in as little as 1.5 years
There are four opportunities to start each year: fall, spring, summer 1, and summer 2. -
Available online, on campus, or both
No matter whether you take all your courses online, on campus in Arlington (or one of our other locations), or move between modalities, you’ll experience the same engaging coursework taught by our exceptional faculty, plus many opportunities to connect with your classmates. -
25% scholarship for Arlington students
Students who enroll in the MPA or MPP will receive a generous 25% scholarship for studying on campus in Arlington. -
NASPAA-accredited MPA program
Accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration is the global standard in master’s degree programs. It shows that Northeastern is committed to public-service values and that we meet rigorous standards for our educational programs. -
No GRE required
When it comes to serving the public, we're more interested in a passion for public policy than test scores. Any domestic or international student with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is welcome to apply.
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To learn more and download a brochure about Northeastern University's Master of Public Administration & Master of Public Policy programs, fill out the fields below. You can also call us at +1 857.754.3734 to talk with one of our enrollment specialists.
At Northeastern University, we are dedicated to analyzing and implementing policies that create more just, equitable, and resilient cities. Our world-class Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs are focused on interdisciplinary, experiential learning with the goal of shaping skilled policy leaders ready to work in any job setting. We believe in serving communities, not just studying them.
Experience Policy Education in the Heart of the Nation's Capital Region
Northeastern University's Arlington campus offers Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs uniquely positioned to leverage the unparalleled resources of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Our programs are designed for students who want to make an impact in federal agencies, international organizations, and the vibrant policy ecosystem that defines this region.
Why Arlington?
- Study where policy happens: Our Arlington campus puts you in the heart of the nation’s capital region, with easy access to federal agencies, international organizations, think tanks, and policy research institutions.
- Federal focus: Unlike traditional policy programs, we've specifically designed our curriculum to emphasize federal and international contexts. You'll learn policy and administration through the lens of the institutions that shape national and global policy.
- Connected faculty: Our instructors aren't just academics—they're practitioners working in the GAO, USAID, federal agencies, and leading policy organizations. They bring current, real-world insights into every class.
- Career Opportunities: The D.C. metropolitan area offers unmatched opportunities for internships, fellowships, and career placement in federal service and international development.
- Northeastern Excellence: You'll earn your degree from Northeastern University, consistently ranked among the nation's top universities, with all the resources, reputation, and network that comes with it.
Learn more about Northeastern University’s Master of Public Administration or Master of Public Policy programs.
Northeastern’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities also offers a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program online and on campus. Click here for details.
100%
The job placement rate of the 2022–23 graduates of Northeastern’s MPA program
#1
U.S. News & World Report ranks Northeastern #1 in the nation for programs that combine classroom learning with real-world experience.
$147,050
According to Lightcast, the median policy analyst salary in the District of Columbia, Arlington, and Alexandria areas is $147,050, compared to a national median of $99,454.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The MPA is the management degree for those who want to serve the public good. Our program teaches students how to think strategically about managing policy initiatives in the twenty-first century.
Our students have the chance to gain first-hand experience in management. Public administration graduates enter or advance in careers as program directors, management analysts, research analysts, town administrators, and more.
Choose your modality: Northeastern students can earn their MPA degree on campus in Boston, Arlington or Oakland, or fully online. Hybrid MPA degree options are also available.
Sample public administration graduate degree courses:
- Statistical Analysis
- Techniques of Policy Analysis
- Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning
- Principles of Public Administration
- Public Budgeting and Financial Management
- Institutional Leadership
- Capstone in Public Policy and Urban Affairs
Learn more about our Master of Public Administration online and on-campus options.
Master of Public Administration Graduation and Degree Completion Rates
For MPA students entering 2018-2019, 38% earned their degrees within two years, 76% earned their degrees within three years and 76% within four years.
| Category | INITIALLY ENROLLED | GRADUATED WITHIN 2 YEARS | GRADUATED WITHIN 3 YEARS | GRADUATED WITHIN 4 YEARS | TOTAL STUDENTS GRADUATED AND PERSISTING TO GRADUATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS | 21 | 8 | 16 | 16 | 17 |
| BOSTON | 18 | 8 | 13 | 13 | 14 |
| VIRTUAL | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
The master of public policy degree is the recognized industry standard for those seeking careers in public policy analysis, design, and evaluation.
The MPP at Northeastern emphasizes the analysis of data and other relevant information to enable graduates to assess public problems, develop appropriate policy responses, and evaluate program effectiveness.
Our students have the chance to gain first-hand experience in shaping policy. MPP graduates enter or advance in careers as policy analysts, researchers, consultants, program evaluators, policymakers, and more.
Choose your modality: Northeastern students can earn their MPP degree in Boston; near Washington, D.C., with our Arlington campus; or earn their degree fully online. Hybrid MPP degree options are also available.
Sample public policy graduate degree courses:
- Techniques of Program Evaluation
- Techniques of Policy Analysis
- Research Methods in Social Sciences
- Statistical Analysis
- Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning
- Strategizing Public Policy
- Capstone in Public Policy and Urban Affairs
Learn more about our Master of Public Policy online and on-campus options.
Real-world, applied learning has been part of Northeastern’s DNA since the University’s founding. We work with our students to make sure they have access to rewarding, practical experiences, no matter where they live. All of our courses incorporate real-life case studies and we consistently partner with public and private organizations to bring in diverse perspectives.
Students benefit from our faculty’s extensive connections in Boston, Washington, D.C., and around the world, while also getting to address challenges within their own communities. They graduate with job-ready experience and a portfolio of policy work.
- In-Class: Courses incorporate case studies, small group exercises, and applied projects
- Research: Students collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking research in class and with our research centers
- Co-op: NU’s signature program lets students earn credit for full-time, on-the-job training
- Capstone: Teams partner with local, state, or federal agencies or nonprofit institutions to assess a problem, produce a policy analysis, and recommend solutions
- Internship: Students gain practical experience through part-time work in public and nonprofit organizations
There is no substitute for experience. You can learn something from a book, and even from an instructor, but putting your training into practice, and learning what worked, and what did not, is essential to intellectual and professional growth.
Faculty Connected to the D.C. Policy Ecosystem
Our Arlington faculty bring deep expertise from federal agencies, international organizations, and the Washington policy community. They combine academic rigor with real-world experience to prepare you for impact.
Breanne Cave, PhD
Senior Data Analyst, Government Accountability Office
Dr. Cave is a senior data analyst at the Government Accountability Office, focusing on policy evaluation, infrastructure, and environmental issues across federal agencies. She brings expertise in research methods, GIS analysis, and evidence-based decision-making to the Arlington campus.
Etai Mizrav, PhD
Assistant Teaching Professor; MPA/MPP Program Coordinator
Dr. Mizrav brings extensive experience in education policy, program evaluation, and public administration to the Arlington campus. He teaches courses in public administration, statistical analysis, and education policy, with a focus on practical implementation and equity in policy design.
Marcia Mundt, PhD
Former Senior Director, CEPPS; Research and Evaluation Specialist**
Dr. Mundt served as Senior Director of Research, Evaluation, and Learning for USAID's Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) and managed programs at the United States Institute of Peace. She specializes in applied research for international development and democracy promotion, translating data into actionable insights for policy and strategy.
Michela Zonta, PhD
Former Senior Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress
Dr. Zonta is a former Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress, where she focused on housing policy, mortgage lending, and urban development. She brings expertise in policy research and analysis to prepare students for careers in federal and urban policy.
Yusra Alkasasbeh
Policy and International Development Specialist
Yusra brings experience from the World Bank and expertise in policy analysis and international development. She prepares students for careers in global policy and international organizations.
Northeastern is an exciting and dynamic place, and we attract students who reflect that.
About Northeastern University
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experience-powered lifelong learning. Our world-renowned experiential approach empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to go beyond discipline, degree, and campus. We pride ourselves on innovative education and nimble thinking.
We collaborate with more than 3,300+ corporate partners in 90 countries, on every continent. Our worldwide network of professionals and engaged university citizens includes more than 255,000 alumni.
Northeastern’s nine colleges and schools offer a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs—in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. Among these, we offer more than 140 multidisciplinary majors and degrees designed to prepare students for purposeful lives and careers.
About the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs (The Policy School)
Northeastern’s Policy School is at the forefront of social and policy effects in dynamic urban settings. Our degree programs, research centers and broad array of experiential learning opportunities enable our students to hone their skills and make positive impacts wherever their careers take them, from local town offices and nongovernmental organizations to national governments and international institutions.
Learn more about how you can become part of the Northeastern community.