Public Policy (MS) Website
Program Description
The Master of Science in Public Policy (MSPP) equips you with the analytical, quantitative, and communication skills essential for shaping effective public policies.
This STEM-designated, accelerated one-year program offers comprehensive training in policy analysis, public management, and advanced data techniques, all within the support of a tight-knit cohort. You’ll collaborate with a small group of peers, building lasting connections and benefiting from personalized attention.
Leveraging New York City’s diverse landscape, the MSPP degree prepares you for impactful roles across government, nonprofits, and global public service. Graduates leave with the tools to design and implement policies that create lasting change locally and internationally.
Our master’s in public policy program will prepare you for roles across a range of fields and sectors, from local housing policy to national health policy and global public service. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in roles such as: Policy Analyst, Researcher/Academic, Public Affairs Consultant, Government Affairs Specialist, Legislative Assistant, Public-Sector Consultant
Admissions
Admission to the Master of Science requires the following:
- Online Application
- Essays (video essay optional)
- Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores
- Application Fee
See MS Public Policy Application Checklist for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.
International Applicants should review the International Applicant Checklist for a complete and comprehensive list of application requirements and instructions.
Program Requirements
The program requires the completion of 42 credits, comprised of the following:
Electives
Methods Electives
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| PADM-GP 2505 | Advanced Data Analytics and Evidence Building. | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2875 | Estimating Impact in Policy Research | 3 |
| PADM-GP 4119 | Data Visualization and Storytelling | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4147 | Large Scale Data Analysis with Machine Learning I | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4148 | Large Scale Data Analysis with Machine Learning II | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4501 | Designing Data Collection for Program Evaluation, Policy, & Management | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4503 | Introduction to Data Analytics for Public Policy, Administration, and Management | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4504 | Introduction to Database Design, Management, and Security | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4506 | Python Coding for Public Policy | 1.5 |
| URPL-GP 4650 | Advanced GIS: Interactive Web Mapping and Spatial Data Visualization | 1.5 |
Topics Electives
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| URPL-GP 1605 | Land Use Law: The Planning Perspective | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2109 | Legal Literacy: What Public Service Leaders Need to Know About the American Legal System | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2129 | Race, Identity, and Inclusion | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2138 | Macroeconomics: Policy Challenges for the US & Global Economy | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2139 | Behavioral Economics and Public Policy Design | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2144 | Debt Financing and Management for Public Organizations | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2147 | Corporate Finance and Public Policy | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2201 | Institutions, Governance, and International Development | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2202 | Politics of International Development | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2203 | Economics of International Development | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2204 | Development Assistance Accountability and Effectiveness | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2211 | International Program Development and Management | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2213 | Immigration Politics and Policy - Past and Present | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2245 | Financing Local Government | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2311 | Impact Investing | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2411 | Policy Formation and Policy Analysis | 3 |
| URPL-GP 2415 | Public Policy and Planning in New York | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2416 | Racial Inequality in America: What Do We Do Now? | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2441 | The Economics of Education Policy and Finance | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2444 | Gender & Sexuality in U.S. Policy Formation | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2445 | Poverty, Inequality, and Policy | 3 |
| URPL-GP 2452 | Public-Private Partnerships, Public Spaces, Politics & the Press | 3 |
| PADM-GP 2472 | Climate Economics | 3 |
| URPL-GP 2608 | Urban Economics | 3 |
| URPL-GP 2635 | Community Equity/Wealth | 3 |
| URPL-GP 2660 | History and Theory of Planning | 3 |
| URPL-GP 2665 | Decentralized Development Planning and Policy Reform in Developing Countries | 3 |
| URPL-GP 2670 | Land Use, Housing and Community Development in New York City Seminar | 3 |
| HPAM-GP 2836 | Topics in Health Policy: Policy, Politics, and Power | 3 |
| PADM-GP 4217 | Accountability in Humanitarian Assistance | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 2151 | Understanding the Role Federal Tax Credits Play in the Affordable Housing & Renewable Energy Sectors | 3 |
| PADM-GP 4250 | Hunger and Food Security in a Global Perspective: New York | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4313 | The Intersection of Finance and Social Justice | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4401 | Race, Crime, and Incarceration Policy in the United States | 1.5 |
| PADM-GP 4440 | Education and Social Policy | 1.5 |
| URPL-GP 4636 | Housing Policy I | 1.5 |
| URPL-GP 4638 | Housing Policy II | 1.5 |
| HPAM-GP 4830 | Health Economics: Principles | 1.5 |
| HPAM-GP 4831 | Health Economics: Topics in Domestic Health Policy | 1.5 |
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:
- Understand institutions within the policy process, the structure of relevant organizations, and how to manage and work within these organizations.
- Apply analytic tools for assembling evidence, identifying policy alternatives and making policy recommendations.
- Apply key methods of quantitative policy analysis to communicate quantitative information and argue with data.
- Assess the normative considerations in policy making, including law, ethics, and equity vs. efficiency trade-offs.
- Convey complex problems and alternative solutions to multiple audiences using written and oral communication skills gained in the program.
Policies
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
Wagner Policies
Additional academic policies can be found on the Wagner academic policy page.