Top 10 Part-Time Master's in Public Policy Degrees 2025

Students can earn a master's in public policy through fully online coursework at a pace that fits their schedule. Several schools enable students to take fewer courses per semester, instead of setting a specific timeline for program coursework. Continue reading to explore the top schools that offer part-time public policy master's degree programs online.

Can You Earn a Master's in Public Policy Degree Part-Time?

While some schools require students to complete courses in a specific order and within a pre-set timeline, there are also schools that offer part-time and self-paced programs. Traditional master's students take nine to 12 courses each semester (full-time), but part-time students may take three to six credits each semester instead. Classes are usually three credits each, which means that a student can take a single course each semester if desired (when available).

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Master's in Public Policy Degree?

The time that it takes to complete a master's in public policy depends on how many classes a student needs to take, and how many classes the student completes each year. Full-time students can complete a master's in one to two years, usually taking nine to 12 credits each semester.

Part-time students spread the required courses out across more time, and might complete their coursework in around two to five years. A student taking six credits per semester can finish in two to three years, while someone taking one course per term will finish in four or five years.

How Does a Part-Time Master's in Public Policy Degree Program Work?

While some part-time master's in public policy programs have a specific timeline for completing courses, most allow students to set their own pace. These programs offer flexibility, enabling students to increase or decrease their courseload as needed.

On-campus part-time programs require fewer in-person requirements, though this might include weekend or evening class times. Online programs often offer asynchronous coursework, which means that students can log in and work at the times that are convenient to them.

Best Part-Time Master's in Public Policy Degree Programs

Several schools across the country offer fully online master's programs in public policy, giving students the ability to prepare for public leadership roles without sacrificing their existing careers. Below are some of the top part-time programs for a master's in public policy.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP) that is fully flexible, allowing students to take as few courses per semester as they prefer. The program consists of eight-week courses and emphasizes the need for ethical decision-making in management and policy practices. Students can select from eight program specializations, including leadership, public administration, and international affairs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $645 per credit (part-time rate)
• Program length: Two to four years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh has a Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM) program designed for students with several years of experience in leadership roles. The 30-credit program can be completed part-time by taking six credits per semester, across a period of 2.5 years.

Students can adjust their class load as needed to fit their schedule and further develop their leadership skills in different industries.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,079 per credit
• Program length: Two or more years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. Empire State University

Empire State University offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in social and public policy that integrates public policy, philanthropy, advocacy, human services, and community work. Students can choose from concentrations like poverty alleviation, restorative justice, healthcare policy, and child welfare.

The 36-credit program enables students to progress at their pace and choose several of their courses from available electives.

• Estimated tuition cost: $471 per credit (in-state); $635 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two or more years
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) offers an MA in political science with a concentration in public administration and public policy that students can complete at their desired pace. The program consists of 30 credits and allows students to choose most of their courses from approved electives.

Students can complete the program entirely online or choose to combine online and on-campus, and those who live near campus are eligible for graduate assistantships.

• Estimated tuition cost: $354 per credit (in-state); $849 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two years or more
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers an online Master of Public Affairs with a public policy concentration that integrates public service, research, and ethical leadership. Students can complete a 30-credit or 36-credit program, depending on their professional work history, and they can take as few courses per term as they choose.

The public policy specialization provides a deeper exploration of research and analysis, strengthening students' understanding of topics like social and environmental policy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $551 per credit
• Program length: Two or more years
• Accreditation: HLC

6. Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) program with a concentration option in public policy. Students explore government, public administration, leadership skills, relevant technology, and diversity considerations. Students can complete the program entirely online and choose four courses based on their interests, as long as they are approved by an advisor as applicable to public policy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $299 per credit
• Program length: Two or more years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield offers an online MPA that consists of 36 credit hours and allows students to choose several of their classes. Students can focus their program on topics relating to policy making and analysis, program evaluation, and budgeting.

The program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), and students can apply for optional internships in public service or legislative settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $427 per credit
• Program length: Two or more years
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Nebraska Omaha

University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) has a 36-credit MPA program with a concentration in public and social policy, as well as the option to specialize in criminology/criminal justice or information management. Accreddited by the NASPAA, the program includes core coursework in public budgeting, policy design, and planning and evaluation.

Students can choose several of their courses and are also eligible to apply for multiple public administration scholarships.

• Estimated tuition cost: $421 per credit (in-state); $890 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two or more years
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Regent University

Regent University offers an MA in government with a concentration in law and public policy. The program can be completed through eight-week terms, and students choose their own pace of enrollment.

The 33-credit program enables students to select many of their classes, with options such as foreign policy, higher education and law, public policy initiatives, and Christian ethics and the law of armed conflict.

• Estimated tuition cost: $695 per credit
• Program length: Two to five years
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. Colorado State University

Colorado State University has an online Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program that combines practical applications with research. Students can choose from two concentration options: public policy and management, or international policy and management. Students can take as few as one course each semester and are also able to apply for an MPPA fellowship with one of the partnering public agencies or offices.

• Estimated tuition cost: $604 per credit
• Program length: Two to five years
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Our team searches through dozens of relevant programs to find the best ones to include in our rankings list. Some of the key criteria that we assess include program costs, enrollment requirements, and student outcomes.

• Accreditation: All of the featured schools have been awarded regional accreditation, which means that they meet/exceed various academic standards.
• Program flexibility: These programs offer part-time enrollment options, and many of them allow students to take as few as one class per term.
• Program reputation:

FAQs About Part-Time Master's in Public Policy Degrees

If you are considering a public policy master's program, it is beneficial to decide what features are the most important for your experience and success. The FAQs below may help you to get a better idea of what is important to you and your success.

How Much Does a Part-Time Master's in Public Policy Cost?

The cost of your program depends on a few key factors, including tuition and applicable fees. A 30-credit program with a $500 tuition rate would cost $15,000 plus various fees. Check with your candidate schools to get an estimate prior to enrolling.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Master's in Public Policy Degree?

The skills you develop in a public policy program can be applied to public, private, and nonprofit organizations and roles. Some potential careers are policy analyst, city planner, nonprofit operating officer, economic development director, and legislative positions.

Are Part-Time Master's Degrees Worth It?

It depends on what your career goals are. If you are interested in a leadership role within a public agency, such as town/county leadership or a higher public office, then a public policy master's degree program will be fundamental to your success.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Public Policy?

A public policy master's degree is not designed to set you up for a specific role. You develop an understanding of government, relevant laws, policy-making procedures, policy evaluation methods, and related concepts. This knowledge prepares you for various careers in fields like public affairs, public administration, legislature, and city planning.

What Is the Highest Paying Job With a Public Policy Degree?

The highest-paying jobs for public policy graduates include those within private or nonprofit organizations, which oversee related concerns. For example, directors of government affairs or legislative affairs are among the highest-earning public policy roles. Other high-paying roles include budget analyst, public policy analyst, and public affairs specialist.

Find Flexible Master's Degrees

Explore more of the top public policy master's degree programs on Learn.org, as well as programs in related fields. Contact schools that offer your program to get started.