Master’s in Public Policy

Shape the future of governance, social change, and policy-making with a Master’s in Public Policy from Lehigh University.

Lehigh University’s Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) program equips future leaders with the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to tackle some of the world’s most pressing policy challenges. Whether you are interested in government, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, advocacy, or international institutions, this program will provide you with the tools to analyze, design, and implement policies that drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

Our interdisciplinary MPP program blends rigorous academic coursework with hands-on learning, giving you both the theoretical foundation and practical expertise needed to make a real impact in the field of public policy. At Lehigh, you’ll join a dynamic community of scholars, practitioners, and leaders committed to addressing complex societal issues and improving the public good.

Program Overview

Lehigh’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of policy analysis, program evaluation, public administration, and governance. The program combines core courses in policy theory and analysis with specialized electives that allow students to explore their areas of interest in greater depth.

Duration: The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.
Core Areas of Study: The MPP curriculum offers a blend of theory, research methods, and applied policy practices. Students gain expertise in:
- policy analysis and evaluation
- Public administration and governance
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- International and global policy issues
- Social, environmental, and economic policy
Specializations: While the program offers a broad-based policy education, students can tailor their studies to specific areas of interest, such as:
- Environmental policy
- Health policy
- Economic development
- Social justice and human rights
- Urban affairs and regional planning
Capstone Project: In the final phase of the program, students work on a policy capstone project where they collaborate with real-world organizations, government agencies, or nonprofits to design, analyze, or evaluate a policy initiative.

Key Benefits

Interdisciplinary Approach: Lehigh’s MPP program combines elements of political science, economics, public administration, and sociology to provide a comprehensive view of policy-making and governance.
Real-world Experience: Our curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through internships, case studies and applied policy research. Students can gain hands-on experience working with government agencies, NGOs, international organizations and private sector firms to solve real-world policy challenges.
Small Class Sizes and Faculty Mentorship: With a low student-to-faculty ratio, Lehigh’s MPP program offers a personalized learning experience. Students work closely with faculty members, who are experts in their fields and who bring valuable research and policy experience to the classroom.
Strategic Location: Lehigh’s location in Bethlehem, PA, offers students proximity to major policy hubs, including Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City. This provides access to diverse internship opportunities, policy organizations, and professional networks.
Career Development: Lehigh has a strong track record of helping MPP graduates find meaningful employment in government, the nonprofit sector, international organizations, and private industry. The program’s career services support includes internship placement, networking events and access to an extensive alumni network.

Who Should Apply?

The MPP program is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in public service, policy analysis, research, or advocacy. Our students are interested in a range of diverse academic topics, including but not limited to:

Political science
Economics
Public administration
Sociology
Business
Environmental studies
Law
International relations

If you are passionate about addressing societal challenges, advocating for policy change, and improving governance and public welfare, the MPP program at Lehigh University can help you achieve your professional goals.