Overview

The Public Policy programme at Georgia State University provides an interdisciplinary framework for students dedicated to the analysis, development, and evaluation of critical public initiatives. This curriculum addresses the complex balance between limited resources and public needs to ensure that policy choices remain economically efficient and socially effective.

The course of study is specifically structured to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals, with sessions typically held in the late afternoon or evening. By offering classes once a week on the downtown Atlanta campus, the institution ensures that students can maintain their careers or pursue vital internship opportunities during regular business hours.

Students can choose to enrol on either a full-time or part-time basis, completing a total of 39 graduate credit hours.

Why Public Policy at Georgia State University?

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies holds a prestigious reputation, with its public management and leadership offerings ranked 14th nationally by U.S. News & World Report. It is a member of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, connecting students to a global network of scholars and practitioners.

The department is recognised as a top-tier centre for public finance, budgeting, and urban policy. Students benefit from an environment where research and teaching excellence meet, providing access to faculty members who possess international reputations for their contributions to administrative processes and public service arena expertise.

Located in the heart of Atlanta, the university serves as a living laboratory for policy research. The school’s various research centres and community outreach initiatives offer distinctive teaching features that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges facing local and global agencies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16651 per semester
National fee: USD 16180 per semester
Local fee: USD 4895 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of core requirements, methods electives, and concentration areas. Modules may include:

Public Policy
Analytical Methods
Financial Methods

Careers with Public Policy

Graduates are prepared for leadership and analytical roles across diverse sectors, including governmental bodies, private consulting firms, and international nonprofit organisations. The programme’s strong links to the Atlanta metropolitan area often lead to attractive job opportunities within local public agencies.

The skills gained in policy evaluation and economic analysis allow alumni to pursue careers in fields such as health policy, education, economic development, and disaster policy. Many graduates find success in public finance and budgeting roles, as well as in the management of urban and local government systems.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Politics and Policy

Social Policy

International Politics

Applied Research Methods and Statistics

Microeconomics for Public Policy

Policy Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

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Credits

39 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Atlanta, United States

Disciplines

Public Policy View 408 other Masters in Public Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

Submitted Online Application. All online applications must be submitted by the deadline. Paper applications are not available.

Application fee: A nonrefundable fee of $50 is required for each application. This fee must be paid online by credit card.

Goal statement: The goal statement is your means of presenting yourself to the Graduate Admissions Committee.

Official GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores: Official scores must be reported to institution code 5251 and received by GA State by the application deadline.

TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores (International applicants only): All international applicants are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores.

Three letters of recommendation: All letters should be submitted through the online application.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33302 USD / year

≈ 33302 USD / year
Out-of-State

32360 USD / year

≈ 32360 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9790 USD / year

≈ 9790 USD / year

Living costs

Atlanta

United States

1213 - 2208 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Policy.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Atlanta

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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