Overview

The Public Affairs programme at the University of Minnesota is specifically curated for established professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in public and nonprofit leadership. This Master's degree provides a rigorous academic framework for individuals with a decade or more of work experience to advance their skills in evidence-based decision-making and policy analysis. By engaging with a dedicated peer cohort, students develop the analytical reasoning necessary to address complex societal challenges at local and international levels.

Why Public Affairs at University of Minnesota?

The programme is distinguished by its flexible delivery model, which accommodates the schedules of full-time working professionals through a blend of intensive on-campus sessions and online learning. Students benefit from the Humphrey School's extensive research network, including specialised centres focused on science, technology, and environmental policy. The cohort-based approach fosters deep professional connections and collaborative problem-solving, supported by a faculty of renowned experts in leadership and management. Furthermore, the curriculum allows for significant customisation, drawing from over 150 graduate programmes across the broader university system.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 2729 per credit
National fee: USD 2729 per credit
Local fee: USD 1705 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum comprises 30 semester credits, including core leadership coursework, a self-designed concentration, and a practical capstone project. Modules may include:

Leadership Development
Critical Thinking
Policy & Program Analytical Skills
Research Methods
Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Public Affairs
Capstone Workshop

Students can further specialise their degree by selecting concentration modules in areas such as:

Community & Economic Development
Integrative Leadership
Global Public Policy
Human Rights
Nonprofit Management
Health Care Policy

Careers with Public Affairs

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for senior leadership roles across various sectors, with a high percentage of alumni securing advanced positions shortly after completion. Recent career statistics indicate that the majority of graduates find employment within government agencies, while others pursue influential roles in the nonprofit and private sectors. The programme prepares professionals for careers in policy evaluation, urban planning, and international development, leveraging a strong network of alumni and professional mentors to support long-term career progression.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Public Affairs Leadership

Policy Analysis in Public Affairs

Program Design and Implementation Analysis

Qualitative Research Methods and Analysis

Quantitative Research Methods and Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

More details

After February 15: Applications for admission considered on a space-available basis

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Public Policy View 404 other Masters in Public Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Personal statement

Diversity statement

Impact statement

Academic readiness statement

Resume or CV

Letters of recommendation: at least 3

Transcripts

English language requirement

Extenuating circumstances

The application fee is $75 for domestic students and $95 for international students.

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

81870 USD / year

≈ 81870 USD / year
Out-of-State

81870 USD / year

≈ 81870 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

51150 USD / year

≈ 51150 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

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

Financing

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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 Affairs.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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