Overview

The Public Policy programme at the University of Minnesota provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education designed to prepare professionals for high-impact careers in the public and nonprofit sectors. By integrating political science, economics, and statistics, the curriculum equips students with the specialised skills necessary to address complex global challenges. This degree emphasises ethical governance, social justice, and evidence-based decision-making in a diverse world.

Why Public Policy at the University of Minnesota?

Students benefit from the expertise of the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, which is recognised as one of the premier institutions for public policy in the United States. The school offers a unique environment where academic research meets practical application, supported by numerous research centres such as the Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice. Additionally, the university provides extensive dual-degree opportunities, allowing students to combine their policy studies with disciplines like law, business, or public health to broaden their professional versatility.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 18012 per semester
National fee: USD 18012 per semester
Local fee: USD 12120 per semester

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 45 semester credits, including core foundational courses, a specialised concentration, and a professional capstone paper. Modules may include:

Policy Analysis
Financial Analysis and Management
Dynamics of Public Affairs Organizations
Politics of Public Affairs
Microeconomics for Policy Analysis
Statistics for Public Affairs
Applied Regression
Qualitative Methods for Policy Analysts
Program Evaluation

Careers with Public Policy

Graduates from this programme are highly successful in securing influential roles across various sectors, with 96% of recent alumni employed or pursuing further education shortly after graduation. Half of the graduates enter government service at various levels, while others find significant opportunities in nonprofit organisations and the private sector. Common career paths include policy analysis, programme evaluation, and executive leadership in agencies dedicated to social policy, global affairs, and urban planning. The school's strong alumni network and dedicated career services provide a robust platform for professional advancement in the public sphere.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Management of Organizations

Politics of Public Affairs

Economics for Policy Analysis and Planning

Policy Analysis

Financial Analysis and Management

Public Policies on Work and Pay

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

More details

After June 1: 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

45 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

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

Four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited US university or foreign equivalent

English language proficiency (see below for more information)

Previous coursework in mathematics, statistics, and economics is recommended

A personal statement is required of all applicants

The Diversity Statement (also called the "Equity and Inclusion Statement” within the Humphrey School) is required for all applicants

A resume or CV

At least three letters of recommendation

Transcripts

International applicants need to submit scores from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB examination to assess English language proficiency

Applicants wishing to provide additional information to the admissions committee which is not appropriate for other required documents but may be helpful in their consideration as a candidate for admission can submit a statement of 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

36024 USD / year

≈ 36024 USD / year
Out-of-State

36024 USD / year

≈ 36024 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

24240 USD / year

≈ 24240 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 Policy.

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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