Master of Public Policy | College of Arts and Sciences

Be an Influence for Good

Lehigh’s Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) equips students with the analytical tools and practical experience needed to tackle today’s most complex policy challenges. In just one year, you’ll refine your skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, learn how to write effective grants, and develop your ability to analyze complex policy environments.

As part of the Political Science Department, you’ll join a community of scholars and practitioners committed to advancing informed, effective public policy at every level. At Lehigh, you can unleash your political prowess, shape policy agendas, and start transforming the world.

Ready to make a real impact? Request more information to see how the M.P.P. program can help you take the next step toward a future in public policy.

Supporting Positive Student Outcomes: College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

9:1

Student to faculty ratio

94%

CAS graduate students receiving funding to support their education

Industries

Government (41%)
Higher Education (24%)
Healthcare (18%)
Energy (6%)
K–12 Education (6%)
Nonprofit (5%)

Why Lehigh?

At Lehigh, you’ll find the right balance of academic rigor, personal support, and practical experience that sets our Master of Public Policy program apart. With us, you’ll benefit from:

A Campus Designed for Focus and Opportunity

Nestled in Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Valley, our beautiful campus provides the ideal setting to step away from daily distractions and fully commit to your studies. Here, you'll benefit from both a peaceful environment and access to major business hubs—just a short drive to New York City and Philadelphia. With the region's rapid growth and strong university connections to leading companies, you truly get the best of both worlds.

A Close-Knit Community

Small class sizes, accessible faculty, and a team focused on your career development mean you won’t just be another face in the crowd. You’ll form close partnerships with professors, advisors, and peers who are invested in your success.

Learning With Real-World Impact

The M.P.P. is a distinctive program that focuses on analytic methods and prepares students to successfully develop creative solutions to intricate policy problems. With this degree, students graduate ready to build a meaningful career and to make a real, measurable, and lasting difference in their communities and the world.

Admissions Requirements

Wondering how to apply to the Master of Public Policy program? Here’s what you need to know:

Application Deadlines

Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1
Fall: June 30

What You Need to Apply

Completed online application
$50 non-refundable application fee
Official transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application review)
Three letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Resume/CV
Demonstrated English proficiency (if applicable)

Students in the Master of Public Policy program are eligible to take part in our Community Fellowship. To be considered for a Community Fellowship, please include a statement of interest with your application.

FAQs

When is the final deadline to apply?

Application deadlines depend on when you plan to start the program:

For a spring start, the final day to apply is November 1
For a summer start, final applications are due on April 1
For a fall start, applications are due by June 30

When do classes start?

The start date for classes also depends on when you expect to begin the program:

For a spring start, classes begin in late January
For a summer start, classes begin in late May
For a fall start, classes begin in late August

How long does the degree take to complete?

To earn a Master of Public Policy, students must complete 30 credit hours, which typically takes one calendar year.

Are scholarships available?

There are opportunities for teaching assistantships, scholarships, and the distinguished Community Fellowship in the Political Science Department.