Public Policy

About the Program

The McCourt School of Public Policy offers programs of study leading to a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree, a Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) degree, a Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy (DSPP) degree or a Master of Policy Management (MPM) degree.

The MPP provides a set of core skills in economics, quantitative methods, management and politics, enabling graduates to be highly effective in designing, analyzing and implementing policy in the U.S. and around the globe.

The MIDP program equips students with essential technical and analytical skills necessary to make a positive difference in the world, while delivering the expertise in politics, management and ethics that you need to navigate the professional challenges that are commonly encountered in the public sector and the international institutions that work with them.

The M.S.-DSPP combines the historic strengths of McCourt’s public policy analysis curriculum with cutting-edge data science.

The MPM program strikes a balance among analytics, management and policy substance. The program includes intensive summer classes; core required and elective courses; and a capstone project, which explores a policy question of the student’s choosing.


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Program Contact: McCourt Admissions – mccourtadmissions@georgetown.edu

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Degrees Offered

Joint degree programs


Admissions Requirements

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:


Application Deadlines


Degree Requirements

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is a 48-credit degree program, divided into 30 credits of core courses (required) including the capstone, and 18 credits of elective courses. The MPP program aims to educate students to think critically about public policy and to demonstrate a mastery of the various skills embodied in the curriculum.

The MIDP is a 48-credit degree program, divided into 36 credits of core courses, 12 credits of elective courses, a summer professional placement and a capstone project. The core courses emphasize analytical skills and core knowledge for designing and managing sound public policy.

The Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy (M.S.-DSPP) is a 39-credit degree program, divided into core (required) courses, elective courses and seminars.

Four summer institutes (12 credits), the foundation of the MPM program, are offered in week-long sessions during the summer semester. In addition to the summer institutes, students enroll in two other core courses and five elective courses from McCourt School or university offerings.