Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring
On-Campus
About the Master of Public Policy Program at Loyola
Job growth, affordable housing, educational reform, and environmental protection would not be possible without experts in public policy. Loyola University Chicago's Master of Public Policy program prepares you to become a public policy professional who can tackle complex systemic challenges and leverage data to make change without losing sight of the individuals who make up communities.
Through Loyola's program, you will train to assume leadership roles in government, nonprofit, or business settings. You will bring together theory, analysis, and technical skills. And you will learn how politics influence policy choices, how to design effective public programs, and how to evaluate existing ones.
In other words, you will learn how to shape public policy in a way that makes a meaningful, positive impact in local and national communities.
Program Structure
The Master of Public Policy can be pursued full time or part time. Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your Master of Public Policy Degree?
At Loyola, you will join a respected program focused on social justice and professional training. From internships to a multidisciplinary curriculum, Loyola's program stands out among other Master of Public Policy programs.
- A flexible format
- Built-in real-world experiences
- Small cohorts and class sizes
- Concentration areas that align with your interests
- A focus on social justice
- Networking and professional development
Take courses in the format that works for your schedule and learning style. Our Master of Public Policy program features both in-person and online courses to accommodate the needs of working professionals like you.
Apply the skills you developed in the program and prepare for careers in public policy through a capstone project or internship. If you have significant professional work experience, you can complete a capstone or policy clinic instead of an internship.
Develop professional relationships with your peers and faculty members. With average class sizes under 15 students and a small cohort that moves with you through the program, you can deepen your connections and expand your network.
Choose an emphasis that aligns with your interests and goals. MPP concentrations include environment, public health, criminal justice, economic and community development, education, and immigration. Take electives in other departments, too.
Become an advocate for change and learn how to better serve underrepresented communities. Our courses cover critical issues in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and equip you to develop equitable policies that serve all individuals.
Benefit from structured professional development opportunities and a strong alumni network. Our professional development seminar will help you identify your strengths and career goals while introducing you to the public policy field. You will also have access to successful Loyola alumni who can share their experiences and career opportunities.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Continuing and Professional Studies faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Public Policy MPP program.
Faculty and StaffPublic Policy: Career Connections
After earning your master's in public policy degree, you will be prepared to secure roles in government, nonprofits, business, and more. Careers in public policy span from analysis to advocacy to leadership.
Specific job options include:
- Policy analyst
- Fiscal or budgeting analyst
- Political office staff
- Grant writer
- Lobbyist
- Program evaluator
- Executive director
- Program manager
- Communication director
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Public Policy MPP program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Public Policy MPP learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMaster's in Public Policy Results and Skills
Loyola's MPP program will prepare you for numerous careers in public policy by helping you develop the following skills:
- Budgeting and finance
- Policy analysis and evaluation
- Policy design
- Research and statistical analysis
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Advocacy
- Verbal and written communication
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your return to school a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Public Policy MPP totals $43105.00, or 37 credit hours at a cost of $1,165.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Public Policy MPP Scholarships
Scholarship award decisions for all graduate degree-seeking students are made at admission. For selected students, SCPS offers scholarships to cover 20 percent of tuition costs. Additionally, we offer the opportunity for graduate students with a demonstrated high financial need to apply for scholarships after admission.
For detailed information about tuition, costs, and aid, please visit the SCPS Tuition & Financial Aid page.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsUpcoming Events
Visit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Public Policy MPP are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Fall: June 30
Fall Funding Deadline: February 15
Spring: November 30
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Public Policy MPP include:
Official Transcripts
3 Letters of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a brief statement describing your academic and research interests as well as your professional goals.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Public Policy MPP program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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