Credits required
54 or 45 Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 54 or 45 quarter credits are equal to 36 or 30 semester credits.*
Cost per credit
$560 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
Delivery
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the MPP curriculum or the EMPP curriculum.
Start terms
4 per year

Master of Public Policy – Online

MPP curriculum

The coursework in Oregon State's online Master of Public Policy program provides you with practical experience in working collaboratively with the public and prioritizing the desires of citizens, communities and society at large. This is accomplished through:

  • Experience conducting original policy research that extends the knowledge of both policy and other social science disciplines.
  • Practical exercises navigating our increasingly interconnected world through connecting with stakeholders from various backgrounds and addressing policy fields relevant to a variety of populations.
  • The development of a public service ethic through service learning projects incorporated into courses that involve public partners in mutually beneficial, community-driven efforts.

NASPAA Inclusivity Badge

Oregon State’s Master of Public Policy program is officially recognized for its commitment to inclusivity by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. The recognition is given to NASPAA member programs that demonstrate exemplary commitment in these four areas:

  • Civic engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • Globalization

Degree requirements

This master's program requires the completion of 62 credits to graduate. Degree requirements and curriculum information are available on OSU's academic catalog or the School of Public Policy's website.

Sample course topics

  • Microeconomic theory
  • Econometrics
  • Public policy analysis
  • Public organizations and leadership
  • Professional development
  • Public policy theory
  • Social research
  • Quantitative methods for policy analysis
  • Applied research methods
  • Rural sociology
  • Environmental politics and policy
  • Natural resources and community values
  • Rural development economics and policy
  • Environmental sociology

Specialization and certificate options

You can select an area of focus from a variety of established concentrations, graduate certificates, or self-design a concentration with an advisor and approval of the public policy graduate program director. A minimum of 24 credits is required.

Additional program features

Internship

If you have minimal work experience in public service, the nonprofit sector or the international context, you'll be required to engage in a supervised internship. This internship experience will allow you to work closely with experienced mentors who will help you integrate theory with practice and introduce you to a professional network. You will work with your advisor to create an internship or select from several options available through OSU.

If you have relevant work experience, you will substitute coursework for internship credits.

Oral examination

Oregon State requires a final oral examination of all master's degree candidates. The exam is intended to test your ability to integrate and interpret material in the major and supporting fields with emphasis on the work presented in the capstone project. You and/or committee members are able to participate from a remote location.

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Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization and compliance.

State of Colorado: This program requires an internship. Although Oregon State University participates in the National Council of State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), due to Colorado’s Workers’ Compensation Act, we have limited authorization to offer programs that require internships in the state of Colorado. The Colorado internship site must provide workers’ compensation. In some cases, a proposed internship site may not provide worker’s compensation insurance and, as a result, is not available as an internship site. Please contact Ecampus Compliance and Reporting Coordinator Donald O’Dell with questions.

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