Masters in Public Policy Programs in the State of Georgia

A Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) is a graduate degree that focuses on teaching students how to analyze and solve public problems. MPP programs emphasize skills like data analysis, research, and evaluating the effectiveness of policies. Students learn about topics like economics, public budgeting, and program evaluation to help them understand how policies are created and managed. Many programs also let students focus on specific areas, like health, education, or the environment, to prepare them for their chosen career path.

Georgia is home to respected universities offering strong MPP programs, where students can connect with experienced professors and motivated classmates. Atlanta, the state’s capital, is a major center for government, nonprofits, and businesses, providing many options for internships, networking, and hands-on learning. The state’s focus on community issues gives students a chance to work on real-world challenges while earning their degree.

Outside of school, students can enjoy a mix of city life and outdoor activities. Whether exploring Atlanta’s museums and restaurants or hiking in Georgia’s mountains and parks, there’s plenty to do. The cost of living in Georgia is lower than in many other big cities, making it an affordable place for graduate students. This combination of academic and lifestyle benefits makes Georgia a great place to pursue an MPP degree.

MPP Programs in Georgia

An MPP degree is different from other master’s programs, like a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or an MBA, because it focuses on analyzing and designing public policies. While MPAs are centered on managing public organizations, MPPs are more about understanding and solving public issues using research and data. Compared to an MBA, which is about business management and finance, MPPs are tailored for people who want to work in the public or nonprofit sectors.

MPP programs also usually have a practical focus, like a final project where students tackle a real policy issue instead of writing a traditional thesis. The coursework for an MPP is more focused on government, politics, and economics than the leadership training found in an MPA. This makes the MPP a better choice for students who want to work on policies rather than managing teams or organizations. Here are the educational institutions offering MPP programs in the State of Georgia:

Institution	Location	Accreditation	Credit Hours	Modality
Georgia State University	Atlanta, GA	NASPAA, SACSCOC	39	On-Campus
University of Georgia	Athens, GA	NASPAA, SACSCOC	36	On-Campus
Georgia Institute of Technology	Atlanta, GA	SACSCOC	46	On-Campus
Kennesaw State University	Kennesaw, GA	SACSCOC	30	Online/On- Campus

NASPAA-accredited MPP Programs in Georgia

NASPAA, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, is an organization that sets quality standards for public policy and administration programs. NASPAA accreditation ensures that an MPP program provides a strong education that prepares students for success in public service careers. Programs with this accreditation meet high standards for their curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes.

For students, attending a NASPAA-accredited program means their degree will be recognized and respected by employers. Many government and nonprofit organizations prefer to hire graduates from accredited programs because it shows they have received thorough and effective training. Choosing a NASPAA-accredited MPP program in Georgia gives students confidence that their education meets professional standards. There are two NASPAA-accredited MPP programs in Georgia:

Online MPP Programs

Online Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs provide the same rigorous training as in-person programs but offer the flexibility of remote learning. These programs are ideal for working professionals or students who cannot relocate or commit to a traditional on-campus schedule. Students typically complete coursework online through interactive platforms, attending live classes or accessing pre-recorded lectures and assignments at their convenience.

Online MPP programs cover core topics like policy analysis, economics, program evaluation, and leadership. Many programs also allow students to choose specializations, such as health policy, environmental policy, or urban planning. Some online programs are fully asynchronous, allowing students to work at their own pace, while others include scheduled live sessions to foster collaboration and networking. There is one online MPP program offered in Georgia:

Accelerated MPP Programs 

Georgia offers accelerated MPP programs for students who want to complete their degrees faster. One option is 4+1 programs, where undergraduate students can start taking graduate classes during their senior year and finish their MPP degree in just one extra year. For example, Georgia State University has pathways for students to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a shorter time. 

Dual-degree programs are another choice for students looking to combine an MPP with a different field, like law (JD) or business (MBA). These programs- offered by Kennesaw State University and the University of Georgia- let students complete two degrees in a shorter amount of time than earning them separately. These accelerated pathways are great for students who want to save time and money while gaining expertise in more than one area.

Affordable MPP Programs

Georgia offers several Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs with relatively affordable tuition, making them accessible to students seeking high-quality education without the excessive financial burden:

1. Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University (GSU)

• Location: Atlanta, GA
• Tuition: GSU offers competitive in-state tuition rates, typically lower than national averages. For the 2024 academic year, tuition for Georgia residents is approximately $10,000 per year for full-time enrollment. 
• Financial Aid: Students can apply for graduate assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships, reducing the overall cost significantly.

MPP Degree Careers in Georgia

Graduates with an MPP degree have good job prospects, with careers available in government, nonprofits, research, and consulting. The skills learned in an MPP program—like analyzing data, writing reports, and making policy recommendations—are in demand for many roles. MPP graduates often work as policy analysts, program managers, or consultants, helping organizations create and evaluate policies to solve real-world problems.

Graduates can work for local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private companies. For example, they might develop affordable housing programs, create plans to improve public health, or analyze budgets to make government spending more efficient. The demand for people who can use data to solve complex issues means MPP graduates have many options for meaningful and impactful careers. Here are some jobs unique to Georgia that MPP graduates might pursue, keeping in mind the state’s economic, cultural, and political landscape:

• Public Sector Opportunities:

1. Policy Analyst at the Georgia General Assembly: Support lawmakers by conducting policy research and analyzing proposed legislation. Their responsibilities include studying proposed legislation, forecasting its potential social, economic, and fiscal impacts, and drafting concise reports to guide decision-making. Analysts often engage with stakeholders, attend committee meetings, and recommend policy modifications to ensure alignment with state priorities.
2. Program Manager at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs: Oversee programs related to housing, community development, and rural economic initiatives. They manage budgets, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and work with local governments to implement community-focused programs.
3. Transportation Planner at the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT): Develop policies and plans for Georgia’s infrastructure and transportation systems. Planners collaborate with engineers, local governments, and community stakeholders to ensure infrastructure improvements align with public needs and safety standards, while promoting sustainable development.
4. Legislative Liaison for the City of Atlanta: Act as a bridge between local government and the state legislature. They monitor state-level legislative activities, prepare policy briefs, and build relationships with lawmakers to advance the city’s priorities.

• Nonprofit Sector Opportunities:

1. Nonprofit Program Director at Atlanta Community Food Bank: Design and implement policies to reduce food insecurity across Georgia. They design innovative programs to increase food access, such as mobile food distribution or community kitchen partnerships. Directors also oversee teams, manage budgets, and measure the impact of their programs.
2. Environmental Policy Specialist at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper: Develop and advocate for policies to protect Georgia’s water resources. These specialists also engage with the public and policymakers to raise awareness of environmental challenges, such as pollution or water scarcity, and promote sustainable solutions.
3. Education Policy Advocate with Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education: Analyze and promote initiatives to improve K-12 education. They present findings to state legislators, school boards, and the public to drive systemic improvements, ensuring all students in Georgia have access to quality education.
4. Social Justice Policy Advisor at the Southern Center for Human Rights: Address policies related to criminal justice reform and civil rights. Advisors analyze data, draft policy proposals, and collaborate with advocacy groups and lawmakers to advance reforms.