Introduction
A student should consider pursuing an MPP programs in Florida due to the state’s vibrant political landscape, diverse population, and numerous professional opportunities. Florida’s political environment, influenced by its significant role in national elections and diverse policy issues, provides a rich backdrops for studying public policy and engaging in real-world experiences. Institutions like Florida State University and the University of Florida offers robust MPP programs that prepare students for impactful careers in various policy domains.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPP Programs Statewide: 4
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 0
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $30,000 per year
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $45,000 per year
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, hybrid, online
- Average Starting Salary: $65,000
MPP Programs in Florida
While there are currently no Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs accredited by NASPAA in Florida, several institutions in the state offer competitive and high-quality MPP degrees. NASPAA, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, is the accrediting body for public policy and public administration program, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. An overview of each MPP program in Florida- including location, accreditation, credit hours, and modality- can be found here:
Jacksonville University
- Jacksonville, FL.
- 48 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Policy (MPP)
Program Overview:
The MPP at Jacksonville University’s Haskell Public Policy Institute is a two-year professional degree (48 credit hours) that prepares students for leadership roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Students develop core competencies in policy analysis, quantitative method, management, leadership, and ethics, and complete an internship, and capstone policy project as part of their degree.
The program is intentionally designed for flexibility: both full-time and part-time (evening) enrollment options are available, and prior work experience may in some cases replace the internship requirement. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, students benefit from more than 20 internship/partner-organization relationships across government, business and nonprofit sectors.
Unique Components:
- Dual-degree breadth. MPP students may pursue dual-degree options including MPP/JD, MPP/MBA, MPP/Marine Science, and MPP/MS Organizational Leadership, broadening career pathways and enabling cross-disciplinary expertise.
- Internship or professional-experience substitution. The program requires an internship for full-time students, but part-time or experienced working students may substitute qualifying work experience in lieu of the internship.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Credit Hours: 48
- GRE: Optional
- Tuition: $20,400 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Evening/part-time ready format. Designed for working and mid-career learners, classes are available in the evening and part-time enrolment allows the degree to be completed in three years while working.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Policy (MPP)
Program Overview:
UCF’s MPP program, housed in the School of Public Administration within the College of Community Innovation & Education, is a professionally oriented degree designed to develop public service leaders who are equipped with ethical, managerial, and analytical skill to address policy and administrative challenges in government, nonprofit, and private sectors. The curriculum emphasizes applied public management, budgeting/finance, policy process, organizational behavior, and leadership.
It consist of 36 credit hours: six core courses (18 credits), one capstone course (3 credits) and 15 elective credits. Evening classes are offered at the Downtown Orlando campus for working students.
Unique Components:
- Capstone bridging theory and practice. The program requires a Policy Analysis Capstone (PAD 6848) that integrates skills and knowledge via a real-world public policy/management problem.
- Evening campus format for working professionals. Courses are offered face-to-face in the evenings at UCF’s Downtown Orlando campus, enabling working students to participate without leaving full-time employment.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online, on-campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $3,327 (PSR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $7,894 (PSR)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Wide policy domain breadth. The program explicitly lists diverse policy areas (urban, environmental, health, transportation, economic development, homeland security, international) making it suitable for a variety of career orientations.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL.
- 36 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Policy (MPP)
Program Overview:
FSU’s Askew School MPA is a full-time or part-time professional degree designed to prepare students for managerial and policy-analysis roles across government, nonprofit and private sectors. The curriculum emphasises economic, statistical and organisation foundations of public administration, policy implementation, and ethical leadership.
Located in Tallahassee Florida’s state capital students gain access to state government, policy institutions, and public-service networks through internships, evening courses and online delivery options.
Unique Components:
- Multiple “career paths” orientation. The programs explicitly offers career tracks (e.g., Local Government Management; Leadership & Strategic Management; Public Financial Management; Evidence-Based Policymaking; Emergency Management & Homeland Security) allowing students to align electives with their career goals.
- Joint/dual-degree pathways. Students may bundle the MPA with degrees such as MSP (Planning), MSW (Social Work), MSC (Criminology), or JD, benefitting from shared credits and interdisciplinary training.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online, on-campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Credit Hours: 36
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $3,632 (PSR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $9,044 (PSR)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Enrollment: 35 students
Other Considerations:
- Strong faculty research and reputation. The Askew School faculty rank among the top nationally for research productivity; the school notes top-10 or global-top-20 publishing performance.
University of Miami
- Coral Gables, FL.
- 48 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Masters of Public Policy (MPP)
Program Overview:
The MPP at the University of Miami’s Department of Political Science is a professional graduate program that emphasises policy analysis, quantitative methods, economics for decision-making, and ethics in public service. Located Coral Gables, Florida, the program builds on Miami urban, global and environmental policy strengths (for example through environmental/ocean policy tracks) and offers students the opportunity to select specialisations aligned with the region’s policy context.
Unique Components:
- Specialization tracks including Environment & Sustainability and Public Management & Leadership. Students choose from structured tracks such as Environmental Policy, Human Resource Management in Public Service, and comparative public policy, enabling depth in policy domains.
- Internship or practicum requirement embedded in curriculum. The core require a practicum course or internship (e.g., POL 656 Public Service Internship) as part of the program’s applied policy focus.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Credit Hours: 48
- GRE: Required
- Tuition: $95,184 (TTL)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- Explicit quantitative and economics emphasis compared to traditional MPA. The program description notes that the MPP “has a deeper focus on … the use of quantitative analysis, the role of economic factors in public decision making, resource allocation, and decision modeling.”
Career Outlook
With an MPP degree in Florida, graduates can pursue a variety of impactful careers, leveraging the state’s diverse policy landscape and growing public sector opportunities. Here are some career examples:
- Policy Analyst:
- Description: Policy analysts research, then analyze, and develop policies for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profits. They provide a data-driven recommendations to address public issues such as healthcare, education, or environmental challenges.
- City Planner:
- Description: City planners develop land use plans and programs to help create sustainable and functional urban environments. They work on the zoning, transportation planning, and community development projects.
- Legislative Assistant:
- Description: Legislative assistants support lawmakers by conducting research, drafting legislation, and managing communications with constituents. They play a key role in the legislative process.
- Program Manager:
- Description: Program managers in public health can oversee statewide initiatives aimed at improving community wellness and reducing disparities in healthcare access. At the Florida Department of Health, managers coordinate programs in disease prevention, emergency response, and maternal and child health, ensuring compliance with federal and state health regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is this state’s top MPP program?
A: The top MPP program in Florida is at Florida State University (FSU), known for its strong focus on policy research and public service leadership. The program gives students hands-on experience in solving real issues that affect communities, like education, healthcare, and the environment. Located in the states capital, students have easy access to internships and networking with government agencies and policy organizations. FSU’s MPP program also stands out for its supportive faculty, affordable tuition, and wide range of career paths after graduation, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to make a difference in public policy.
Q: Do Florida MPP programs offer specializations or dual-degree options?
A: Yes. The University of Miami offers concentrations in Environmental Policy and Public Management, UCF allows specialization through electives, and Jacksonville University provides dual-degree programs (e.g., MPP/MBA, MPP/JD). These pathway allow students to blend policy analysis with leadership, business, or environmental management training.
Q: What career opportunities are available after earning an MPP in Florida?
A: MPP graduates often work in state and local government, policy consulting, nonprofit management and environmental or urban policy researches. Many pursue roles such policy analysts, public affairs manager, or program director. Florida’s growing economy and proximity to state agencies in Tallahassee and regional hubs like Orlando and Miami create strong employment prospects.
Q: Are there online or hybrid MPP options in Florida?
A: Yes. The University of Central Florida offers flexible evenings and hybrid courses, while schools such as Florida State University (MPA) and the Florida International University (MSEM/MPA) provide fully online or part-time graduate options with policy-oriented coursework.
Q: What is the living situation like for MPP students in Florida?
A: Most students live off-campus in apartments or shared housing, with costs varying by city. In Miami, expect to pay $1,800–$2,500 per month, while in Orlando, Jacksonville, or Tallahassee, housing typically ranges from $1,000–$1,800 per month. Many universities assist with housing placement or graduate housing referrals.
Q: How much does an MPP cost in Florida?
A: Tuition varies widely by institutions type. Public universities like UCF and Florida State (MPA) average around $25,000–$35,000 total for in-state students and $45,000–$55,000 for non-residents. Private institution such as the University of Miami and Jacksonville University cost approximately $90,000–$100,000 for the full program. Many schools offer merit-based scholarships, assistantships, or public service fellowships to offset costs.