Policy, Planning, and Management | Online

Online Master of

Policy, Planning, and Management (MPPM)

Our program curriculum develops multi-disciplinary foundational knowledge and skills that will help you excel in the complex and interrelated fields of policy, planning, and management. Coursework focuses on conceptual learning and provides opportunities to apply learning to contemporary issues and challenges.

Program requirements

Request info

Apply

Two students collaborate together and discuss data they've written down on a whiteboard.

E-tuition & fees

Costs include tuition & fees. All students receive our e-tuition rate.

See cost details

Credit hours

36 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours.

Browse course list

Financial aid

Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship, fellowship & research opportunities.

Explore aid

Admissions

No GRE required. Apply for fall, spring, or summer term.

View application process & deadlines

Program highlights

Balance your schedule while earning your degree: Complete coursework from wherever you are with our fully online program.
Take advantage of program flexibility: Study full-time and finish in as few as 2 years or study part-time and finish in 3-4 years.
Save money with affordable tuition: Online students receive our e-tuition rate.
Explore robust experiential learning opportunities that will help you achieve MPPM competencies.
Tailor the degree to your interests and career goals: Choose to concentrate in Planning and Sustainability, or Public Policy and Public/Nonprofit Management.
Prepare for a professional leadership role in government, nonprofit and community organizations, and other public service settings.

Expected career outcomes

A man in bright orange construction safety wear talks about a map with a working professional.

Career opportunities

The MPPM degree serves those who aspire to leadership roles and careers as managers, planners, researchers, analysts, or advocates in public service. Recent graduates are working in all levels of government and nonprofits.

Discover careers

Students walk down the sidewalk by Wishcamper Center on the Portland campus on a sunny day.

Admission information: Policy, Planning, and Management, MPPM | Online

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reason for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.
Letters of Recommendation (2): Recommendations should be from individuals who are qualified, through direct experience with your academic or professional work, to comment on your ability to undertake graduate study and your chosen profession.

Application deadline	Final deadline	International applicants
Fall term start	August 1	June 1
Spring term start	December 15	October 15
Summer term start	April 15	Not available

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

International student instructions

View additional application requirements

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address

Additional information: Policy, Planning, and Management (MPPM)

The exterior of the Muskie School of Public Service. We see the school's name written on the side, along with a geometric metal sculpture.

Dedicated faculty

Our full-time faculty hold terminal degrees in the field and will work closely with you to help you work toward your career goals. Our part-time faculty are currently employed in the field, and many work in local, state, and federal governments.

Meet our faculty

A woman with long hair and a black shirt holds a black dry erase marker and talks with a student while they both stand in front of a whiteboard.

Experiential learning

Students have ample opportunities for hands-on learning. These include working with the Catherine Cutler Institute, completing internships in town management or food policy and sustainability, and publishing their work in academic journals.

View opportunities

A graduate student stands in front of a table where staff are answering questions and typing on laptops. Behind her are several more graduate students facing the table.

Graduate student support

Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.

Browse resources

Two women sit at a table and review paperwork together.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.

Explore scholarships

A man sits at a table and types on a laptop.

Connect with us

Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.

A student sits at a table with a laptop.

Online student support

Maintain a flexible schedule while earning your degree. Our online students receive the same superior support as those who study on campus, including one-on-one career advising, video meetings with tutors and writing assistants, and technology assistance.

Explore online benefits

Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

Get info

Meet us

Apply