Public Policy (Ph.D., MPP, EMPP)

Description

Oregon State University offers both Master and PhD Public Policy degrees for students interested in the study and practice of policy about issues critical to Oregonians and the world, drawing on the traditional strengths and emerging signature areas of OSU. While there is a science of policy including theoretical and methodological approaches that we expect students to master, the discipline of policy is closely connected to the practice of policy design, implementation, and assessment, and our program is designed to ensure that students interact with policy-makers as well as the knowledge-producers who support policy decisions.

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) specifically prepares students for careers in domestic and international organizations and offers training for "in-service" students (already employed) desiring professional growth and advancement. The Ph.D. in Public Policy prepares students for academic or non-academic research careers in the public, private, and nongovernmental sectors. The Public Policy Graduate Program accepts students with backgrounds in related academic disciplines. The degrees are designed to provide individuals with analytic skills, an understanding of public policy processes, and substantive knowledge in a specific policy area.

The Executive Master of Public Policy (EMPP) at Oregon State University is designed for mid-career professionals with 5+ years in the public and nonprofit sectors who are interested in moving up in their positions or who are looking to transition from the private sector to a career in public service. Students can move through the program at their own pace and all coursework is available online through OSU Ecampus. The EMPP is a 45-credit (quarter) program with interdisciplinary core coursework, five policy concentrations, and a final applied policy capstone project. 

Campus

Corvallis
Ecampus

Contact

Primary Contact
Hilary Boudet
Graduate Program Director
Public Policy
541-737-5375
Michael Terry
Graduate Program Assistant
Public Policy

Application process

English Language Requirements

TOEFL iBT:90
Requirements Notice

Application requirements, including required documents, letters, and forms, vary by program and may not be completely represented here. The processing of your application will not be completed until these requirements have been met. Please, before applying to this program, always contact the program office to confirm application requirements.

Application Process

More for information on applying please review:

Deadlines

Admissions Deadline other for MPP

  • Fall term 2025 - Aug. 26
  • Winter term 2025 - Dec. 9
  • Spring term 2025 - March 2
  • Summer term 2025 - May 25

Admissions Deadline for Doctoral applicants
Jan. 20 for admissions and financial support

Funding Deadline other for Laurels Tuition Scholarship
Jan. 15

Funding Deadline other
March 1 for GRA/GTA consideration

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AMP Participation

This program participates in the Accelerated Master's Platform for current Oregon State undergraduates.
AMP Contact
Hilary Boudet
School of Public Policy

Western Regional Graduate Program

This program participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program. Admitted students from 18 western states and territories can attend at reduced tuition rates.
Participating degrees: PhD, EMPP, MPP