M.A. in Public Policy
National Louis University's Master's in Public Policy will provide you with a solid foundation in both
academic theory and practical methodology. You'll learn how to review, analyze and shape programs and
policies in governments, non-profit organizations and private sectors.
Consider getting your Master of Arts in Public Policy at NLU if you:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field
- Want to participate effectively in efforts to enhance the capacity of communities to deal with change
- Want to pursue a career in federal, local, regional or international government organizations or health enterprises
- Want to become a policymaker or community advocate
- Want to attend a program in which small class sizes ensure collaboration with classmates and individual interaction with professors
Why NLU’s Public Policy Master's Degree Program
Students interested in social and human services typically have a strong desire to help improve lives—by working directly with people or by implementing community or government policies. At National Louis University (NLU), we embrace your desire to make your dreams a reality and make a difference in the world. A convenient, supportive environment NLU recognizes many students are balancing work and family while in school, so courses are scheduled to accommodate those important commitments. Plus, NLU students begin the program with a group of colleagues that remain together throughout the course of study. This group offers a network of support and camaraderie from day one until graduation and beyond.
What You Will Learn
- How to engage in and shape public policy
- How to understand the impact of urban, social and public policies
- How to use analytical and problem-solving skills
- How to analyze policy data
- How to apply research design and methodology to public policy issues
Career Outlook
There is increasing demand within the public sector for professionals who understand the public policy process and can analyze and evaluate policy proposals. An understanding of the role of government and the interface between the private and public sectors is also essential for those who see their future employment in the private sector.
Professionals in these fields lead efforts to plan for change. They are involved in analysis, preparation of recommendations, and implementation of policies and programs that affect public services and the quality of community life. These professionals also assume responsibility for planning, policy, and management in community and regional development, natural resources, economic development, land use, transportation, and law enforcement. Master of Arts in Public Policy graduates can pursue a career in
areas such as:
- Community and regional development
- Economic development
- Education
- Healthcare
- Land use
- Law enforcement
- Natural resources
- Transportation
Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet NLU’s general admission requirements. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at www.nl.edu/applyonline. In addition to NLU’s general admission requirements, applicants
to the public policy master's degree program must also satisfy the following:
- Three references from supervisors, employers, professors or others who have known the applicant in a professional or academic capacity or are in the position to judge the applicant’s ability for graduate study.
- A written statement of academic and professional goals.
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- An official transcript of scores from one of the following: Graduate Record Examination (GRE), The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Watson-Glaser or Criterion taken within the prior five years. This requirement is waived for an applicant who has earned a graduate degree from an accredited institution.
- Admissions interview with a faculty advisor.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) official scores are required if English is not the applicant’s native Language and college coursework was earned outside the United States. The Department of Applied Language Assessment test may be taken in lieu of the TOEFL.
