With an emphasis on rigorous, data-driven analysis, the new master of public policy program provides students with topical knowledge and tools to tackle today's most pressing policy problems.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] - As communities across the world face increasingly complex public policy challenges, Brown University has launched a new master's degree program to equip students with the frameworks, global perspectives and leadership skills needed to inform effective policy.
Developed by public policy scholars at Brown's Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs and leaders from the University's School of Professional Studies, the 16-month online master of public policy is designed for working professionals, who will be invited to bring real-world challenges into the classroom.
"Brown's master of public policy is a virtual incubator for tomorrow's policy leaders," said David Blanding, an associate professor of the practice of international and public affairs and director of the new master's program. "The program empowers experienced professionals to fortify their expertise through an innovative curriculum, using global insights from world-class faculty to positively impact their workplaces - and the world."
Drawing on Brown's signature student-centered learning, the rigorous yet flexible online program focuses on four primary learning areas: understanding policy ecosystems; analyzing policy using data; applying frameworks across fields of study, including history, sociology and political science; and developing leadership skills in areas including strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.
"Leadership isn't taught in a single course - it's threaded across the entire program," Blanding said.
The new program is part of Brown's growing portfolio of online master's degrees, which are designed to make Brown's world-class academics more accessible to learners across the globe.
The master of public policy is designed for professionals already working in policy and related roles across government, nonprofit and private organizations who are seeking to deepen their expertise, apply what they learn to their careers and advance into senior leadership positions.
The first cohort is set to begin in January 2027, and program leaders are now accepting applications.
