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    University of Southern California

    Master of Public Policy

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Los Angeles, USMPPIn-person2 years
    $118,416.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    74%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    48
    Credits
    $105.00
    App fee

    Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California is a 48-credit, 2-year, in-person MPP program based in Los Angeles, US. Tuition is $118,416.

    About the program

    The program develops analytical skills for evidence-based policy solutions through core courses in economics, policy analysis, statistics, and a year-long Policy Analysis Practicum with real-world clients. Students customize studies with electives in analytic methods and policy specializations.

    Focus: both
    US News Public Affairs #3 (tie), Public Policy Analysis #11
    Part-time option

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min Master’s degree programs: 90 or above, with 20 or above in each section (for exams taken prior to January 21, 2026; for placement/ISE exemption; no strict minimum for admission)
    IELTS
    required
    Min Master’s degree programs: 6.5 or above, with 6 or above on each band (for placement/ISE exemption; no strict minimum for admission)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $25,000.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California is $118,416 across 48 required credits.
    Is Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California online or in-person?
    Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California take to complete?
    Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California is structured around 2 years and 48 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA)
    How competitive is Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California?
    Master of Public Policy at University of Southern California reports an acceptance rate of approximately 74%.