M.A.
Master's of Arts

Social and Public Policy

Address today’s critical issues with SUNY Empire’s online M.A. in Social and Public Policy.

This flexible program helps you build skills to analyze and shape policy in areas like health care, education, and social justice. With hands-on learning and a capstone project, you’ll graduate ready to lead in government, nonprofits, or advocacy. 

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Program Overview
Career Outcomes
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Program Overview

Master of Arts in Social and Public Policy

M.A.
Address today’s critical issues with SUNY Empire’s online M.A. in Social and Public Policy. This flexible program helps you build skills to analyze and shape policy in areas like health care, education, and social justice. With hands-on learning and a capstone project, you’ll graduate ready to lead in government, nonprofits, or advocacy. 

Format

100% Online

How it Works

Tuition

$471 / credit

Tuition & Fees

Credits

30

Course Catalog

Next term starts

Fall 2025

  • Students in the M.A. in Social and Public Policy program must take 5 core courses, 4 electives, and a capstone course. The required courses are as follows: 

     

    • Core Courses  

       

       

    • PPOL 6007 Policy Process  

       

       

    • PPOL 6010 History and Social Context of American Policy  

       

       

    • PPOL 6015 Policy Implementation  

       

       

    • PPOL 6021 Methods for Policy Research (preferred course) OR PPOL 6020 Research Methods (if you intend to pursue doctoral studies)  

       

       

    • PPOL 6030 Public Policy Analysis  

       

       

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    • Capstone Course  

       

       

    • PPOL 7010 Final Project - Professional Project: Social and Public Policy 

       

       

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    • Electives 

       

       

    • Students must complete four electives. Examples of electives include but are not limited to: 

    • PPOL 6070 Race Class & Gender in US Public Policy 

    • PPOL 6075 Family Policy 

    • PPOL 6055 Human Services Policy 

    • PPOL 6035 Advocacy in State & Community-level Government 

Ready to Apply?

The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1. How to Apply

Build the Knowledge to Create Real Change

What you'll learn

  • Understand the policy process
  • Analyze and evaluate social policies
  • Conduct applied policy research
  • Communicate policy to diverse audiences

Shape Policy. Serve Communities. 

A master’s in social and public policy online prepares you for leadership roles in advocacy, research, and policy implementation. Careers may include: 

  • Public Policy Analyst 
  • Community or Government Advocate 
  • Health or Human Services Policy Leader 
  • Program Director in Nonprofit or Public Sector 
  • Policy Researcher or Consultant 
Career Services
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I chose SUNY Empire because a coworker recommended the university, plus the ease of registration as a veteran.
Kasie
Graduate Student (‘24)

Interested? Start Here

1

Shape Policy. Drive Meaningful Change.

We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to an M.A. in Social and Public Policy flexible, clear, and impactful. Our dedicated advisors will help you stay on track, build your policy and research skills, and prepare to lead change in government, nonprofits, or advocacy work. 

 

Request Info
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2

Apply for the M.A. in Social and Public Policy 

Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term! 

How To Apply

Next start term

Fall 2025

Deadline to apply

August 1

Start Your Degree

as soon as September 2, 2025.

Interested in the M.A. in Social and Public Policy?

Learn more and get started.

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