The Penn State School of Public Policy was established in 2018 to serve as a hub for policy research and curriculum, creating professionals who have the skills to identify, analyze, and solve our major policy issues.
The Master of Public Policy program is ranked in the top third of all programs in the country and attracts students from across the United States and from around the globe.
Public Policy By the numbers
Public Policy by the Numbers
91%
Master of Public Policy completion rate for the 2024-25 academic year
31
students participating in the Master of Public Policy program in the 2024-25 academic year
Top 33%
of Public Affairs programs nationwide
15+
policy-focused student organizations and clubs.
Source: Example Source
Public Policy Spotlights
Upcoming Events
Colloquium Seminar Series: Guglielmo Zappalà
Moral Fragmentations and Boundaries
‘Growing Impact’ podcast examines India’s ‘largest groundwater experiment’
On a recent episode of “Growing Impact,” Penn State researchers discussed their Institute of Energy and the Environment seed grant project studying groundwater governance in India and the impacts of a large-scale, community-based water management initiative.
Emmanuel Kraft selected as Liberal Arts college marshal for spring commencement
Emmanuel Kraft is a Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar graduating with bachelor’s degrees in political science and communication arts and sciences and a master’s in public policy.
Ending birthright citizenship would impact Asians and Latinos most, study finds
The number of children born in the U.S. without a defined legal status may reach 6.4 million by 2050 if birthright citizenship is ended, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.
School of Public Policy students explore policy careers in Washington
More than 40 Penn State students traveled to Washington, D.C., on March 19 and 20 to participate in the School of Public Policy’s 2026 Career Exploration Day, a two-day immersive experience designed to connect students with policy professionals and alumni working in the nation’s capital.
School of Public Policy hosts second annual Policy Simulation Competition
The Penn State School of Public Policy hosted its second annual statewide Policy Simulation Competition on Feb. 28, bringing together college students from across Pennsylvania to participate in a simulated global health emergency.
Liberal Arts student blends global research and local service to help others
Natalie Wright, a Penn State student double-majoring in global and international studies and political science while pursuing a master of public policy degree through the integrated undergraduate-graduate degree program, has paired global research in Kenya with local government work in State College, using every opportunity at Penn State to help others.
Honors student draws on Malian heritage to pursue global public policy
Fatoumata Doumbia is drawing on her Malian heritage, global coursework and multiple education abroad experiences to pursue a future in international development and public policy.
Penn State Liberal Arts students travel to Harrisburg for career exploration day
More than 60 students from Penn State’s University Park campus traveled to Harrisburg on Oct. 29 for a day of career exploration and networking with Pennsylvania legislators, government professionals and policy experts.
Flood impacts in Global South focus of Geography Coffee Hour
Mook Bangalore, assistant professor of environmental policy in the Penn State School of Public Policy, will deliver a talk about flooding impacts in the Global South at the Department of Geography’s Coffee Hour at noon on Oct. 24 at Penn State University Park.
Penn State School of Public Policy hosts inaugural Local Government Expo
The Penn State School of Public Policy hosted its Local Government Expo on Sept. 20, connecting over 50 students with local government career opportunities through a career fair, networking lunch and policy simulation.