Master of Science in Public and Urban Policy

The New School's Master of Science in Public and Urban Policy challenges you to develop innovative solutions for the world’s thorniest challenges, which are increasingly urban and global. Milano’s community of scholars examine today’s urban policy issues in real time and design creative solutions, all while working closely with policymakers in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.We give you the opportunity to work on policy analysis in real-world settings, with a focus on social justice. Put theory into practice and apply your analytical and collaborative problem-solving skills as early as your second semester in our Urban Policy Lab. Our subject areas allow you to explore emerging fields of study, such as data visualization, global urban futures, food and environment, housing and community development, finance and capital markets, politics and advocacy, and many others.

Our partnerships with The New School's Parsons School of Design and the School of Media Studies, and university’s commitment to design and social research as essential means of exploring the issues of our time, put you at the center of conversations around democracy, urbanization, technological change, economic empowerment, social equity, sustainability, migration, and globalization. The result is a challenge to the status quo and an opportunity for you to translate your passion into real-world policy initiatives that change people’s lives.

Fast-Track Path (16-Month Accelerated Option)  (PDF) 16 months:Take the fast track to change with this new, accelerated MS degree option. It offers the same courses, faculty, facilities, and support as the traditional path but takes just 16 months to complete.

Traditional Full-Time Path (PDF) 2 years:Full-time is the traditional path for completing the MS degree, giving you time to immerse yourself more fully in internships, research, and other activities outside of the classroom.

Part-Time Path (PDF) 3 to 3.5 years: Flexible and designed with working students in mind, the part-time path allows you to earn your degree in as little as three years.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Public and Urban Policy program are employed in all sectors. Our graduates work in government agencies, consulting firms, mission-driven businesses, and nonprofit organizations. They are ready to challenge the status quo wherever they go.