Best institutions to study Public Policy Analysis
A program that focuses on the systematic analysis of public policy issues and decision processes.
165 U.S. institutions graduated 5,065 Public Policy Analysis students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 44.0501, a specialization of Public Policy Analysis (CIP 44.05), and leads most directly to the Social Science Research Assistants occupation (BLS SOC 19-4061).
About Public Policy Analysis programs
A program that focuses on the systematic analysis of public policy issues and decision processes. Includes instruction in the role of economic and political factors in public decision-making and policy formulation, microeconomic analysis of policy issues, resource allocation and decision modeling, cost/benefit analysis, statistical methods, and applications to specific public policy topics.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Public Policy Analysis program focuses on the systematic examination of public policy issues and decision-making processes. It is designed for students interested in understanding the economic and political factors that influence public policy formulation and implementation. This program is ideal for those looking to make a difference in public administration and social services.
Students in this program will develop essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and statistical analysis. Coursework typically includes topics such as microeconomic analysis, resource allocation, cost/benefit analysis, and decision modeling, equipping graduates with a solid foundation for analyzing public policy.
Credentials awarded
What Public Policy Analysis graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree2,355 graduates / yr · 91 institutions47%
- Bachelor's degree1,944 graduates / yr · 75 institutions38%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate289 graduates / yr · 36 institutions5.7%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship226 graduates / yr · 32 institutions4.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year194 graduates / yr · 8 institutions3.8%
- Post-master's certificate52 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.0%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years4 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Associate's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.0%
Graduates over time
Public Policy Analysis completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 4,200 |
| 2013 | 4,491 |
| 2014 | 4,419 |
| 2015 | 4,629 |
| 2016 | 4,580 |
| 2017 | 4,502 |
| 2018 | 4,752 |
| 2019 | 5,189 |
| 2020 | 5,328 |
| 2021 | 5,319 |
| 2022 | 5,360 |
| 2023 | 5,506 |
| 2024 | 5,113 |
| 2025 | 5,065 |
Top 50 institutions for Public Policy Analysis, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 263 | 97% | $16,260 | $60,501 |
| 2 | University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MDPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 232 | 89% | — | $45,642 |
| 3 | Princeton University Princeton, NJPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 230 | 98% | $13,729 | $73,630 |
| 4 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 200 | 93% | — | — |
| 5 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicMaster'sBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 200 | 93% | — | $49,685 |
| 6 | University of Virginia - Main Campus Charlottesville, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 198 | 96% | — | — |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearMaster's | 185 | 90% | — | — |
| 8 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.Master'sDoctoral | 156 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 9 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 152 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 10 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 151 | 91% | — | $48,252 |
| 11 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 128 | 92% | $26,873 | $52,403 |
| 12 | University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CAPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 122 | 93% | — | — |
| 13 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 107 | 0% | — | $49,753 |
| 14 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearDoctoral | 106 | 89% | — | — |
| 15 | University of California - Riverside Riverside, CAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 92 | 76% | — | $39,867 |
| 16 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 79 | 68% | — | $49,753 |
| 17 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 77 | 84% | $29,789 | — |
| 18 | American University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 73 | 75% | $30,225 | — |
| 19 | Georgetown University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 72 | 95% | $22,242 | — |
| 20 | Brown University Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 69 | 96% | $14,644 | $58,161 |
| 21 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 69 | 68% | — | — |
| 22 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Atlanta, GAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 68 | 94% | — | $48,383 |
| 23 | University of Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 68 | 96% | $13,333 | $60,057 |
| 24 | University of Mississippi University, MSPublicBachelor's | 62 | 72% | — | $40,259 |
| 25 | William & Mary Williamsburg, VAPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 60 | 89% | — | $36,703 |
| 26 | Oregon State University Corvallis, ORPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 57 | 70% | — | — |
| 27 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RIPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 56 | 73% | — | $32,536 |
| 28 | University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CAPublicMaster's | 53 | 86% | — | — |
| 29 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 50 | 84% | — | $51,082 |
| 30 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VAPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 50 | 86% | — | — |
| 31 | Empire State University Saratoga Springs, NYPublicBachelor's | 48 | 41% | — | $52,614 |
| 32 | Trinity College Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 47 | 84% | $25,245 | $56,902 |
| 33 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 47 | 94% | $11,888 | — |
| 34 | Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 46 | 92% | $12,032 | — |
| 35 | Cornell University Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sDoctoral | 45 | 95% | $17,613 | $77,906 |
| 36 | University of Massachusetts - Amherst Amherst, MAPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 40 | 83% | — | — |
| 37 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MNPublicMaster's | 40 | 85% | — | — |
| 38 | Brandeis University Waltham, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 37 | 86% | $25,074 | $39,943 |
| 39 | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, ILPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 35 | 62% | — | $35,205 |
| 40 | Northwestern University Evanston, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 35 | 95% | $14,799 | $48,558 |
| 41 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicPost-degree cert.Bachelor'sMaster's | 35 | 71% | — | — |
| 42 | University of Delaware Newark, DEPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 34 | 81% | — | $36,796 |
| 43 | Georgia State University Atlanta, GAPublicBachelor'sDoctoral | 34 | 53% | — | $42,215 |
| 44 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 33 | 65% | — | — |
| 45 | Adler University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 32 | — | — | — |
| 46 | University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MAPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 32 | 52% | — | — |
| 47 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 28 | 57% | $18,677 | $38,546 |
| 48 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 27 | 81% | — | $43,005 |
| 49 | Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LAPublicDoctoral | 25 | 27% | — | — |
| 50 | University of Denver Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 24 | 76% | $29,726 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Public Policy Analysis field (CIP 44.05) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 47 states
Where Public Policy Analysis graduates come from. Each state links to all Public Policy Analysis programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4061, Social Science Research Assistants, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Public Policy Analysis program can pursue various careers, including roles as Social Science Research Assistants and Political Scientists. The job outlook for related occupations is about as fast as average, with an estimated 5,200 annual openings and a median wage of $58,040, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 44.0501
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Social Science Research Assistantsprimary SOC 19-4061 | $61,990 | +4.4% About as fast as average | ~5,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Legislators SOC 11-1031 | — | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~2,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1065 | $98,070 | +2.0% About as fast as average | ~1,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Political Scientists SOC 19-3094 | $142,080 | -3.1% Decline | ~500 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Public Policy Analysis programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
Tools and technology used
Other Public Policy Analysis specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Public Policy Analysis (CIP 44.05).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, or a Doctor's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, writing, statistical analysis, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Social Science Research Assistant, Political Scientist, or in various roles within public administration.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 5,200 annual openings and a median wage of $58,040.
What is the CIP code for Public Policy Analysis?+
Public Policy Analysis is CIP 44.0501 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Public Policy Analysis (CIP 44.05). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the systematic analysis of public policy issues and decision processes. Includes instruction in the role of economic and political factors in public decision-making and policy formulation, microeconomic analysis of policy issues, resource allocation and decision modeling, cost/benefit analysis, statistical methods, and applications to specific public policy topics.
How many institutions offer Public Policy Analysis programs?+
165 U.S. institutions reported Public Policy Analysis graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 47 states, awarding 5,065 credentials in the year. That is 87.6% of all Public Policy Analysis graduates.
How much do Public Policy Analysis graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Social Science Research Assistants occupation, which Public Policy Analysis most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,990 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Public Policy Analysis field report median earnings of $48,252 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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