The Public and Urban Policy MS program prepares you to go out in the world-and change it. You engage with policymakers through real-world client work, applying a multidisciplinary approach and social justice lens to solve timely and complex policy problems. You develop the skills needed to evaluate critical public policy issues in real-time, design creative solutions, and collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders.

The New School offers the Master of Public & Urban Policy as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its On Campus campus in New York City, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for public & urban policy and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.
About Master of Public & Urban Policy
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Interdisciplinary and Integrative
Draw on multiple disciplines and methodologies and link theory to practice to gain practical skills for delivering balanced solutions to complex, messy policy challenges.
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Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
Join a scholarly community rooted in the belief that public policy should eliminate barriers and advance an equitable, just, and inclusive society.
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Real-World, Client-Based Projects
Engage in collaborative, solution-focused, hands-on learning as early as your second semester in our signature Urban Policy Lab.
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Set Your Own Pace
Choose between three paths toward your degree: 16 months ( accelerated option ), 2 years ( traditional full-time ) or up to 5 years ( part-time ).
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Public & Urban Policy at The New School
Entry Requirements
- Admission Requirements: International applicants are required to follow all admission procedures for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Please pay special attention to the transcript requirements for applicants with foreign credentials.
- Transcripts: Review the admission procedures for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Please pay special attention to the transcript requirements for applicants with foreign credentials.
- TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, Cambridge English, or Duolingo: A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, Cambridge English, or Duolingo score is not required for applicants whose primary language is English or who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college/university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. Test score requirements are outlined in the application instructions.
- English Language Writing Diagnostic Examination: At Orientation, The New School for Social Research will administer an English Language Writing Diagnostic Examination to all newly enrolling international students who do not meet the criteria for exemption from the TOEFL requirement. Based on the results of this examination, students may be asked to take a supplemental writing course at no cost. The New School maintains the right to require English proficiency testing when deemed necessary.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 68
- IELTSMin 7.5
- TOEFLMin 100
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Public & Urban Policy
The Public and Urban Policy MS program is accredited by NASPAA, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. NASPAA is the global standard in public service education and the recognized global accreditor of master's degree programs in public administration, public policy, public affairs, non profit and related fields. The program is also affiliated with the Association for Public Policy and Management (APPAM), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP), and the Urban Affairs Association (UAA).
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Public & Urban Policy at The New School
How to Apply for Master of Public & Urban Policy at The New School
- Select your college. Not sure which program at The New School is right for you? Explore your options.
- Follow the specific application instructions. Once you've selected your program, review its application instructions and requirements.
- Complete the application for your intended degree. All applicants to MA, MS, MFA, MArch, MPS, MM, and PhD degree programs; professional studies diploma programs; and graduate certificate programs should submit The New School’s Online Application.
- Check your application status. Log in to your Admission Hub to check the status of your application materials. Applications become complete and ready for review once all required items have been received by the Office of Admission. Allow at least ten days from the date you submitted your application for the application materials checklist to appear. After reviewing your checklist in the Admission Hub, follow up with schools and recommenders to confirm that your transcripts, recommendations, and other materials have been sent to us.

United States of America, New York City