M.A. in Public Policy

Accelerate your public policy career with our online master's programme

As a learner in this Master of Arts – Public Policy degree programme, you'll gain the expertise to excel in diverse roles within the dynamic field of public policy. Our interdisciplinary curriculum and focus on developing economies will equip you to address pressing political, economic, social, and environmental challenges. Join India's #1 University in Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities (Q.S. University Rankings, 2022) and unlock your potential to shape impactful policies for a better tomorrow.

What's offered in this degree programme?

• 16 courses (80 credits)
• Completely virtual learning experience that offers the flexibility needed to succeed as working professionals
• Chance to learn with peers from diverse backgrounds around the world.
• Choose between the Data Analytics or Policy Design paths
• Apply your policy analysis, formulation, monitoring, and evaluation skills to enhance your professional practice.
• Engage in real-time discussions with experienced faculty during designated office hours
• Opportunity to work on your dissertation with the guidance of a faculty expert in your area of interest
• Flexibility to complete the program in 24-36 months.
• Experience the advantages of joining the JGU Alumni community, connecting with accomplished professionals, and accessing lifelong learning opportunities
• The course content is structured into weekly modules, accessible through video playback or interactive transcripts. Progress through these lectures at your own pace before engaging in more in-depth discussions with your course instructors and classmates.

2 Tracks of Specialisation: Data Analytics / Policy Design.

In this program, you can select courses that match your learning and career objectives, allowing you to cultivate expertise in areas most pertinent to your goals. These tracks will require you to take core courses to build capacities and expertise to apply specialised skills to policymaking. The tracks are tied with industry certifications that add substantially to your progress in the programme and provide opportunities for career progression. The program offers two distinct learning paths:

Data Analytics track

Our Data Analytics track will train you to work with complex data sets, visualise data, evaluate the effectiveness of policies using quantitative techniques and explore the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence in policymaking. It is ideal for those aiming for government, non-profits or consulting careers seeking to utilise data-driven insights for effective policy-making.

Policy Design track

Our Policy Design track will allow you to delve deeper into the theory of public policy and develop capacities for program design and evaluation. Ideal for those seeking careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, and consulting firms, this track prepares graduates for roles like policy analyst, program evaluator, and government advisor in public policy, international relations, and social welfare sectors.

Career Options

As a graduate of the Jindal School of Government and Public Policy (JSGP), you’ll be prepared to pursue development and policymaking roles in :

• Government services
• Civil services
• CSR groups
• Academia
• Think tanks
• NGOs & media
• Political organisations

What makes this Master's degree unique?

Master’s Dissertation - Gain real-world policymaking experience

The Master's Dissertation provides a practical application of theoretical learnings and helps develop capacities to undertake independent research. You will be assigned a faculty mentor who will provide supervision for your dissertation thesis. In addition, you will also receive training in research writing and critical thinking to help deliver high-quality research in your dissertation thesis. Dissertation will not be a compulsory. Students will have the option of writing a dissertation thesis in the place of 2 electives.

Build competency in public and private sectors

In this programme, you'll build the skills to undertake policy analysis, formulation, monitoring, and assessment. With this skill set, you'll be prepared to pursue career opportunities in both public and corporate careers and be ideally positioned for greater responsibilities in policy-making and leadership roles.

Learn from both academic experts and policy practitioners

Programme faculties have served as academics, researchers, and policy practitioners with renowned organisations such as the United Nations, the Ford Foundation, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the International Labour Organization, and the World Bank. You can interact live with these experts throughout your time in the programme.

Earn your degree without any background in public policy or social sciences

This degree programme encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. You'll only require an undergraduate degree (in any field or specialisation) from a recognised university in India or abroad.