NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in Engineering and Public Policy
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 32 semester hours minimumProgram Length
- 32-33 semester hoursTotal Credits Required
- Option for Thesis, Project, or Coursework-onlySpecialization Paths
- Min. 16 SH in College of EngineeringEngineering Focus
- Integrates Engineering and Public PolicyInterdisciplinary Approach
The Master of Science in Engineering and Public Policy is designed for students with an engineering background who want to gain the skills necessary for robust policy analysis. The program integrates core coursework from Civil and Environmental Engineering with the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs. Students can choose to focus on a master's report, a thesis, or a coursework-only option, with a minimum of 16 semester hours required within the College of Engineering. This interdisciplinary program equips graduates to address complex societal challenges at the intersection of technology, environment, and public decision-making.
Curriculum
The program requires a total of 32 semester hours. Students must complete core courses in engineering and public policy, and then choose one of three options: a coursework-only option, a project option, or a thesis option. An optional co-op experience is also available.
- Core Courses
- Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Investment and Policymaking or Dynamic Modeling for Environmental Decision MakingCIVE 5261 / PPUA 5261
- Life Cycle Assessment of Materials, Products, and InfrastructureCIVE 5275
- Climate Science, Engineering Adaptation, and PolicyCIVE 5363
- Air Quality ManagementCIVE 5368
- Sustainable Urban Transportation: NetherlandsCIVE 6566
- Climate Hazards and Resilient Cities AbroadCIVE 6777
- Climate Adaptation and Policy AbroadCIVE 6778
- Time Series and Geospatial Data SciencesCIVE 7100
- Critical Infrastructure ResilienceCIVE 7110
- Data-Driven Decision Support for Civil and Environmental EngineeringCIVE 7150
- Urban Informatics and ProcessingCIVE 7151
- Dynamics and Control of Infrastructure SystemsCIVE 7155
- Sustainable Energy: Materials, Conversion, Storage, and UsageEECE 5670
- Systems Engineering in Public ProgramsIE 5500
- Data Mining for Engineering ApplicationsIE 5640
- Engineering Probability and StatisticsIE 6200
- Statistical Methods in EngineeringIE 7280
- Sustainable Design and Technologies in ConstructionSBSY 5100
- Sustainable Engineering Systems for BuildingsSBSY 5200
- Sustainable Building Systems SeminarSBSY 5400
- Introduction to Computational StatisticsINSH 5301
- Research Methods in the Social SciencesINSH 6300
- Statistical AnalysisINSH 6500
- Quantitative AnalysisINSH 7400
- Strategizing Public PolicyLPSC 7311
- Participatory Modeling for Collaborative Decision MakingPPUA 5246
- Ecological EconomicsPPUA 5260
- Geographic Information Systems for Urban and Regional PolicyPPUA 5263
- Research Toolkit for Urban and Regional Policy: Project ManagementPPUA 6212
- Economic Analysis for Policy and PlanningPPUA 6502
- Techniques of Policy AnalysisPPUA 6506
- Techniques of Program EvaluationPPUA 6509
- Building Resilience into Local GovernmentPPUA 6532
- Advanced Spatial Analysis of Urban SystemsPPUA 7237
- Option Specific Courses
- Master’s ProjectCIVE 7945
- ThesisCIVE 7990
- Introduction to Cooperative EducationENCP 6100
- Co-op Work ExperienceENCP 6964
- Co-op Work Experience - Half-TimeENCP 6954
- Co-op Work Experience AbroadENCP 6965
- Co-op Work Experience Abroad - Half-TimeENCP 6955
Careers
Graduates of the MS in Engineering and Public Policy program are prepared for a variety of roles where technical expertise meets policy development and analysis. The program's interdisciplinary nature fosters skills applicable to solving complex societal challenges.
- Policy Analyst
- Environmental Consultant
- Urban Planner
- Sustainability Manager
- Systems Engineer
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Project Manager
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Engineering and Public Policy program?
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or a related field. A minimum GPA of 3.000 is required for graduation, and specific course prerequisites may apply depending on elective choices.
- What is the total duration and credit requirement for this program?
- The program requires a minimum of 32 semester hours to complete. Students can choose between a coursework-only option, a project option, or a thesis option.
- What are the tuition fees for this program?
- Tuition is charged per semester hour on a pay-as-you-go basis. Specific rates for the 2025-2026 academic year are not provided and prospective students should refer to the official Northeastern University website for the most current tuition information.
- What career paths can graduates pursue with this degree?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Policy Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Urban Planner, Sustainability Manager, Systems Engineer, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, and Project Manager.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Northeastern University offers several scholarships, including the Northeastern Online Scholarship (3% or 6% tuition discount), the Double Husky Scholarship (25% tuition discount for alumni), and the Full Circle Scholarship (25% tuition discount for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, or ELL teachers abroad). Some scholarships may have eligibility restrictions and cannot be combined.
- How do I apply to this program?
- To apply, start your application through the Northeastern University graduate admissions portal and submit all required materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. If admitted, an enrollment deposit will be required to secure your place.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or a related field is required.
A minimum GPA of 3.000 is required for graduation. Specific course prerequisites may apply depending on the chosen electives.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition is charged per semester hour. Specific rates for the 2025-2026 academic year were not provided. Please refer to the official Northeastern University website for the most current tuition information.
Tuition (home)Tuition is charged per semester hour. Specific rates for the 2025-2026 academic year were not provided. Please refer to the official Northeastern University website for the most current tuition information.
LivingEstimated living costs were not provided on the program page. Please refer to the university's general cost of attendance information for estimates.
Tuition is billed per term on a pay-as-you-go basis. An enrollment deposit is required to secure your place and is applied to your first tuition bill.
How to apply
1. Start Your ApplicationBegin the application process through the Northeastern University graduate admissions portal.
2. Submit Required MaterialsGather and submit all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
3. Check Application StatusUse your confirmation email to set up an account to monitor the status of your application.
4. Complete Enrollment DepositIf admitted, an enrollment deposit is required to secure your place, which is applied to your first tuition bill.
Scholarships
Northeastern Online Scholarship (Standard App)3%
Northeastern Online Scholarship (Fast App)6%
Double Husky Scholarship25% tuition discount
Parent and Family Scholarship25% tuition discount
Full Circle Scholarship25% tuition discount
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Master of Science in Engineering and Public Policy program?
+
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or a related field. A minimum GPA of 3.000 is required for graduation, and specific course prerequisites may apply depending on elective choices.
What is the total duration and credit requirement for this program?
+
The program requires a minimum of 32 semester hours to complete. Students can choose between a coursework-only option, a project option, or a thesis option.
What are the tuition fees for this program?
+
Tuition is charged per semester hour on a pay-as-you-go basis. Specific rates for the 2025-2026 academic year are not provided and prospective students should refer to the official Northeastern University website for the most current tuition information.
What career paths can graduates pursue with this degree?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Policy Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Urban Planner, Sustainability Manager, Systems Engineer, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, and Project Manager.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Northeastern University offers several scholarships, including the Northeastern Online Scholarship (3% or 6% tuition discount), the Double Husky Scholarship (25% tuition discount for alumni), and the Full Circle Scholarship (25% tuition discount for Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America, or ELL teachers abroad). Some scholarships may have eligibility restrictions and cannot be combined.
How do I apply to this program?
+
To apply, start your application through the Northeastern University graduate admissions portal and submit all required materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. If admitted, an enrollment deposit will be required to secure your place.