The University of St. Thomas

School of Education

Program Features

Master of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership
Make a Difference in Your Community

This program provides you with the knowledge and leadership skills required in today’s increasingly policy-driven environment. It was jointly designed with professionals from the field.

Professionals in government, health care and non-profit organizations can gain the skills needed to understand policy development. An advisory committee consisting of distinguished policy experts and faculty work to continuously improve your learning experience.

This program will help you:

  • Identify how particular policies are placed on the agenda of policy makers.
  • Understand influences on policy development – from shrinking budgets to power elites.
  • Learn to interpret and implement government policies.
  • Obtain an understanding of the theories of policy making and ethical leadership.
  • Grow politically adept by listening to diverse views and collaborating with others in different policy arenas.

This program is deeply rooted in the values-based, liberal arts tradition of St. Thomas.

  • Understand theory as it practically applies to real-world experience. 
  • Develop into an effective, ethical leader.
  • Learn from faculty with real-world policy-making experience.
  • Apply policy development and implementation theories in a work-related context. 


Joint Degree Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership

The St. Thomas School of Law and the School of Education have teamed up to offer a joint law and Master of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership degree. This joint degree allows students interested in law and policy studies to earn two graduate degrees in less time than they could earn the same two degrees separately.