Public Policy (MPP)

How to Apply

To get started on your application, click one of the links below:

Master in Public Policy Spring 2026 Application

Master in Public Policy Fall 2026 Application

If you are interested in applying for a different semester, please contact Graduate Studies Admission via email or at 617-521-2868.

*Please access the application through a newer version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Users will not be able to access forms through Internet Explorer 6, 7 or 8 on Windows XP.

Application Requirements

Admission requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a strong undergraduate record. Additionally, evidence of exposure to U.S. politics and statistics is preferred. The applicant for admission must submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and previous graduate coursework, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, an academic or policy-based writing sample, and two recommendations (academic preferred). An interview is optional. Students are admitted to the MPP program in the fall semester.

Application checklist:

• A completed online application or paper application form
• Current résumé
• Statement of purpose that addresses the following:
  • In a minimum of 500 words, please describe your academic and nonacademic background, your reasons for applying to the MPP program, and how your future goals will be supported by obtaining this degree.
• Two letters of recommendation, with at least one from an academic source. Please select recommenders that are familiar with your capacity for analytical, critical, and/or theoretical reasoning and writing. Supplemental letters may be submitted to [email protected] if desired. We do not accept recommendations from those who have a personal relationship with you (such as family members, doctors, or clergy).
• Academic or policy-based writing sample
• Official transcript(s) of all undergraduate and graduate-level courses taken, including official transcripts from all study-abroad programs.* Official transcripts can be mailed to the address below or emailed to [email protected]. For transcripts to be official, they must come directly from your college/university or sent through a service such as National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. There is no section within the application form to upload transcripts as transcripts uploaded by the applicant are considered unofficial.
• TOEFL scores, if English is not the applicant's first language and the applicant does not hold a degree from a university where English is the primary language of instruction
• Non-refundable application fee of $35

*Study abroad transcripts do not need to have a credential evaluation.

Applicants may opt to submit an official GRE score report, but the GRE is not required. For GRE score reporting, Simmons' code is 3761.

Application materials submitted by mail can be sent to:

Office of Graduate Studies Admission
Simmons University
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Additional Requirements:

• Statistics and Microeconomics

Successful applicants to the Master in Public Policy (MPP) program are required to complete college-level courses in statistics and microeconomics with a minimum grade of “B” in each. Applicants who are offered admission to the MPP program without having completed one or both of the required courses will be asked to provide evidence of successful completion of the relevant courses, including the grade(s) received, within the first year of study in the program. Admitted students who seek to fulfill the coursework requirements may enroll in relevant courses at Simmons or at any accredited college or university. Please contact the Office of Graduate Studies Admission at [email protected] or 617-521-2868 with any questions about fulfilling these requirements.

Note: Applicants may apply to our program even if they have not fulfilled the statistics and/or microeconomics requirement(s). These requirements will not impact the admission decision.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to receive timely decisions on admission and scholarship eligibility. To meet our priority application deadline, completed application files should be submitted by no later than the following dates:

Fall (September)
Priority Deadline: February 1
Regular Deadline: May 1
Rolling admission after May 1

Spring (January)
Priority Deadline: October 15
Regular Deadline: December 15
Rolling admission after December 15

Admission may be deferred for up to two semesters, after which applicants must reapply.

For International Applicants

Learn more applying to Simmons University as an International Student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my online application before all of my required materials are received?

Yes, and we encourage it! Once you submit your application, you will be able to log in to the self-service center (linked at the top of this page) to check the status of your application and to see if your materials have been received. Prior to submitting your application, you will not be able to check your status online.

What should I do if my recommenders did not receive an email requesting a letter?

First, suggest your recommender check her/his spam folder. Since the notifications come from an automated system, the messages often end up in spam. Not there? Contact us and we can resend the notification. You can also resend invitations from your self-service center. And, finally, recommenders are always welcome to email a recommendation letter to us at [email protected]. We'll be glad to manually add it to your application.

How quickly are my application materials processed?

Once you submit your application, we will look for any previously received materials to attach to your application. It usually takes 1-5 business days for our office to process and attach materials. To ensure receipt of your materials in our office, please ensure that items sent by mail are issued to the following exact address:

Simmons University
Graduate Studies Admission
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

How long will a decision take after my application is complete?

We begin reviewing spring applications in October, and fall applications in January. Once we begin reviewing applications, you will receive a decision within 3-4 weeks from your completion date.

Will my decision letter be emailed or mailed?

Your decision letter(s) will be released through your application portal. You will receive an email notice that your application status has been updated to 'Decision Released,' and you will be prompted to log into your application portal to view your decision.

Can I take classes before I apply?

If you are unsure about enrolling in a graduate program, or just want to advance your educational experience, all of our master's degree programs offer the option to enroll in up to two graduate-level courses (eight credits) as a non-degree student before formally applying to a program. Additional details about non-degree registration, including current course offerings, can be found on our Non-Degree Options page.

Do I need to submit the FAFSA by the priority admission deadline?

No. Students interested in applying for federal financial aid, which is awarded in the form of loans, may do so at any point by submitting the FAFSA and the Simmons University Student Information Form to the Simmons University Office of Student Financial Services. Contact their office via email at [email protected] or by calling 617-521-2001.

Upon acceptance, eligible applicants receive automatic consideration for merit-based scholarships. Most merit-based scholarships are awarded based on the overall strength of an application for admission, and no separate application is required.