Public policy analysts and policy consultants work at the forefront of decision-making. They turn data, law, and stakeholder input into strategies that actually move the needle. Many Master of Public Administration Online graduates take on these roles, which shape outcomes in areas like healthcare, housing, education, and the environment—delivering results that connect data analysis and policy expertise to measurable community impact.
Public policy consultant: advising on complex issues
What is a public policy consultant?
Public policy consultants serve as strategic navigators of complex governance systems, translating political issues into actionable strategies – for clients ranging from municipal governments, non-profit grant making organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. Policy consultants work on a range of projects including implementing AI technologies, developing policy recommendations, analyzing data to identify health risks, and developing advocacy initiatives to influence the policy agenda at state and federal levels.
How are public policy consultants compensated?
Specific salary data for policy consultants can vary widely based on experience, client base, and firm. However, MPA graduates working in consulting roles at major firms can expect competitive compensation packages. According to Indeed in April 2025, the top of the salary range for government employed public policy consultants in Los Angeles was $70,559 to $175,146. Consultants working in the private or non-profit sector can earn multiples of those salaries.
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Find Out MoreHow does USC Price prepare you?
The MPA online program’s emphasis on analytical skills, policy research, and strategic thinking prepares graduates for successful careers in public policy consulting. The program features a unique capstone project that mirrors real-world consulting. As part of the capstone, students participate in an on-campus residency, working on consulting projects for real world clients. These experiences allow students to apply their analytical and management skills to complex public policy challenges, addressing critical issues for executive directors or CEOs. The capstone bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice, enhancing students’ practical skills, offering networking opportunities, and preparing them for successful careers as public policy consultants.
Katherine Cooley, a 2018 graduate of USC Price’s online MPA program, discovered her passion for consulting during her studies. The program’s flexibility allowed her to balance education with family responsibilities, while the capstone project provided valuable consulting experiences. Now a senior consultant at Deloitte, Cooley credits the MPA curriculum for equipping her with essential skills and lasting professional relationships.
“One of the fun things about graduating from the MPA program is that you can really have long-term relationships with your fellow students and folks that have graduated from the program. When I first started with Deloitte I was – at least as far as I knew – on my own. Now, we have a group of about 4 of us in California who are working for Deloitte! You’re going to forge those relationships through the program. You’ll be able to grow together in your careers and go places together in your careers, and that part has been really exciting and fulfilling for me.”
Public policy analyst: shaping the future of policy
What is a policy analyst?
Public policy analysts act as strategists for social progress, turning evidence into practical responses to complex problems. They go beyond typical research roles by interpreting the intent behind laws and weighing their financial and social implications.
At USC Price, graduates such as 2024 valedictorian Keaton Dickinson apply these skills to tackle issues ranging from gun violence prevention to housing insecurity, demonstrating how policy analysis bridges data and human impact. They work across various sectors, including healthcare, education, environmental policy, and social welfare, making a policy analyst career quite rewarding.
How are policy analysts compensated?
The average salary for policy analysts in the United States ranges from about $53,258 to $132,254 per year, according to Indeed in April 2025. In major cities that serve as policy hubs, like Los Angeles, policy analysts can earn even higher salaries. Senior policy analysts earn upwards of $250,000 per year.
How does USC Price prepare you to become a policy analyst?
USC Price’s MPA program offers specialized courses in policy analysis, economics for public policy, and analytical methods in addition to a Certificate in City/County Management, which provides specialized training in public policy analysis and implementation. These courses and certificates combined with hands-on projects such as the capstone project, provide students with the skills needed to serve in policy roles.
During their capstone project students interact with a real world client and produce valuable research and recommendations, essential skills for a future policy analyst. According to a USC Online article, which lists policy analyst as a top job for MPA grads, “With the master’s degree in hand, graduates are able to become the managers, directors and leaders they desire, and they’ll also be trained in the necessary analytical and policy-making skills to thrive in their roles.”
Learn more about the USC Master of Public Administration Online program.
