The Master of Social Policy and Program Evaluation (MSPPE) is a full-time, two-year degree program, delivered in-person by the College of Public Policy at HBKU. The program offers advanced analytic and substantive knowledge in policy and program evaluation to prepare professionals for careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors on issues of local and global significance.
The program supports Qatar’s national development by advancing evidence-based and ethically informed policymaking, strengthening the design and evaluation of public programs, and building national capacity in policy and program evaluation.
The MSPPE offers students a distinctive opportunity to develop advanced evaluation skills required to inform policies and programs with credible evidence, improve public and organizational performance, and support effective decision-making across multiple sectors. The program prepares graduates to play a leading role in shaping the design, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs in Qatar and beyond.
Mission
The mission of the Master of Social Policy and Program Evaluation is to educate, equip and empower the next generation of ethically grounded evaluation professionals and policy practitioners in Qatar and beyond.
We strive to provide advanced knowledge and skills to design, conduct, and communicate high-quality evaluations that address complex policy and program challenges and support evidence-informed decision-making for the public good. Through a comprehensive and applied curriculum, students are equipped to assess effectiveness, efficiency, equity and value, and to translate evidence into actionable insights. We foster an inclusive and diverse learning environment that promotes a culture of excellence, integrity, respect, and fairness. We emphasize the design, analysis, and application of evaluation methods, including participatory and stakeholder-informed approaches, to improve policies and programs in a rapidly evolving and data-driven world.
The program enhances meaningful contributions to society through evidence use, accountability, and continuous improvement. Our graduates aspire to communicate findings clearly, engage stakeholders effectively and contribute to positive local and global impact through better policies and programs.
Number of Current Students (as of Fall 2025)
| Program | Continuing | New First Time | Grand Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPP | 24 | 19 | 43 |
| MSPPE | 14 | 10 | 24 |
| MGHP | 0 | 16 | 16 |
| Grand Total | 38 | 45 | 83 |
MSPPE Graduation and Completion Statistics
| Enrollment Date | Fall 2022 | Fall 2023 | Fall 2024 | Fall 2025 |
| Graduation Date | Spring 2024 | Spring 2025 | Spring 2026 | Spring 2027 |
| Initial Enrollment | 10 | 16 | 13 | 12 |
| Transfer | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dismissal/Withdrawal | 1 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Effective Enrollment after Transfer/Dismissal/Withdrawal | 9 | 16 | 12 | 7 |
| Enrolled students who graduated on time - in 2 years | 9 (90%) | 12 (75%) | 12 (92.3%) | In Process |
| Enrolled students who graduated in 3 years | In Process | In Process | In Process | In Process |
| Enrolled students who graduated in 4 years | In Process | In Process | In Process | In Process |
The MSPPE combines theory, policy analysis, and advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods with opportunities for real-world learning. This interdisciplinary degree incorporates insights from multiple fields. Focused on improving societal well-being, students will engage with ethical principles in policy design and evaluation.
This interdisciplinary degree draws from multiple fields of study, including economics, political science, sociology, psychology, education, law, applied ethics, and public health. Classroom learning for the MSPPE is supplemented by applied policy and evaluation work through public policy lab activities and internship opportunities.
Graduates of this program will be equipped to:
- Function effectively as practitioners, senior managers, policymakers, policy analysts, and policy and program evaluators across government, the private sector, NGOs, and international organizations, contributing to the design, improvement, and implementation of effective policies and programs.
- Develop and apply solutions to complex policy and program challenges that integrate economic, ethical, and societal considerations while adhering to professional evaluation standards.
- Apply advanced policy and program evaluation knowledge to assess effectiveness, improve performance, and enhance the impact of policies and programs.
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Social Policy and Program Evaluation should have a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized university. Applicants from all fields are welcome to apply, including engineering, natural sciences, and humanities, but preference will be given to those with an academic background in political science, public administration, economics, communications, or other social sciences.
Applicants are required to submit an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 79 to demonstrate their proficiency in English.
Further details about the language proficiency requirement and the process to seek exemption (where this is an option) are available at CPP Admissions.
| Program | Master of Social Policy and Program Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Total Program Tuition Fees | QAR 90,000 |
| Tuition Fees per Credit Hour | QAR 2,500 |
| Total Program Credit Hours | 36 |
| Program Duration | 2 years |