Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP)

The 36-credit curriculum consists of 18 credits of required core courses, 15 credits of electives, and a three-credit capstone seminar taken at the end of the program. You have the option to choose 12 or more credits from core and elective courses to fulfill one of three concentrations:

• Public Policy
• Human Resources
• Evaluation and Assessment

1. Decision-Making to apply critical thinking skills to make decisions that enhance performance of governmental and nonprofit organizations or improve public policy and reflect awareness of key elements in these organizations’ external and internal environments
2. Human Resource Management to effectively manage human resources within governmental and nonprofit organizations
3. Financial Resource Management to effectively manage financial resources of governmental and nonprofit organizations
4. Leadership to understand and exhibit behaviors that enable effective leadership of governmental and nonprofit organizations
5. Effective Communication to communicate proficiently orally and in writing in a manner that facilitates shared understanding, growth, and high performance
6. Ethical Standards to act in a manner that exemplifies professional ethical standards for governmental and nonprofit administration
7. Appreciation for Diversity to demonstrate respect for the diverse cultures, values, and perspectives in society in the development, administration, and provision of public services
8. Equity to uphold professional standards of equity in the development, administration, and provision of public services
9. Theory-Practice Links to appreciate the role of political, administrative, policy, and organization theory in understanding and structuring practice in public and nonprofit administration and a continuously strive to improve practice through the application of theory

Our seminars are designed to accommodate full-time jobs, allowing you to learn while gaining real-world experience in your field. You’ll get to implement what you learn in real time, witnessing first-hand how the theories and principles can be applied in practical scenarios.

More opportunities for hands-on experiences are available in our internship, research, and study abroad programs. Check out the pages for these programs, and talk to your professors to learn more.

Interested in obtaining your undergraduate degree along with a master’s? Take advantage of our 4+1 program where you can obtain two degrees in a streamlined and efficient timeframe which will save you tuition dollars along the way! This accelerated program will not only save you time and money but will also equip you with vital career skills. You will gain knowledge and expertise in policy development and implementation, as well as leadership, personnel, strategic management, fundraising, and program evaluation, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in government, non-profit organizations, and other public service sectors.

Students from majors in political science, economics, history, criminal justice, and sociology will likely find our 4+1 program particularly advantageous for their careers. By integrating their undergraduate expertise with specialized training in public administration and policy, students will be well-equipped to address complex problems and drive meaningful change in public and nonprofit organizations.

The accelerated master’s program opens doors to a diverse range of careers in public and nonprofit service along with providing valuable internship opportunities with relevant organizations.

By joining this outstanding program in Public Administration and Policy you will be opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities by enhancing your competitiveness in the job market and benefit from an extensive network of alumni who offer valuable connections to help advance your career. 

To be considered for regular admission, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. You should include the following with your application:

• A statement of purpose describing your personal history, educational and professional goals, and objectives in pursuing the program