Join one of US News and World Report's Top 30 MPA programs! The Martin School trains professionals to work in non-profits, government agencies, non-governmental agencies and the political sphere, building on strong foundations in management, finance and analysis. The Masters in Public Administration offers students the analytical, communication and organizational tools to implement policy to address complex social, economic and political issues.
Accredited Top 30 program Masters in Public Administration Traditional In-Person and Online
Become a leader in policy change
Policy Core + Electives + Internship
The Martin School's Masters in Public Administration features a client-based capstone that allows students to work with community leaders as well as an opportunity to complete an internship in the public policy field.
Curriculum
- 40 hours including policy core
- 9 hours in an area of concentration (electives); can be satisfied with a certificate
- internship or equivalent experience (PA 711)
- a capstone (PA 681)
Fall Year 1
PA 621 Quantitative Methods of Research (3)
PA 631 Public Financial Management (3)
PA 651 The Policy Process (3)
PA 691 Leadership and Ethics in Public service (3)
Spring Year 1
PA 622 Public Program Evaluation (3)
PA 602 Strategic Planning of Public/Non-Profits (3)
PA 652 Public Policy Economics (3)
Fall Year 2
PA 623 Decision Analysis and Support Sys (3) please note: students cannot take PA 623 and PA 681 in the same semester as students begin working on client-based capstone projects in 623 and finish in 681
PA 642 Public/Non Profit Org Theory (3)
Elective (3)
Elective (3)
Spring Year 2
PA 681 Capstone (3)
Elective (3)
Internship (1)
Electives
- Nine hours total; Taken in your second year (Fall/spring)
- Based on your policy interests (Education, Environmental, Non-profit, Public Financial Management, etc)
- A certificate can count for electives Public Financial Management or Non-Profit Certificate
2021-2022 Graduation Rates of MPA Cohort
Below is a breakdown of time to graduation for the 5-year MPA cohort starting in 2017-2018:
| Initially enrolled | 19 |
| Graduated within 2 years | 16 |
| Graduated within 3 years | 18 |
| Graduated within 4 years | 19 |
*Full-time students generally complete the degree in two years, while part-time students (less than 9 credit hours per semester) can take at least twice as long, depending on the various course loads. Dual degree students (PharmD/MPA or JD/MPA) generally complete both programs in four years.
2021- 2022 MPA Job Placements
The majority of 2021-2022 graduates found employment in both U.S. local/state/federal government and International government, due to our International program with the Korean Development Institute.
| NASPAA Categories | Students |
|---|---|
| Total | 23 |
| US Government | 3 |
| State Government | 3 |
| U.S. Local Government | 2 |
| International Quasi-Government or Government All Levels | 2 |
| Nonprofit (domestic-oriented) | 8 |
| Nonprofit (international) | 1 |
| Private Sector (research/consulting) | 2 |
| Private Sector (not research/consulting) | 1 |
| Obtaining Further Education | 1 |
| Military Service | 0 |
| Unemployed (not seeking employment) | 0 |
| Unemployed (seeking employment) | 0 |
| Status Unknown | 0 |
50%
Nonprofits
Half of public policy graduates serve in non-profits
32%
Public Sector
State, city and local governments
10%
Private Sector
Our students help companies bridge the gap to the public sector
Apply now!
International MPA Students
Can the Martin School waive the application fee?
-
We do not have any fee waivers available.
If my instruction was in English, how do I get a TOEFL/IELTS waiver?
Once you apply, your institution should email the appropriate Graduate School admissions officer with proof of English instruction.
Contact Graduate Student Affairs
NASPAA Accredited
The Martin School's MPA program is accredited by the NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards.
NASPAA, the global standard in public service education, is the premier specialized accreditor of graduate programs in the area of public affairs. Only 173 institutions are currently accredited.
The most recent reaccreditation cycle was completed in 2021, and is valid through 2028
MPA Mission Statement
The Martin School's Master of Public Administration program prepares future public and nonprofit leaders who are committed to integrity and excellence in public policy, public financial analysis, and public management.
To accomplish our mission we:
- Foster commitment to public service and excellence in public policy and administration.
- Prepare both pre-service and in-service students to provide professional leadership in public policy and administration at all levels of government, in not-for-profit organizations, and in the public service-related activities of profit-seeking enterprises.
- Enhance the knowledge and problem solving capabilities of our students by focusing on policy analytic and public financial management skills so they can function effectively as analysts, managers, and leaders.