About the Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Our Master’s of Public Administration (MPA) degree program prepares you for senior roles in governmental, non-profit, or private sector organizations. Our students are passionate about serving their communities and furthering public interest through policy and program implementation. Providing a solid foundation in both academic theory and practical methodology, you'll learn how to analyze, shape and administer programs and policies in local, state and federal governments, as well as in non-profit organizations and private sector businesses. The MPA can be completed in 19 months.
Program Highlights
Flexible Classes
Choose between 100% online and blended course formats (which combines online coursework with meetings every other week) to accommodate your busy schedule. Both formats consist of two, six-week courses per quarter.
Customizable Degree
Specialize your degree with one of eight different concentrations, including Public Policy, Nonprofit Management and Public Safety and Justice Leadership, among others. Shape your degree to match your career interests and goals.
Real-World Expertise
Learn from faculty who bring on-the-ground public policy experience and up-to-date changes in the field of public administration to the classroom. Engage in professional membership skill–building opportunities that offers access to networking events, fellowships, scholarships, service awards, industry publications or internships.
A Commitment to Diversity
Join a university with a long-standing commitment to promoting diversity and social justice. Housed within one of the most diverse universities in the Midwest, the MPA program is comprised of over 80% minority students and over 70% female students.
Financial Advantages
NLU's Accelerated MPA program offers you a graduate degree in 12 months for $16,500. Get ahead in your career without breaking your bank.
Credit by Portfolio
At National Louis University, your professional experience and knowledge may be worth college credit. Colleges and universities often refer to this knowledge as prior learning. Current Credit by Portfolio and Major Courses options for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program may provide course credit to students who have demonstrated knowledge and application of knowledge in alignment with the major course of Public Policy Analysis (PPA 502). For more information, please contact the PLA office or Jacqueline Samuel PhD, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Master of Public Administration.
What You Will Learn
Students in the MPA program typically have a strong desire to help improve lives -- by working directly with communities or by implementing policies. Our Master's in Public Administration curriculum reinforces the importance of public policy to society at large. Highlights of what you'll learn in the program are as follows:
Research Design and Methodology
Methods for applied research in social sciences; academic writing; presenting research findings; research for program evaluation, assessment, and decision making.
Law and Ethics
Legal aspects of policy implementation; Conflict of interest laws; Governmental rule-making and enforcement of law and regulations; Ethical challenges in public administration; Constitutional context of administrative actions.
Leadership and Management Skills
Theories of leadership in public and nonprofit organizations; Collaboration between the public and nonprofit sectors; Tools for effective leadership; Decision-making strategies; Human resource management; Workforce planning, recruitment, and assessment; Organizational culture.
Analysis and Evaluation
Defining and framing public policy issues; Needs and impact assessment; Cost analysis; Writing and presenting a policy analysis report; Giving policy recommendations; evaluating and assessing policy issues.
Budgeting and Finance
Public sector intervention within the free-market economy; Making decisions about public expenditures; Government revenues; How public agencies meet objectives.
Concentrations
MPA students can select a concentration in one of the following areas:
- Community Psychology
- Health Services Administration
- Nonprofit Management
- Design Thinking
- Public Policy
A concentration allows students the opportunity to focus on a specialized topic of interest and indicates to prospective employers their area of expertise.
Career Outlook
There is increasing demand within the public sector for professionals who can evaluate and administer public policy. An understanding of the role of government and the interface between the private and public sectors is also essential for those who see their future employment in the private sector.
According to a survey by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), 94.8% of graduates of Public Administration programs were employed full-time in 2019. The fields of employment were wide ranging, with 48% employed in government, 22% employed in nonprofits, and 18% employed in the private sector.*
Professionals in these fields plan for and lead change. They are involved in analysis, preparation of recommendations and implementation of policies and programs that affect public services and the quality of community life. Master of Public Administration graduates can pursue a career in areas such as:
- Education
- Local government or regional issues
- Human services/social services
- Health
- Community or economic development
- Environmental issues and natural resources
- Infrastructure, transportation, utilities
- Security, military, law enforcement, or corrections
Public administration also offers rewarding compensation. Over 50% of Public Administration graduates earned salaries of $65,000 or more in 2019, with the top 25% earning $85,000 or more.*
*https://www.naspaa.org/data-center/alumni-survey
