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The Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate degree offered by the College of Arts and Sciences within the Division of Arts and Letters. The MPA degree provides students with practical knowledge, skills, and professional credibility to meet the demands of public affairs jobs and launch their careers at all levels of government and across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
View the common career paths with a Master’s in Public Administration and where recent GovState MPA grads found employment.
The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), which represents the global standard in public service education and is the recognized worldwide accreditor for universities offering degrees in public administration, public policy, public affairs, nonprofit management, and related areas.
Watch the informational video below about the Master of Public Administration Program
Why Get a Master of Arts in Public Administration at GovState?
The GovState MPA program prepares students to serve as professional managers in administrative branches of government–local, county, state, and federal–as well as in community, human service, and other not-for-profit organizations. From first responders and village managers to public workers and social entrepreneurs, the mission of the MPA program is to provide a high-quality education to a diverse student body while engaging in scholarly activities and community service.
The Public Administration faculty recognizes that governments are complex systems designed for the purpose of realizing American ideals, of which there are several, and among which there are inherent tensions and partial contradictions. Accordingly, the primary emphasis of the MPA program is to imbue the students with an understanding and respect for the normative, ethical, and political environment within which American public administration is conducted and the ability to apply sound reasoning (critical thinking) to develop viable solutions to problems within this environment.
Program Expected Student Outcomes
The MPA curriculum offers courses that emphasize the importance of ethics and how to solve complex organizational dilemmas and implement sustainable solutions and integrates evidence-based decision-making and problem-solving approaches throughout its courses. Upon completion of the MPA program, students will be able to:
- 1. Lead and manage in public governance.
- 2. Participate in and contribute to the policy process.
- 3. Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
- 4. Articulate and apply a public service perspective.
- 5. Communicate and interact with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
Program Requirements
The university degree requirements for graduate programs are listed in the Master’s Degree Requirements.
The 13-course program (39 credits) consists of:
- • 11 required MPA courses (33 credits)
- • 1 elective course (3 credits)
- • 1 required final project course (3 credits)
The detailed requirements for the MPA program’s admission and graduation are listed in the University Catalog.
Delivery Format
Your public administration education is attainable. With convenient online and evening classes on campus, the next level of leadership awaits.
Want to learn more about the MPA program?
Contact our Program Coordinator, Dr. Natalia Ermasova at nermasova@govst.edu or visit the MPA program FAQ webpage.
MPA Program Data and Outcomes
Contact
Dr. Natalia Ermasova
Program Coordinator
Email: nermasova@govst.edu
Phone: 708.534.4978
Office Location: C3340
Robbin Mitchell
Academic Advisor
Email: rreynolds2@govst.edu
Phone: 708.534.4931
Office Location: G278
Testimonials
"I am excited about educating and inspiring the next generation of public service leaders. Teaching students to value public administration, ethics, and social equity in an ever-changing global, technological, and diverse society is an honor."
Dr. Mary Bruce, Professor of Public Administration
"As a Police Chief, I am always facing new challenges. This degree is helping me to be a more effective leader and to see future opportunities in village administration or education. I am committed to teaching 21st-century policing and de-escalation techniques. The MPA program has made me a better communicator, which is critical in any de-escalation scenario."
Chief Michael Jones, Matteson Police Department