GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
What is Public Administration: Building Ethical Leaders to Ignite Change
The Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú graduate Public Administration programs are designed to prepare our students for in local/city, state and federal government, the nonprofit sector, as well as in the private sector.
The Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú graduate degree programs in Public Administration are fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Students may pursue a graduate certificate in conjunction with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or as a standalone option.
Take Classes on Campus, Online or Hybrid!
Convenient as it is affordable, our programs offer both on-campus and online options, or a combination of both. At Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú, we value learning together, that's why even our online courses are synchronous, meaning you will meet live virtually each week with your instructor and classmates. Through our programs, you will build authentic networks that will support you throughout your career.
Lead with Purpose
Discover how Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program empowers students to become ethical, creative leaders in public service and beyond. Hear more from faculty, alumni and students about how the program’s strong sense of community and purpose-driven curriculum gives students an edge in the marketplace and their careers. Offering flexible formats—100% online, in-person, or hybrid—Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú's MPA program prepares students for impactful careers in government, nonprofit, and private sectors.EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS
MPA
JD/MPA
CERTIFICATES
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MPA YOUR WAY

FLEXIBLE
We offer a variety of class formats for your lifestyle:
- 100% online
- 100% in-person
- Flex (mix of online & in-person)

ATTAINABLE
A 36-39 credit program in all public service sectors:
- Government
- Private
- Nonprofit

AFFORDABLE
An affordable education that is an investment in your career:
- $940 per credit
- Funding available
- Student loans and payment plans

IMPACTFUL
Enhance your knowledge and skills through certificates in:
- City Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Administration
WHY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AT VILLANOVA?
Our MPA curriculum includes six required courses dealing with public administration theory, organization theory, financial management, human capital management, leadership ethics and applied data analysis. Our wide variety of electives include three-credit courses as well as one-credit workshops. Elective courses reflect trends in the study of public administration as well as faculty expertise and interests. Workshops are taught by practitioners in areas such as local government, law enforcement and nonprofit management.
What You Will Learn:
- How to develop an organizational change plan
- How to write a professional memo
- How to analyze an organization’s budget and overall financial health
- How to analyze data
- How to work collaboratively
- And much more!
Enhance your MPA degree with a Certificate in City Management or Nonprofit Management! Our Certificate programs allow students to specialize in their area of interest by tailoring their elective course curriculum. Should you decide to pursue one of our Certificate programs, you are not required to take additional courses outside of the required MPA degree curriculum. We offer standalone Certificate programs in:
- Public Administration
- Nonprofit Management
- City Management
Additionally, we have partnerships with the Department of Theatre, the Department of History, the Department of Political Science and the Department of Theology through which students enrolled in the aforementioned campus programs can earn an MA in each of the respective areas while simultaneously completing a Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú’s MPA degree is affordably priced. Our tuition is competitively priced at rates comparable to public institutions. Additionally, Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú offers many options to help finance your studies.
Designed with the working professional in mind, all three-credit courses are offered in the evening, with one-credit elective workshops offered on weekends. The MPA program also offers a fully online option. In addition, we accept applications on a rolling basis for spring, summer and fall terms.
Our MPA faculty boast a wide range of scholarly interests and offer interdisciplinary and applied approaches to public administration.
Research and Teaching
Faculty are actively engaged in research, publishing in the discipline’s top journals and university presses. They have established networks with nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Our faculty also have extensive experience in university administration, government management and the nonprofit sector. Students have the opportunity to pursue independent research under the advisement and mentoring of our faculty. Most important, our faculty are deeply committed to teaching and advising.
Practitioners
Learn from leaders in the field. Our cohort of part-time faculty enhance our program by bringing their unique set of skills, experiences, and expertise to the classroom. Their professional networks introduce our students to potential internship, fellowship and employment opportunities.
The MPA program has a strong internship program for students without prior management experience in the field. Previous placements have included:
- Townships and boroughs in the Greater Philadelphia region
- The Pennsylvania Ballet
- SAP
- The City of Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services
- Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia
- The American Cancer Society
Some courses in our program also provide opportunities for community partnerships. MPA students have worked in teams on projects for organizations such as:
- Office of Policy and Planning, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Policy advocacy proposals
- Congreso de Latinos Unidos – Community Research and Event Planning Project
- Eastern State Penitentiary – Marketing Plan, Membership Program
- Simon’s Fund – Advocacy and Fundraising Strategy
- National Constitution Center – The Constitution Happened Here Marketing Plan
- Global Philadelphia Association – Marketing and Communications Plan
- Salvation Army – Lobby Day Campaign in Harrisburg
are well-prepared to respond to the increasing need for collaboration across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Alumni have enjoyed successful careers in federal, state, and local government, the nonprofit sector, as well as in a range of private sector career paths. Our alumni continue to support our students by serving on our Advisory Board, participating in professional development efforts, and informing our program of trends and opportunities in public service.
Âé¶¹Èë¿Ú is honored to support the outstanding individuals who are serving or who have served in the U.S. Military while they pursue their higher education goals. Learn more about education assistance benefits and resources for veterans and current military.
DEADLINES
MARCH 1: For admission with funding consideration for the FALL
AUGUST 1: For admission without funding for the FALL
DECEMBER 1: For admission without funding for the SPRING
APRIL 15: For admission without funding for the SUMMER
NOTE: On-campus classes are 16-week terms. Online classes are 8-week terms. Funded students must be able to complete assistantship requirements on campus.
Please contact Dr. Lauren Miltenberger with questions related to admissions.
