Do you aspire to be an effective leader? Do you hope to work directly with others who share your passion for public service? Then earning a Master of Public Administration degree might be the next step to advance your career.
What is an MPA degree?
A Master of Public Administration degree prepares you for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. In the MPA program, you will learn how leadership, management, policy, and politics intersect, and gain the tools to enhance your communication, budgeting, and analysis skills.
What will I study?
The Schar School’s highly ranked MPA program (No. 39 by U.S. News & World Report) is one of the largest and most flexible public administration master’s programs available. It includes a core curriculum covering:
- Administration
- Data Analysis
- Organization Theory and Management
- Public Policy Process
- Finance
- Ethics
- Public Management
A highlight of the degree is the ability to pursue an emphasis area, selecting from among 11 program concentrations. A 3-credit professional internship rounds out the coursework.
If you’re fascinated by how public policies shape communities and want to be involved in the process, an MPA can provide the tools and knowledge you need. Be sure to take a look at the core curriculum and decide if the coursework would interest you.
What differentiates the Schar School’s MPA program?
The MPA program at the Schar School pairs its comprehensive coursework with practical experience in D.C.-area public administration settings. The program features a professional internship to supplement classroom instruction with real-world applications in and around the government.
New to the Schar School is the Partnership for Public Service internship program, which includes a 10- to 12-week internship at a federal agency (with a $3,500 stipend) for 10 Schar School students and can lead to full-time employment.
How long does the program take?
The MPA program gives you the flexibility to earn your degree on a part-time or full-time basis, online or in person, allowing you to select your course schedule to suit your personal and professional needs. You may take up to 9 credits per semester. Typically, the program takes two years if you’re a full-time student or two to three years as a part-time student.
What kind of job can I get with an MPA and how much money will I make?
A Master’s of Public Administration degree can open doors to a broad array of careers, including:
- City Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Nonprofit Director
- Human Resource Manager
- Public Affairs Consultant
MPA graduates often find positions in local, state, and federal government, nonprofit organizations, and private companies.
Why the Schar School?
Where you pursue your MPA degree will impact on your career. It’s important to learn if the Schar School is right for you. Some of the Schar School’s advantages include:
Location
Located just a few miles from downtown Washington, D.C. in Arlington, VA, the Schar School is the ideal place to pursue education and connections in public administration. A world-class faculty with capital-area backgrounds and knowledge, combined with unique internship opportunities at federal agencies, nonprofits, think tanks, consulting firms, NGOs, and more, give those in the Schar School public administration program irreplaceable hands-on experience and contacts.
Flexibility
Create a curriculum tailored to your career aspirations with the Schar School’s flexible MPA program. Pursue your degree in the way that best fits you: full time or part time, in person or online.
Experience
The Schar School’s internship opportunities are perfect opportunities to advance your public administration career. A 3-credit advanced seminar/practicum internship course is part of the MPA program curriculum. The Partnership for Public Service internship program provides a 10- to 12-week internship at a federal agency (with a $3,500 stipend) for 10 Schar School students.
Affordability
The Schar School offers industry-leading programs at a Research I university, without the high price tag of similar prestigious institutions. The MPA program is a cost-effective way to get a high value master’s degree while studying and working near the heart of government.
Additionally, if you are beginning a master’s or certificate program and live in Washington, D.C., or Maryland, you can qualify for the Regional Pricing Policy. The Regional Pricing Policy tuition rate is equivalent to the in-state rate.
Take the next step in your public administration career and request information about the Schar School’s MPA degree options and programs.