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Master of Public Administration
MPA

Program Overview

A Master of Public Administration is a versatile degree that will help you advance your career and prepare you for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sector.

Program Snapshot

Program Type: Full-Time, Part-Time
Location: Online
Program Length: 2-4 years
Credit Hours: 37

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

The MPA program helps prepare public service-minded leaders take the next step toward innovative leadership. With courses ranging from nonprofit administration, strategic leadership, to public policy analysis and program evaluation, the program educates directors and managers for local, state, and federal governments and the nonprofit sector.

Our accessible online format allows you to complete the 37-hour program in roughly 2-3 years, even if working full-time. Classes are led by CMU faculty and contain self-paced coursework and hands-on learning. You may also qualify for academic credit based on your previous professional experiences. 

Our program is accredited by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education.

The CMU MPA Program is housed in the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Review our Data Reporting website for more information about the Master of Public Administration program and our NASPAA Accreditation.

Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)

NASPAA Accredited logo

Courses What Will Transfer Public Administration Program and Department Details

Program Highlights

As an MPA student you'll have the opportunity to:

  • enhance your leadership skills.
  • apply techniques to participate in, and contribute to, the policy process.
  • leverage data and technological change for the public good.
  • gain expertise in the nonprofit sector.
  • develop your communication skills to interact in culturally responsive ways.
  • gain internship experience, if needed. Previous MPA students have interned for U.S. Representative Moolenaar's D.C. Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the City of Flint, Michigan, the Jimmy Carter Foundation, the Michigan Women's Commission, and the Isabella County Office of Emergency Management.

Concentrations

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This specialization prepares you to lead, manage and serve in the public sector. You can choose elective courses from within public administration or other disciplines.

Careers & Outcomes

Your MPA prepares you to be a leader in a public-serving role or organization. You can go on to work in local government, as a city manager or program director. You can become an executive director of a nonprofit whose work you're passionate about — or maybe you'll start your own! You can also decide to pursue a Ph.D.

Career Projected Salary
Policy Analyst $128,020
Administrative Manager $99,290
Social and Community Service Manager $74,000
Local Government Manager

$92,820

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