Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree
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Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Degree:
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
As society’s challenges have become more complex, the need has grown for socially conscious citizens with an avid interest in politics, foreign affairs, and public policy to step up and take a lead role in government management. National University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program will prepare you to do just that.
This curriculum focuses on how to apply traditional business skills (financial management, budgeting, research, etc.) to the unique challenges of public administration. Among the skills you’ll be taught are how to utilize critical thinking and research methods, assess new public management, analyze political influences and governmental power division, evaluate government employees and public administration strategies and decision, and synthesize grant proposal resources and approaches.
Become an Effective Leader in Government and Nonprofit Organizations
If that sounds like a lot, you’re right, but with your MPA credentials, you’ll be prepared for a high-level position in government management at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as for senior leadership positions in nonprofit management.
Degree and Course Requirements
To be awarded a Master of Public Administration, students must complete at least 54 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Students should refer to the section on graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
For students in the Bachelor of Public Administration/BS in Criminal Justice Administration/BS in Domestic Security Management/BA Political Science/MPA transition program, the University will waive up to two public administration courses taken as part of the bachelor’s degree (see BS in Bachelor of Public Administration/Criminal Justice Administration/BS in Domestic Security Management/BA Political Science transition program), but these students must still meet the residency requirements for the MPA. The number of courses waived is dependent on the courses taken and grades earned in the transition program.
PRogram Requirements
8 Courses
Foundations of Public Admin
4.5 Quarter Units
A general survey course covering the role of the public sector manager in American society today. Studies current issues and leading concepts in the field of non-profit management.
Seminar in Urban Affairs
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of influences affecting decisions in the urban political arena. Covers segments of the community that impact the decision-making process (i.e., employee groups, labor influences, community groups, media and other special interests). Examines the relationship between intergovernmental agencies.
Public Personnel Policy
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the important aspects of personnel management in government, including civil service procedures, affirmative action, employee motivation and organizational development.
Quantitative Methods
4.5 Quarter Units
A practical study of graphical methods and statistical procedures specifically aimed at presenting, interpreting and solving problems related to public administration.
Ethics
4.5 Quarter Units
Role, values, and issues of public management in democratic governance, citizen participation, power structures, and professional codes of conduct.
Urban Planning & Redevelopment
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of historical development of urban planning practices and concepts, general plans and their elements in the urban community. Also discusses the use of technology in planning. Students must complete a minimum of five Public Administration courses prior to taking this course.
Finance Mgt & Grant Admin
4.5 Quarter Units
An exploration of current governmental fiscal management techniques and issues. Examines various types of financial and technical assistance to quasi-governmental and non-profit management organizations.
MPA Project
4.5 Quarter Units
A project where students work in teams or individually under the guidance of an assigned faculty advisor. Students clarify research topics and identify data sources in preparation for the project. Students then gather data and present their research in both written and oral form to faculty and classmates. Grading is H, S, or U only. PAD 644 is two months in length.
Program Electives
Students must complete four graduate courses from the following subject areas to meet the elective requirement: CJA, HUB, SCD, HRM, LED. Students who elect to have an area of specialization are not required to take additional elective requirements.
Specialization in Human Resource Management
4 Courses
Legal, Ethical & Safety Issues
4.5 Quarter Units
A comprehensive analysis of the laws and regulations, both federal and state, that impact human resources management. The course emphasizes equal employment opportunity affirmative action, health and safety, privacy of information and methods of liability prevention in employment matters. Integrated into the course are aspects of ethical considerations as related to Human Resources Management, including employer use of power, organizational business practices, and safety concerns.
Workforce Plan, Dev & Outsourc
4.5 Quarter Units
A comparison and evaluation of planning, organizing, directing and monitoring of human resources planning processes, including recruiting, selecting, placing and integrating individuals within organizations. A key aspect of the course is the selection process (testing and assessment of skills and traits that influence work performance), employee orientation and integration (employee development and career planning), and aspects of performance management. The course also covers current trends in employee outsourcing.
Seminar in Training & Developm
4.5 Quarter Units
Employee development is the responsibility of the line manager, the human resources professional, and the employee. This course provides essential managerial-level comprehension of training theory and its practical applications in the business and management environment. Students learn the functions and duties of training: trainer/developer, the identification and assessment of training needs, program design and development, selection of delivery methods and means of instruction, the implementation of training programs, and evaluation. The course integrates training and development, organizational development and career development, critical components of Human Resource Development.
Compensation & Benefits
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides an overview of the latest technology as it applies to the human resources function and its impact of human resource management administration and organizational development. The course also integrates and assesses fundamental aspects of wage, salary, benefit administration, and employee rewards and incentives as they are becoming increasingly supported by automated systems.
Specialization in Organizational Leadership
4 Courses
Developing Groups and Teams
4.5 Quarter Units
The formation and development of groups through effective leadership is the focus of this course. Team communication styles and roles within teams are examined. Strategies that foster creativity in groups are discussed. The impact of technology on teams and communication styles is evaluated. Students learn experientially about groups and teams and the impact of diverse ethical perspectives by participating in group activities and observing leadership in small groups.
Leadership in the 21st Century
4.5 Quarter Units
Examination of emerging forms of leadership, influence and power, chaos and collaboration. The course will analyze multiple organizations within the private and public sectors, and will draw upon diverse perspectives, ethical considerations and applied approaches. Participate in experiential approaches to learning leadership skills which may include the classroom as a temporary organization to be examined in real time.
Leading Change and Adaptation
4.5 Quarter Units
Course topics will focus on the dynamics of change, organizational redesign, and the essential skills necessary for leaders to initiate corporate and organizational transformations. Resistance and acceptance of change initiatives, including the impact of organizational culture will be examined. Students will strengthen their leadership skills and strategies in order to initiate and implement change through problem-solving experiences across a broad range of organizational contexts.
Conflict and Power Dynamics
4.5 Quarter Units
Integration of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to design, conduct, and evaluate effective conflict resolution and negotiation practices. Course topics include interpersonal and intra-group conflict resolution; persuasion, problem solving techniques and decision-making in conflict resolution; overcoming bias, anger, and retaliation. Students will develop leadership and dialogue skills used to navigate conflict situations, and begin to detect conflicts as potential clues of organizational challenges.
Specializations
Human Resource Management
The Human Resource Management (HRM) specialization prepares you to manage people, their needs, and their organizational performance. Coursework focuses on recruiting, selecting, training, evaluating, and compensating employees. You’ll explore changes in the workplace — such as governmental regulations, global competition, developing technologies, and organizational transformations — and their influence on worker performance. With technical knowledge and practical skills for supporting a multicultural workforce, you’ll be ready to bring new ideas, efficient tools, and leadership skills to managing an organization’s most valuable resource: its people.
Master of Public Administration in Organizational Leadership
The purpose of the area of specialization in organizational leadership is to provide students with the skills and theoretical concepts that will assist them when seeking promotions or positions in management and supervision. This area of specialization is designed to prepare diverse adult learners to become effective, change-oriented leaders in international society by adding distinctive and challenging curricula.
Master of Public Administration in Cybersecurity
The purpose of the area of specialization in Cybersecurity is to provide students with the skills and theoretical concepts that will assist them when dealing with the risks of possible data theft in government or non-profit organizations. This area of specialization is designed to prepare diverse adult learners to become effective, change-oriented leaders who know how to keep data secure. This area of specialization is ideal for individuals who desire to study the latest trends to stay ahead of would-be cyber attackers.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary
- Job Openings
- General and Operations Managers
-
$100,939
avg. salary (USA) -
320,505
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Finance
- Project Management
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Auditing
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Enterprise Mobility
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Marriott International
- Penske Automotive Group
- Menards
- Administrative Services Managers
-
$108,195
avg. salary (USA) -
25,048
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Office Management
- Accounting
- Billing
- Accounts Receivable
- Administrative Support
- Accounts Payable
- Finance
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Aramark
- Grease Monkey
- Lithia Motors
- Genesis HealthCare
- Cintas
- City of New York
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Transportation and Storage Managers
-
$97,888
avg. salary (USA) -
19,112
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Warehousing
- Warehouse Operations
- Inventory Management
- Supply Chain
- Project Management
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Inventory Control
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- Amazon
- US Foods
- Lowe's
- Domino's Pizza
- Deutsche Post DHL Group
- Waste Management
- Sysco
- Postsecondary Education Administrators
-
$103,544
avg. salary (USA) -
18,954
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Student Services
- Marketing
- Fundraising
- Higher Education
- Academic Affairs
- Project Management
- Enrollment Management
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- University of Chicago
- Pennsylvania State University
- Indiana University-Bloomington
- New York University
- Georgetown University
- University of California
- Coast Community College District Office
- Social and Community Service Managers
-
$76,025
avg. salary (USA) -
20,398
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Discharge Planning
- Long-Term Care
- Case Management
- Mental Health
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- YMCA
- Genesis HealthCare
- State of South Carolina
- BrightSpring Health Services
- The Salvation Army
- State of Minnesota
- Boys & Girls Clubs Of Northeast Florida
- Compliance Officers
-
$75,544
avg. salary (USA) -
35,080
job openings (past yr.) past year
ALl of USAMost Desired Skills
- Auditing
- Regulatory Compliance
- Project Management
- Risk Analysis
- Finance
- Risk Management
- Accounting
ALl of USATop Companies Hiring
- US Bank
- Citigroup
- Humana
- Wells Fargo
- CBRE
- Prime Therapeutics
- United States Department of the Treasury
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Utilize critical thinking and research methods relevant to public administration in a multi-cultural environment.
- Evaluate the concept of new public management within a historical context.
- Analyze the impact of political influences on the public sector decision-making process.
- Analyze the division of power within American government as established by the U.S. Constitution.
- Describe, analyze, and evaluate the various approaches to managing government employees.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of public administration strategies for dealing with the media, community, and local government agencies.
- Evaluate the impact of public administration decisions on urban planning and redevelopment.
- Synthesize resources and approaches for developing grant proposals for community programs and services.
NU’s Public Safety Promise
National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, is proud to support public safety professionals who protect and serve our communities every day. To show appreciation, we commit to providing affordable, accessible education to all public safety professionals to advance their careers and help them reach educational goals through our Public Safety Promise Scholarship*.
To learn more about NU’s Public Safety Promise contact an enrollment advisor to discuss degree programs and scholarship options or visit https://www.nu.edu/our-university/the-university/partnerships/publicsafety/ .
*Some programs are excluded from the tuition discount. Please contact an enrollment advisor for details.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Pricing
The cost shown is the estimated price for this degree. Many National University students are eligible for scholarships or financial aid, which may substantially lower a degree program’s cost.
You can visit our Tuition Estimator to see what scholarships and discounts are available and get more information about expected costs. You can also start the application process and receive counseling from our Enrollment team on the costs of your degree
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
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Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 245,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Public Administrators in leadership positions need advanced skills in everything from finance, accounting, auditing, and economics to strategic planning, project management, public policy, and data analysis. NU’s MPA program is designed to prepare you to utilize critical thinking and research methods, evaluate new public management, analyze political influences and governmental power division, evaluate government employees and public administration strategies and decision, and synthesize grant proposal resources and approaches.It’s possible to complete this program in 13 months or less if you have the proper prerequisite background.* By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge required to manage a wide variety of public agencies and organization. Because you’ll be studying in a cohort of likeminded professionals, you’ll be building a network of professionals already working in various fields of government.
About 29,200 openings for administrative services and facilities managers are projected each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with an annual median wage of $98,890 for administrative services and facilities managers. Operations specialties managers can make significantly more.
Clearly, senior-level public administrators with the knowledge and credentials to plan, direct, and coordinate activities that help an organization run efficiently are in demand and well compensated. Emsi Labor Analyst data* suggests that employers in public administration seek highly educated professionals, such as those who have earned a market-relevant MPA degree, to fill leadership positions, such as:
- Budget Analysts
- Accountants
- Program Managers, Specialists, and Coordinators
- Executive Directors
- Management Analysts
- City Managers
- Auditors
- Directors and Managers of Human Resources
- Project and Program Managers
- Quality and Compliance Managers
Some of the industries where MPA graduates can expect to be in demand include:
- Public Administration
- Educational Services
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Utilities
- Finance and Insurance
Click here to learn more about career opportunities in public administration.
SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 6, 2022.) DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
If your goal is to move into management, improve your leadership skills, or increase your salary, one approach is pursuing a graduate degree in your field or a closely related field. Many specialized master’s degree programs offer courses and training that can advance your expertise and potential for a higher-level position; two popular examples are the Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and Master’s in Business Administration (MBA).The MBA has long been considered a top credential in the business field, and the newer MPA adds a focus on public service. The main difference is the direction you want your career to take. Most MBA graduates tend to follow a career path that leads them into business, banking, or retail. NU’s Master’s in Public Administration is designed to prepare you follow your passion into areas affecting our communities and neighbors and positions in either public or nonprofit areas, including:
- City manager
- County administrator
- Mayor
- Director of economic development
- Executive director of a nonprofit
- Membership director
- Advocacy director
- Program director
- Grant administrator
To learn more about the difference between an MPA and an MBA degree, click here.
Because different career tracks require different knowledge and skill sets, NU’s MPA program offers an industry-relevant specialization in HR Management, which focuses on managing people, the human resource of the organization.Moving beyond common sense and good interpersonal skills, you’ll develop the knowledge to recruit, select, train, evaluate and compensate employees. You’ll also examine how changes in the workplace, such as governmental regulations, global competition, developing technologies, and organizational transformations influence the performance and productivity of workers. Technical knowledge and practical skills for dealing with a multicultural workforce offer new ideas on leadership and effective tools for managing human resource. Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll know how to:
- Complete a job analysis of a specific job to be used for recruiting, selection, performance appraisal, training, and compensation
- Develop a recruiting plan and design a selection process for recruiting, interviewing, and selecting candidates for employment for jobs within an organization
- Conduct a needs assessment and design a training program for current employees on a specific topic related to organizational goals
- Assess benefits relevant to the employee population and organizational structure, and formulate a compensation system based upon merit, knowledge, and skill acquisition
- Recognize, analyze, and effectively address ethical, legal, and safety challenges faced in the workplace, and develop methods designed to prevent employer liability
All coursework in National University’s MPA degree program can be taken online. Most online courses offer one or two live voice/visual evening sessions per week, in which instructors orally explain important concepts, visually illustrate problem-solving techniques, and respond to student questions. These sessions are recorded so that students who are unable to attend at the scheduled time can play back the video recording at a convenient time.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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