MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
APPLY BY DECEMBER 1 FOR SPRING TERM
You care deeply about public service. So do we.
The Villanova Master of Public Administration (MPA) program develops ethical, creative, inclusive and intelligent leaders in public service through an innovative and practical curriculum, engaged faculty, community partnerships and a vibrant alumni network. Our program prepares students for successful careers in local/city, state and federal government, the nonprofit sector, as well as in the private sector.
Our on-campus and online Master of Public Administration program offers convenient class times, affordable tuition rates and a curriculum tailored to your professional interests. At Villanova, 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.
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)
AFFORDABLE
An affordable education that is an investment in your career:
- $940 per credit
- Funding available
- Student loans and payment plans
ATTAINABLE
A 36-39 credit program in all public service sectors:
- Government
- Private
- Nonprofit
IMPACTFUL
Enhance your knowledge and skills through certificates in:
- City Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Administration
AN MPA PROGRAM TO IGNITE CHANGE
What is an MPA degree? Our Master of Public Administration curriculum includes six required courses dealing with public administration theory, organization theory, financial management, human-centered 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, nonprofit management, public finance and public policy.
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.
Villanova’s MPA degree is affordably priced. Our tuition is competitively priced at rates comparable to public institutions. Additionally, Villanova 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. Classes are offered both on campus and online to fit any MPA candidate's schedule. 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
Our MPA alumni 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.
Villanova 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.
Completion Rates
The majority of our public administration degree students are working professionals who attend classes part-time.
- 85 students initially enrolled in the 2018-2019 academic year.
- 45% of students who began their graduate studies during the 2018-2019 academic year completed the degree within two years.
- 60% of students who began their graduate studies during the 2018-2019 academic year completed the degree within three years.
- 67% of students who began their studies in 2018-2019 completed the degree within four years or are in the process of completing degree requirements.
For more detailed information regarding MPA enrollments, please refer to the Office of the Provost - University Statistics. You can find this data under the "Enrollment by Majors Report" tab by selecting "Graduate Arts and Sciences" from the Student Level drop-down menu.
Graduate Success
In the 2022-2023 academic year, 81 students received their MPA degree. At six months after graduation:
- Five students were employed by the federal government in the U.S.
- Five students were employed by the state government in the U.S.
- Twenty students were employed in city, county, or other local governments in the U.S.
- One student was employed by a foreign government.
- Twenty-four students were employed by a domestic nonprofit organization.
- One student was employed by an internationally-oriented nonprofit organization.
- One student was employed by the military.
- Twelve students were employed in the private sector, with three specifically in the research and consulting industry.
- Two students sought further education.
- One student was unemployed seeking employment.
- The status of 9 students is unknown.
The Leaders' Lounge
Check out the MPA program's Leaders' Lounge blog for student, alumni and faculty profiles, events and resources and links to the program newsletter and social media.
ADMISSIONS
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
MAY 1: 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.
