Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Become a Public Service Leader With Our MPA Degree

On its surface, public administration improves government policies, but its true goal is to positively impact society by advancing the common good.

If you’re interested in making a difference in your community and beyond, our Master of Public Administration may be a great option for you.

When you earn a master’s degree in public administration, you’ll be prepared to take on leadership roles in government, nonprofit, public, and private organizations. West Chester University’s Master of Public Administration provides cross-functional skills like budgeting, data analysis and evaluation, grant and policy writing, fundraising and social equity work.

In short, you’ll be prepared to take on any job in the public sector, by advancing mission-driven organizations and improving the well-being of communities.

WCU’s MPA program is designed for working professionals. You can attend full-time or part-time, in-person, hybrid, or fully online. Our online courses are asynchronous or synchronous, meaning you can select the course modality that suits your schedule and learning style. Most students attend part-time and complete their MPA degree in 24 to 36 months.

Regardless of how you choose to attend West Chester University’s MPA program, you’ll graduate exceptionally well-prepared for any job in public administration.

Tracks in WCU's Master's in Public Administration Program

General

Our general track provides a high-quality educational foundation in public administration, including courses in human resource management, organization theory, and budgeting and finance to set you on the path to success.

Nonprofit Administration

If you’re interested in leading nonprofits, this concentration is for you. You’ll develop essential skills in strategic planning and management, grant writing, fundraising, and more.

Public Management

This track focuses on management at the local, county, and regional levels, and includes coursework in communications, law, policy, and social equity.

Benefits of Earning Your MPA Degree at West Chester University

Opportunities to Assist in Faculty-Led Research Projects

As an MPA student at WCU, you’ll be taught and mentored by accomplished scholars and practitioners who will train you to manage and lead across industries. You’ll learn how to serve professionally and ethically, and will have unequalled opportunities to engage in faculty research projects that address the public administration challenges of contemporary society.

Small Class Size and Convenience

Personalized attention is a hallmark of graduate work at WCU, and whether you take your courses in-person or online, you’ll have small classes, faculty experts, and engaging conversations with your classmates.

The MPA degree at WCU was designed for working professionals and is available for full-time or part-time study, with in-person, hybrid, and fully online options.

Internships and Graduate Assistantships

You’ll apply your classroom knowledge in a real world setting through an internship where you'll gain hands-on experience. Your internship will be based on your location. Past placements include the City of Philadelphia, the Chester County Historical Society, SAP America, the Office of the Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

To make earning your MPA degree more affordable, competitive graduate assistantships and scholarships are available through the College of Business and Public Management. For working professionals, assistantships can be completed remotely during evenings or weekends.

Accredited by NASPAA

West Chester University’s Master of Public Administration is fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)—the gold standard in public service education. The MPA program is housed in our College of Business and Public Management, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

What Can You Do With a Public Administration Master's?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth for jobs in public administration through 2030.

If you are interested in shaping and protecting the future of your community, there are many rewarding jobs in public administration, including:

• Nonprofit executive director - Inspires change and promotes growth for the organization.
• Legislator - Analyzes proposed legislation and drafts specific bills for consideration into law.
• City manager - Oversees day-to-day functions such as budgeting and ordinance enforcement.
• Urban or regional planner - Assesses and reports the planning needs of local and state governments.
• Policy analyst - Utilizes research to collaborate in creating regulations, policies, and laws.
• Managing director of development - Manages the team responsible for organizational fundraising initiatives.
• Social/community service manager - Coordinates and supervises programs and organizations that support public well-being.
• Lobbyist - Works to influence legislation or regulations for a specific group or individual.
• Grant writer - Works with nonprofits to win governmental and organizational funding for research and projects.
• Election supervisor - Administers voter registration activities and safeguards voting equipment and procedures.
• Court administrator - Manages the operations that provide effective, timely, and innovative support to judges and other court staff.

Our alumni work in many roles in public, private, and government agencies like:

• Chester County Hospital
• Federal Reserve
• Human Achievement Project
• Philabundance
• Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health
• Pennsylvania State Legislature
• United States Department of Defense
• United States Department of Education
• United States Secret Service

Where are our graduates?

What Will You Study as a Master of Public Administration Student?

West Chester University's MPA program prepares you for leadership positions in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.