College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > School of Public Service > Graduate Programs > Public Administration (MPA)

Public Administration

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Public Administration (MPA)
Public Administration (MPA)
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Become a public sector innovator

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) will prepare you for a leadership position within the public sector. You’ll develop the critical management skills you’ll need to succeed in your public service career, including:

  • Ethical organizational leadership
  • Public finance and budgeting
  • Human resource management
  • Public policy design and analysis

Choose a concentration in one of the following areas:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Emergency Management
  • Health Care Administration
  • International Public Management
  • Metropolitan Planning and Urban Affairs
  • Public Management
  • Standard Concentration
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Our mission

The Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in the public sector. We educate students on the technical, managerial, informational, and leadership skills required to deliver effective, accountable, and equitable government services to the public. We promote compassion for marginalized communities and ethical service to all people with a focus on social justice, professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and transparency.​

Flexible formats for any lifestyle

All courses for this program are offered in the evening on the Loop Campus or entirely online. The program can be completed in two years and one additional quarter (including one summer) by following a schedule of two classes per quarter.

Learn more about online classesCertificate options

Online Degree Option

The online Public Administration (MPA) from DePaul’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences offers small class sizes and is taught by the same award-winning faculty you'll find on campus. Tailored to meet the needs of your busy schedule, you'll achieve the same learning outcomes as in-person classes through collaborative and engaged learning.

A dynamic market for public administration grads

You’ll benefit from our location in the heart of Chicago. DePaul’s ties and proximity to government and nonprofit agencies allow you to connect and gain practical, real-world experience in a range of public service settings that match your interests and career goals.

Application Deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. You may begin the program in any quarter.

Admission Requirements

Submit an online application, professional statement, résumé and official transcripts.

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Required Courses

You’ll complete 10 core courses plus three concentration courses.

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95%

of MPA graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.

$58k

The median salary for MPA graduates was $58,000.

Faculty with a rich perspective

Study with public service innovators.

“[The faculty] are eager to connect students with alumni and bring in guest speakers for experiences like the Global Cafes or Authentic Conversations. These opportunities give us a chance to meet with the policy experts and really explore our areas of interest.”

Romuald (MPA ’17)

Graduate Assistant, DePaul University
Romuald 

Alumni Network

You’ll benefit from extensive networking opportunities with DePaul’s strong alumni network, including more than 3,460 School of Public Service alumni. Connect with fellow Public Administration grads, who typically pursue careers in government, association management and within various nonprofit organizations.
Hear more from SPS Alumni

Accreditation

DePaul’s MPA program is NASPAA-accredited according to the Commission on Peer Review & Accreditation. Learn more about our accreditation.

Scholarships & Aid

The School of Public Service offers several quarterly scholarship, graduate assistantship and fellowship opportunities. Learn more about the scholarships and opportunities available to you.

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Contact Information

For more information about applying, contact The Office of Graduate Admission at (773) 325-7315 or LASgrad@d​epaul.edu.

Take the next step

We’ll send you information about the degree, admission requirements and upcoming info sessions. Let’s get started.

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