Master of Public Administration

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a specialized

graduate degree in public administration that prepares students for leadership roles, similar or equivalent to a Master of Business Administration but with an emphasis on the issues of public services

.

This program covers principles of public administration, policy development, and management. Graduates can work in government, nonprofits, and private companies. The specifics of the program can vary by university or country. It typically requires two years for completion.

Overview

The MPA program is a higher professional degree and a

nonprofit sectors; it places a focus on the practices of executive organization and management. Instruction includes the roles, development, and principles of public administration; public policy

management and implementation.

Through its history, the MPA degree has become more interdisciplinary by drawing from fields such as economics, sociology, law, anthropology, organizational development, political science, and regional planning in order to equip MPA graduates with skills and knowledge covering a broad range of topics and disciplines relevant to the public sector. A core curriculum of a typical MPA program usually includes courses on

international affairs, and criminal justice

.

MPA graduates currently serve in some important positions within the public sector including the current Prime Minister of Singapore

Chesley Sullenberger.^[1]

A Master of Public Administration can be acquired at various institutions. See List of schools offering MPA degrees.