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Public Administration

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Program Details

Credits Required: 39
Tuition costs
Location(s) Offered

Program Type(s)

Industry Highlights

  • Employment in state and local government is expected to grow 8.4% from 2008 to 2018. Prospects with managerial experience will have better opportunities as a growing number of managers are expected to retire in the coming decade.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Public management perfected

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program provides a foundation in the principles of public administration, addresses the practical responsibilities of the public manager, and reflects on the task of administrative leadership. The MPA curriculum emphasizes evaluating the administrative environment and addresses the economic, cultural, historical, and political environment in which a student's agency operates.

Available MPA concentrations

Whether you want to work in administration within the nonprofit, governmental or health care sectors, one of the following concentrations will allow you to target your studies to specific career interests:

  • Health Care Administration
  • Human Resources Administration
  • Joint Master of Public Administration/Juris Doctor (MPA/JD)
  • Law
  • Nonprofit Leadership and Administration
  • Public Management - Local Government Administration
  • Public Management - State Agency Administration

Nationally accredited

Western Michigan University's School of Public Affairs and Administration is home to one of the nation's largest accredited MPA programs. The WMU MPA program accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

NASPAA Accredited Join the MPA Group on LinkedIn

Career opportunities

In the past 25 years more than 2,300 WMU School of Public Affairs and Administration alumni have entered positions in government, health care, nonprofit, and more.

Locations

MPA courses are available in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and Lansing. Most student travel between locations, selecting elective and core classes offered at each location.