The Masters of Public Administration (MPA) focuses on preparing students for administrative and leadership positions in governmental and nonprofit organizations. During the MPA program, students will participate in foundational courses in:
- administrative ethics and values
- administrative theory and behavior
- public policy
- administrative law and policy implementation
- public budgeting
- financial management
- human resource management
- analytic methods
The Masters of Public Administration program offers four specific fields of specialization:
- Global Leadership
- Local Government
- Natural Resources
- Nonprofit Management
In addition to these core classes, MPA students choose a field of specialization based on their academic and professional interests. This is an excellent opportunity to work closely with faculty and instructors widely regarded as top academics and practitioners in the areas of Global Leadership and Management, Local Government, Natural Resources Policy and Administration, and Nonprofit Management.
Unique Partnerships and Community Connections: Portland State is well-known for its focus on community service and engagement, and the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government is one of the best places to take advantage of the numerous community partnerships PSU has developed. Partnerships and cooperative arrangements exist within the Oregon University System (which includes Oregon State University, Oregon Health & Science University, University of Oregon, and more) as well as with multiple health, human service, community, and governmental agencies in Portland, across Oregon, and nationally.
Experienced and Committed Faculty: Our faculty members and instructors are leading researchers and practitioners in the field of public administration. Their diverse array of expertise, experiences, and interests include local and regional government, public finance and law, nonprofit management, leadership, sustainability, health management and policy, natural resources policy, and much more. Faculty members continually practice and expand their skills through scholarship and service, and our students have the opportunity to work closely with these leaders in the classroom, through funded research, and technical assistance projects.
Whether you are just entering the workforce or looking to take your career to the next step, the MPA will help you advance both personally and professionally. Our program focuses on integrating theory and practice to ensure that students emerge from this program with an education grounded in research and nourished through real-world experience. We prepare students beginning their careers to be competent and effective leaders in public affairs, and mid-career students to enhance their capacities as managers and leaders through the opportunities provided for reflection and integration of new knowledge. The core curriculum provides the skills and knowledge desired by employers today, while our specialization options allow you to hone your abilities in a 15-credit area focus of your choice.
Our students engage in community learning experiences throughout their degree. Many courses pair students with public organizations to complete program evaluations, provide technical assistance, and otherwise analyze public administration in action. These students devote significant hours as part of class teams, engage in short-term internships, and/or work in organizations or public agencies through their culminating field-based organizational experience.
For more information, please see our MPA Graduation and Employment Rates page.
Accreditation
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is the membership association of graduate programs in public administration, public policy, and public affairs. NASPAA’s Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation is the specialized accreditor of these master degree programs. NASPAA’s twofold mission is to ensure excellence in education and training for public service and to promote the ideal of public service.
The MPA and EMPA are NASPAA accredited degree programs.