Change-Focused MPA Degree Program
The online Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) degree at TUW is specifically designed to help students enhance their ability to understand, analyze, and effectively manage the organizational environment in order to promote positive change in the public and nonprofit sectors. Graduates are well-suited to work at all types of nonprofit organizations, private organizations, military-afiliated organizations, and roles connected to local, state, and federal government.
Currently, there is an increased need for leaders in the public sector as many federal employees become eligible for retirement. This trend demonstrates the demand for trained professionals in the public sector and for in the nonprofit space. The online Master of Arts in Public Administration is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to excel in careers in the large and growing areas of public leadership and administration, non profit management, and policy analysis.
What makes TUW’s online MPA degree different?
- 100% online
- No GRE required
- Affordable tuition and finish in one year*
- TUW is a Nonprofit Accredited University
- Begin on your schedule – 6 starts throughout the year
- Online courses taught in accelerated 8-week sessions
- Learn from scholar-practitioners with public sector expertise
*Degree can be earned in 12 months by those who take two courses per term for six consecutive terms.
MPA Curriculum
To complete the Master of Arts in Public Administration degree, students must complete 12 courses total, 11 standard courses, and one three-credit capstone, taken last.
Our online MPA curriculum blends theoretical and applied concepts. Over the course of the public administration program, the online courses explore organizational governance, financial aspects of administration, numerous case studies and connections to real world experiences for the current and future administrator.
In addition, the curriculum addresses areas of government administration, contemporary issues in public administration, organizational behavior public policy analysis, administration of government agencies, and human resources management in nonprofit agencies.
Review the complete Master of Arts in Public Administration curriculum.
Note: This master’s degree does not lead to any form of licensure or certification.
What Can You Do With a Master of Arts in Public Administration?
Earning an MA in Public Administration from Touro University Worldwide prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the public and non-profit sectors. The degree program focuses on giving graduates the skills needed to foster positive change through expertise in organizational management, preparing them for leadership positions. Potential job titles include:
- Public Administration Manager/Director
- City/County Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Legislative Analyst
- Budget Analyst/Manager
- Public Relations Specialist for Government/Nonprofit
- International Development Specialist
- Public Affairs Consultant
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for those in social and community service management is $74,240. The BLS projects 9% job growth in the field over the next decade. The online TUW MA in Public Administration prepares graduates with skills and knowledge they need for success in these in-demand fields.
BLS salary source:https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
Core Requirements
36 Semester Credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines a range of management issues and strategies within the context of managing public organization. The core focus is on an enhanced understanding of the theoretical and practical approaches to public management, an examination of day-to-day dilemmas faced by competent public managers, and the application of relevant theories to public management.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines the way government policies emerge from the political process and are implemented through participating institutions. Students will demonstrate how analysis can contribute to informed policy-making and examine the factors involved in developing effective implementation strategies.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course explores organizational behavior through the theoretical lenses of micro and macro levels, and their associated influences of organizational culture, psychology, and sociology. Students will apply these theories as they relate to individuals, teams, and groups within organizations as well as explore organizational processes in public administration.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an introduction to the law and legal system as it applies to public administration and policy. Students have an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the current legislation on the management and efficiency of public administration in organizations. The consequences of law and public policy formation on public administration will be discussed and assessed.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Public budgeting provides the student with an in-depth understanding of operations and public budgeting processes, the underlying theories, and the tools to understand and perform these critical activities.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an overview of Human Resources Management (HRM) theory and HR managers’ contributions to accomplish organization goals through employee performance and satisfaction in public administration. A variety of topics that influence HR Management are addressed, which include legal/ethical principles, staffing, pay, training and development, empowerment, health and safety, and conflict resolution.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course students explore the role and responsibilities of management in the public organization by developing and maintaining assessments. Special topics include the Performance Management System designed for improving organizational effectiveness, performance standards, development plans, providing feedback, measuring and evaluating progress towards goals, managing performance gaps and using positive and progressive discipline. The aforementioned topics and more will assist students in learning how engaging employees in a thoughtful and thorough performance assessment process can enhance employee engagement, motivation, and retention rates in the public organization.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, issues of ethics and conflict of interest will be discussed. The administrator’s role in ethical decision-making will be examined along with external and internal controls. The course will offer studies in leading and building organizations of integrity and diversity.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on the role the impact of diversity and multicultural environment in public administration. Special topics include the role of race, gender, ethnic origin and tradition in creating an effective, rewarding and harmonious public organization work place in national as well as global settings.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students will examine fundamental statistical techniques that are used in the analysis of data in public administration. Special emphasis will include exploring empirical research in public administration including descriptive and inferential statistical methods, parametric and nonparametric analyses, sampling distributions, generalizations, inferences, and interpretations that can legitimately be made on the basis of public administration statistical evidence.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Students conduct research in a project that addresses a contemporary issue in Public Administration. Students utilize their skills learned in the MPA program to build a research project that synthesizes the impact of demographics, technology, and the environment on public administration and/or public policy.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Capstone Course is the final course in the MPA degree program. The capstone is intended to demonstrate the student’s ability to integrate all facets of public administration study by applying what has been learned to a real-world project.
CREDITS
3
Credit Hours
36
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 9 credits
Accreditation
WSCUC
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Affordable MPA Tuition
TUW’s tuition is $500 per semester credit. A range of tuition assistance programs are available to help reduce the out-of-pocket expenses associated with continued education, including scholarships and student loans. Review with your employer if any tuition assistance programs are available to you.
Touro University Worldwide tuition assistance counselors are available to determine your eligibility for financial aid and other tuition assistance programs.
Become a Public Leader Through TUW’s Online MPA Degree
The online Master of Arts in Public Administration degree is designed to provide the analytical skills needed to advance in public sector and nonprofit careers.
Learn more about our online MPA degree centered on meeting the growing need for public administration professionals.