Program Overview

Public Administration - Executive, EMPA

The Executive Master of Public Administration program is designed for public sector leaders throughout the world who already have achieved considerable professional success prior to being admitted into the program. It is a 19-month online graduate degree program, which also features three-day face-to-face executive sessions in both Phoenix and Washington, D.C. Students participate in the program as part of a learning cohort, and the one-course-at-a-time online structure enables them to maintain a work-life balance as they immerse themselves in each topic.

Program Description

The learning experience begins with an orientation and executive session in Phoenix. Approximately one year later, the class reconvenes in Washington, D.C. for a second executive session. The executive master's degree program ends in Phoenix, where students present their applied projects. The program enables students to expand the breadth and depth of their professional network. The online curriculum attracts a more geographically diverse pool of applicants from around the world. The executive sessions in Phoenix and Washington, D.C. further enable students to develop deeper relationships with their classmates.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (PAF 593)

• Required Core (27 credit hours)
  • PAF 504 Microeconomics of Public Policy I (3) or TGM 581 Negotiating in a Global Context (3)
  • PAF 508 Organization Behavior (3)
  • PAF 574 Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public Change (3)
  • PAF 582 E-Public Administration (3)
  • PAF 585 Strategic Planning for Public Sector Leaders (3)
  • PAF 586 Data Analytics for the Public Good (3)
  • PAF 587 Federal Budgeting and Tax Policy (3)
  • PAF 588 Global Public Policy (3)
  • PAF 589 Leadership in Public Organizations (3)
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
  • PAF 593 Applied Project (3)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicant Eligibility: Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• GPA Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Application Materials:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Proof of English proficiency
• Additional Application Information: An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Exceptions to the GPA requirements may be considered based on the professional achievements demonstrated by the applicant as determined by applicant's resume and other application materials. In addition to the GPA requirement, applicants are expected to have five to seven years of progressive leadership experience.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the EMPA program are able to further advance in or switch to careers in local, state, tribal and federal governments or nonprofit and private organizations that regularly interface with the public sector.