Program Overview

Master's in Public Service

The Master of Arts in Public Service is an interdisciplinary program for people with a passion for service and an ambition to be a leader in the social and education sectors. The program has a generalist, interdisciplinary focus, in which students learn to lead organizations serving the public and educational sectors, analyze policy and data, and understand key components including financial management, board memberships, personnel oversight, program development, sociological and historical context, and research and evaluation.

Program Details

• Credit Hours: 33
• Years to Complete: 2
• Full-time and Part-Time options: Available

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to lead and collaborate effectively across sectors under conditions that prioritize equity, mission alignment, and the evolving demands of their area of focus (e.g., public service, education).
• Students will be able to analyze organizational and systemic dynamics using mission-driven, equity-centered frameworks under conditions of complexity and social, psychological, and educational need.
• Students will be able to design and/or evaluate policies, programs, and strategies under conditions that require alignment of goals, needs, and resources.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program have pursued careers in nonprofit organizations, educational research, youth engagement, communications, donor relations, local government, or have gone on to pursue a Ph.D.

Program and Course Structure

Coursework for the generalist program and the Educational Foundations and Leadership specialization can be found in the course catalog. Courses are offered primarily in the evening, and part-time options are available, making the program ideal for a working adult seeking to deepen their knowledge.

Trinity Fellows

The program is often home to Trinity Fellows, which is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. The program provides students with valuable skills while also defraying the cost of tuition and providing a stipend.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent must be completed prior to starting graduate school.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
• Demonstrated English proficiency for non-U.S. citizens.

Application Details

Application Requirements

• A completed online application form and fee.
• Transcripts:
  • If coursework was completed within the United States, submit copies of all current and previous college/universities except Marquette.
  • If coursework was completed outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation is required.
• Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• A statement of purpose.
• For international applicants only: a TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

Application Deadline

This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply and submit all application materials any time before the following dates:

• Fall term admissions August 1
• Spring term admissions December 15

Financial Aid & Fellowships

Financial Aid

Tuition scholarships may be available for Public Service students. For a comprehensive listing of merit-based aid (graduate assistantships/fellowships) please visit the departmental financial aid webpage. Private scholarships may be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses.

Trinity Fellows Program

Students interested in this master's program may want to consider applying for the Trinity Fellows Program as well. Trinity Fellows is a graduate fellowship program dedicated to developing urban leaders with a commitment to social and economic justice. Trinity Fellows participate in a 21-month study/work program while earning a master's degree. Those who have completed a full-time service program (minimum 10 months), and/or have worked for 2+ years in the nonprofit sector are eligible to apply.

Program Snapshot

• Application Deadline: Rolling Admission
• Program Duration: 2 Years
• Full-Time: Yes
• Online Options: No
• Tuition Cost Per Credit: $1045
• Accelerated Degree Eligible: Yes
• Trinity Fellows Program Eligible: Yes