Program Overview
Public Administration (MPA)
Program Info
The Master of Public Administration program at Troy University equips students with the skills needed to manage people, places, and budgets within a global context, training to become impactful, effective public leaders in the United States and abroad.
About the MPA degree at TROY
Leaders, especially those in public service and government, need to be prepared for today's interconnected world. From management to global competence, public leadership requires a robust skill set. The MPA program at TROY provides an inclusive environment, flexibility, and the ability to gain hands-on experience through internships.
A Focus on Global Leadership and Perspectives
An MPA degree from TROY gives students the skills needed to serve in executive leadership in the public and government sectors, including human resource management, policy analysis, grant writing, and budget development and management. The program emphasizes global competence and multicultural perspectives, allowing students to hear a wide variety of perspectives from across the globe and learn public leadership skills for both domestic and international leadership.
An MPA Program That Meets Your Needs
The Master of Public Administration program offers flexibility to earn a degree in the format and timeframe that works best for students. The program can be completed online, on campus in Montgomery or Atlanta, or in a blended format in as little as 15 months. Students benefit from small class sizes, individual faculty attention, and program affordability.
Master of Public Administration Curriculum
The coursework includes topics related to policy, global contexts, and organizational leadership. Specific courses may vary from year to year, but typical courses include:
- Research Methods in Public Administration
- Global Challenges in Public Administration
- Public Policy
- Ethics in Public Administration
Master of Public Administration Program Locations
The MPA program is available online, with more information about program availability and delivery options available upon request.
Public Health Administration Certificate
Students also have the opportunity to earn a Public Health Administration Certificate, which enhances their understanding of public health management, legal issues, policy development, marketing, emergency management, and more. The public health certificate program can be completed on its own or along with the master's degree in public administration.
Master's in Public Administration Careers
Jobs for MPA graduates include a variety of leadership positions in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. An MPA degree qualifies students to work in local, national, and international government roles, with potential career paths including:
- Public Administrator
- Nonprofit Manager/Director
- City Manager
- Community Service Manager
- Budget Director
- Policy Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
- Public Affairs Officer
- Consultant
- Immigrant Support Specialist
- Veterans' Services Administrator
- Emergency Management Director
- Grants Manager
Faculty Profiles
The faculty includes experienced professionals such as Dr. Feng Sun, PhD, an associate professor of Political Science and director of graduate studies at Troy University. Dr. Sun's research interests include contemporary Chinese politics, foreign direct investment, and development in developing countries.
Related Programs
Related programs include the Master's in International Relations.
FAQs About the MPA Program
An MPA, or Master of Public Administration, is a graduate-level professional degree that prepares students for leadership roles in the public, government, and private sectors. The degree covers subjects such as public policy, management, communication, human resources, and ethics. With an MPA degree, students can pursue numerous opportunities in local, national, and international settings. A public administrator works for nonprofit organizations or in the government at the state or federal level in a variety of positions, and can also work in global positions at the United Nations, humanitarian agencies, and other international organizations.