Program Overview

MPA Degree: Master's in Public Administration

Overview

The Master's in Public Administration (MPA) degree is designed to enhance professional competencies in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program is offered 100% online and emphasizes the institutional, political, and ethical environments of public service.

Program Details

• Format: 100% Online
• Credits: 34
• Average Time to Completion: 2 Years
• College/School: College of Arts & Sciences

MPA Degree Options & Curriculum Requirements

• Curriculum & Coursework Requirements: The MPA degree is offered in a synchronous online format and holds learning through discussion as the primary instructional philosophy. Courses feature small seminar-style settings and a diverse enrollment representing a variety of age groups, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
• Criminal Justice Specialization: Study the nature of crime, research methods, and organizational behavior as you prepare for or advance a career in public administration in the criminal justice system. All credits from the criminal justice certificate transfer into this specialization.
• Human Sexuality Studies Specialization: Open to all MPA students, especially those interested in pursuing the dual MPA/MEd in human sexuality studies, this specialization teaches core historical and ethical concepts in human sexuality. With electives in cross-cultural perspectives, sexuality and relationships across the lifespan, and biological foundations, this specialization well serves those working in LGBTQ+ advocacy.
• Local Government Specialization: For those dedicated to serving local governments, this specialization will enhance your knowledge of economic development, sustainability issues, promoting social change, and more. All credits from the local government & community change certificate transfer into this specialization.
• Nonprofit Leadership Specialization: For those looking to advance a career in the nonprofit sector, this specialization is for you. Explore topics in financial management, legal issues, crisis communications, and promoting social change within nonprofit administration. All credits from the nonprofit leadership certificate transfer into this specialization.

More MPA Program Options

• Start with a Certificate with the Option to Advance into the MPA: Looking to move up in your career but aren't ready to commit to graduate study yet? Starting with a certificate is an excellent place to begin your graduate education. All credits from the online criminal justice, nonprofit leadership, and local government & community change certificates transition fully into their corresponding MPA specializations.
• Dual MPA/MEd in Human Sexuality Studies: The MPA/MEd in human sexuality studies program gives you the opportunity to pursue a track in public policy or non-profit management by earning a master of education (MEd) in Human Sexuality Studies and a master of public administration (MPA). Here, you can build a degree around your interests in human sexuality education with an interdisciplinary approach to public administration.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Public Administration Degree

• Industry Growth: Employment of administrative services and facilities managers is expected to increase 7% by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
• Potential Careers:
  • Nonprofit, executive director
  • Local government or higher education administrator
  • City manager
  • Nonprofit fundraiser/marketer
  • Public agency manager
• Recent Employers:
  • Creative Education Opportunities, Inc.
  • Human Resources, City of Philadelphia
  • Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
  • Economic Development Authority, City of York, PA
  • American Friends Services
• Avg. Salary: $99,290 (2021 median annual salary for administrative services and facilities managers)

Why Study Public Administration at Widener?

• Build a Network of Industry Insiders: Your education will stretch beyond the classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and MPA faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking.
• Be Welcomed with Open Arms: Coming to Widener means joining a university culture rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB). We value the contributions of each member of our community, embracing the diverse identities, backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives that make us Widener.

Admissions & Aid

• Admissions Information:
  • Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Online Application
  • Nonrefundable application fee ($35)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • A one-page personal statement
  • GRE scores will be considered as part of an application but are not required
• Application Deadlines: We review applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply.
• Transfer to Widener: Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
• International Admissions: Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Financial Aid

• Applying for Aid as a Graduate Student: Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants.
• Paths to Savings:
  • 85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid: Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants.
  • Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement: Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees.
  • 20% Discount for Widener Alumni: (some restrictions apply) If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount.

Program Cost

• Public Administration, MPA: $870 per credit, 34 total credits, $29,580 total cost

Next Steps to Apply

• Visit Us: To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
• View Admissions Events: We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
• Request Information: Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
• Apply: Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.