Program Overview

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Master of Public Policy and Administration

Program Type

M.P.P.A.

Estimated Time to Complete

2 Years

School

Graduate and Professional Programs

Delivery Mode

Online

Educating Tomorrow’s Policy Leaders

York College of Pennsylvania’s Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree program provides a fresh approach to public policy and public administration studies. Our MPPA graduate curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical experiences, ensuring that students have a comprehensive understanding of their field.

Key Courses

• History and Theory of Urban Planning (MPA 512)
• Seminar on Local Government (MPA 513)
• Nonprofits and Public Policy (MPA 514)
• Strategic Planning and Management (MPA 515)
• Governmental Budgeting (MPA 517)
• Public Sector Organizations (MPA 518)

Online Public Policy and Administration Degree Requirements

Our online MPPA degree program teaches students techniques and strategies to analyze, understand, and advocate for policy, as well as manage public sector teams and projects. The program is flexible and delivered entirely online with hands-on learning opportunities that showcase both analytical and soft skills in communication and management.

• 30 credits of core courses
• 6 credits of elective courses

Concentrations

Urban Planning Concentration

• MPA 512: History and Theory of Urban Planning
• MPA 561: Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Nonprofit Leadership Concentration

• MPA 514: Nonprofits and Public Policy
• MPA 515: Strategic Planning and Management
• MBA 556: Executive Leadership

Local Government Concentration

• MPA 513: Seminar on Local Government
• MPA 517: Governmental Budgeting
• MPA 518: Public Sector Organizations

4+1 Degree Option for Undergraduates

If you are a York undergraduate studying any major, including political science, economics, or public history, the College offers the online master’s in Public Policy and Administration program as a 4+1 degree. This allows undergraduate students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a total of five years.

Career Opportunities & Benefits

Graduates of York’s online MPPA degree program are extensively equipped to enter or advance to roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public policy programs, and private industry. Areas that graduates succeed in include:

• Political office
• Legislative operations
• Management of government departments
• City project management
• Policy research
• Media relations
• Community outreach management
• Funding management
• Consulting

Internships & Work Experience

Research and applied experiences are integrated into online classrooms, intentionally allowing students to complete projects relevant to their field.

Mentorship & Community

Students in the online public policy and administration program have firsthand access to learn from experienced public administrators on faculty, and policy research experts.

High-Demand Skills

As a student in the Master of Public Policy and Administration online degree program, gain real-world skills that facilitate successful policy interventions and effective management of public or private offices. From soft skills in presentation and vocal and written communication to hard statistical analysis, you’ll begin to apply valuable skills including:

• How to effectively analyze and understand issues at the community level
• Managing channels and individuals to influence legislative processes from local to national levels
• Processes of public program evaluation from the perspectives of private entities and public service organizations
• Execution and optimization of business imperatives including HR, strategic plans, and business financials
• Administration of grant and funding acquisition
• Functional leadership skills, from team dynamics, conflict management, and change management
• How to apply cost-benefit and economic/statistical analysis on suggested policies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MPPA degree?

A Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree is a type of graduate program that combines coursework in policy and organizational administration.

What is the difference between a master of public policy and a master of public administration?

While the MPPA is a popular program for students interested in knowing both the analytical and practical procedures of advanced government and public works positions, two other degree types exist: the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA).

What can I do with an MPPA degree? Is getting an MPPA degree online worth it?

Graduates of Master of Policy and Public Administration degree programs are equipped with the interdisciplinary skills necessary to work in roles ranging from data analysis, public media relations, and policy creation to public and private sector organizational management. If you’re interested in both the policy side and the execution side, an MPPA degree comprehensively prepares you.

Earning a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree online is an accessible way to gain high-level skills in essential political and public service capacities. With fluid networking and research opportunities, York’s online MPPA degree program is just as valuable to your career and resume as a traditional in-person program.