Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Public Administration Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed for both pre-career students and mid-career executives. The program offers a graduate certificate in public management for those with some managerial experience. Courses are taught in an eight-week executive format to accommodate students' schedules. The MPA degree or graduate certificate can be earned completely online.

Program Offerings

The program offers two ways to earn the Master of Public Administration degree:

• MPA online in local government: earn the MPA entirely online
• MPA traditional: designed to earn the degree on a full-time or part-time basis, with eight-week evening classes at two locations

Online Program

The online program uses an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Work is assigned each week, and there are specific deadlines for completing each assignment. The online program is available to mid-career professionals with two years of public sector work experience.

Traditional Program

The traditional program uses a hybrid executive format, with classes meeting one night per week for eight weeks. Mid-career professionals can focus on one class for eight weeks and complete two classes each semester. Pre-career students complete paid internships while attending classes in the evenings.

Degree Requirements

• Pre-career students: complete 44 credit hours over five semesters (including summers)
• Mid-career students: complete 39 credit hours over seven to eight semesters (including summers) In addition to a public management core, students can choose from six different areas of specialization:
  • Strategic Public Management and Leadership
  • Local Government Management
  • Public Financial Management
  • Non-profit Management
  • Comparative Public Service
  • Public Service Law

Specialization Areas

Strategic Public Management and Leadership

Students gain an advanced capacity to assume a leadership role and use strategic management and collaborative processes. Course requirements:

• PSPA 650 - Leadership in Public Sector Organizations
• PSPA 673 - Strategic Planning for Public Service Organizations

Local Government Management

A thorough study of government administration, focusing on the operations of local governments and the analysis of local government and metropolitan issues. Course requirements:

• PSPA 630 - Local and Metropolitan Government
• PSPA 632 - Local Government Administration

Public Financial Management

A critical examination of techniques and problems in the areas of fiscal management, accountancy, budgetary policy, and political economy. Course requirements:

• PSPA 657X - Accounting for Public Administration
• PSPA 653 - Intermediate Public and Nonprofit Financial Management

Non-profit Management

A study of the unique challenges posed by the administration of nonprofit organizations. Course requirements:

• PSPA 624 - Resources Management for Nonprofit Organizations
• PSPA 626 - Non-Governmental Organizations and Governance

Comparative Public Service

Students gain an advanced capacity to assume a leadership role and use management skills to enhance the mission of government agencies and non-governmental organizations in a global context.

Public Service Law

A study of public administration and management in a legal context. This specialization requires students to be enrolled in the law school and the MPA program.

Admission Requirements

Successful applicants have completed a U.S. government course and a finite math course (usually basic statistics) in their undergraduate studies and had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The GRE is not required.

Application Requirements

• Complete application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Written statement of purpose
• Transcripts
• Current resumé

Written Statement

The written statement of purpose is a short essay (1000-word maximum) that explains:

• Why the applicant has decided to pursue an MPA
• Reason for choosing the NIU MPA program
• How completing an MPA will enhance the applicant's career goals
• Any experience working or volunteering in public and/or nonprofit organizations

Application Deadlines

• Fall (priority): February 15
• Fall: July 15
• Spring (priority): October 1
• Spring: December 10