Public Administration, M.P.A.

Why Study Public Administration?

A public administration degree offers the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive public and nonprofit sectors. Park University’s MPA program combines essential topics like budgeting and HR management with a broader understanding of political and social environments, helping students see their work in a larger societal context. The Master of Public Administration program’s flexible online format and diverse student body foster valuable exchanges of experiences and perspectives. With eight specialized concentrations and faculty who blend academic and real-world expertise, graduates are well-prepared to stand out and advance their careers.

What You’ll Learn

• The MPA degree will enable you to analyze the theoretical and practical foundations, core knowledge, and multifaceted nature of public affairs to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.
• You will be equipped to justify the roles and responsibilities of public administration professionals as active citizens within a free and democratic society, as well as their ethical obligations in a global context.
• With a master’s degree in public administration, you will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of how various sectors of society—public, private, and nonprofit—operate, recognizing both the similarities and differences across organizations and the often-contradictory demands placed on managers and leaders.
• You will graduate ready to exhibit knowledge of ethical theories and the challenges involved in ethical decision-making, while showing a strong commitment to professional responsibilities in leadership roles. A graduate degree in public administration will allow you to effectively integrate conceptual knowledge with practical application, using real-world experiences to test and refine theoretical frameworks.
• Throughout your MPA program, you will cultivate essential leadership skills, including interpersonal and cross-cultural communication, as well as teamwork. You will be able to explain key principles of epistemology, highlighting the strengths and limitations of different research designs and statistical methods, and apply skeptical inquiry and analytical thinking to evaluate information and research findings.