Master of Professional Studies - Public Administration

Learn the art of public administration and government management and establish yourself as an effective and impactful public sector leader.

The Master of Professional Studies in Public Administration (MPS-PA) is a twelve-month professional degree (or twenty-one month if pursued part-time) designed to provide you with the skills, expertise and networks to lead and manage organizations in the public and nonprofit sectors. In course work, you'll gain a strong foundation in the workings of government and policy, learn the frameworks and tools needed to effectively manage people and processes, and develop the skills to lead teams and organizations. Outside of the classroom, our location in the National Capital region provides expansive opportunities to complement your coursework with visits to leading organizations that are working at all levels of policy.

Program Highlights

• Learn from faculty who are both scholars and practitioners, bringing their real-world experiences and connections into the classroom
• Establish professional connections within a diverse and motivated group of peers, as you move through the program as a cohort
• Harness our location between the corridors of the US Capitol and the hallways of Annapolis to learn the art of public administration and government management right where it's happening

Fall 2024 MPS-PA Financial Opportunities

For additional information regarding MPS-PA financial opportunities, please contact Mike Goodhart.

Curriculum

The MPS-PA curriculum is a structured, 36-credit sequence of courses that focuses on analytical, decision-making and management skills. The specific curriculum is designed and courses scheduled per cohort, but includes such courses as:

• PLCY711 Public Management and Leadership
• PLCY692 Leadership Principles and Practices
• PLCY699F Ethics of Public Administration
• PLCY698T Managing Across Sectors
• PLCY689X Performance Management 
• PLCY640 Policy Analysis and Microeconomics
• PLCY680 (formerly PLCY699D) Social Identity
• PLCY752 Managing Differences: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating Agreements
• PLCY699G Leadership in Groups & Organizations
• PLCY790 Project Course
• PLCY670 Finance
• PLCY610 Quantitative Aspects of Public Policy