Philosophy & Government
Master of Public Administration Degree
Public administration is the power of impacting your community for the better.
Offered As:
Graduate
Credits Required:
36
Format:
Online, In-person
Now more than ever, we need advocates like you who feel an urgency to have a positive impact on society. The Master of Public Administration program at Kutztown University is perfect for students and professionals who want to enact real changes in public policy.
The MPA degree is 50% online and 50% in person and can be completed in as little as two years. This degree is a flexible program for those who want to continue their education or advance their career.
Master of Public Administration Degree Highlights
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent college graduate, our MPA degree will prepare you for any job in public administration. You will learn the processes, challenges and goals of administering public services, with a special emphasis on the politics of public sector management.
Program Highlights:
- Learn budgeting, revenue forecasting, auditing, planning and decision-making using EXCEL
- Evaluate programs using qualitative and quantitative data with SPSS, EXCEL and survey research
- Complete data analysis including descriptive statistics (a visual representation of data) and inferential statistics
- Analyze survey data and data sets from state agencies, such as Education Revenue, Center for Rural Pennsylvania, census data and municipal data
- Develop strong human resource skills in hiring new employees, employee evaluation, worker rights, harassment policies, etc.
- Pursue careers in government, public and private sectors, nonprofits, human services, educational spheres and more
Kutztown University’s Master in Public Administration gives you the valuable, in-demand skills necessary for success. We also offer a Master of Public Administration: Criminal Justice.
Student Learning Outcomes
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Public Administration (MPA)
- Students will be able to apply leadership theories and techniques in managing and governing a political organization.
- Students will be able to analyze and disseminate data and information.
- Students will be able to apply financial concepts, data and assumptions to develop an accurate, flexible and professional quality budget for a public or not-for-profit organization.
- Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the management of people and resources.
- Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate professionally.
As a non-traditional student balancing full-time work in local government with part-time studies, Kutztown University equipped me with the flexibility and support needed to succeed. This unique opportunity allowed me to seamlessly integrate academic learning with practical work experience, enhancing my skills in policy analysis, project management, and public engagement while maintaining a full-time professional role.
Nicole Beckett ’17, Associate Director for Public Service, Lafayette CollegeMaster of Public Administration FAQ
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How long does it take to complete an MPA degree at Kutztown?
The average graduate completes the program within 2-3 years, depending on your schedule.
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Does Kutztown University offer an MPA online?
We offer hybrid coursework, which is a 50/50 mix of in-person and online learning. We also offer mostly evening courses, making this a flexible program for working adults.
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What can I do with a master’s in public administration?
An MPA degree is the key to a successful career in public or nonprofit management. Below are possible career paths MPA graduates can pursue, including national salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022).
Public Sector:
- Budget Manager: $139,790
- Community Relations Manager: $121,471
- County Administrator: $99,030
- Policy Analyst: $128,020
- Recreation Manager: $67,220
- Urban and Regional Planner: $79,540
Nonprofit Sector:
- Advocacy Director: $107,220
- Development Director: $120,000
- Grant Administrator: $103,330
- Membership Director: $98,000
- Program Director: $107,360
- Public Relations Manager: $129,430
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What are the admission requirements and deadlines?
Admission Requirements Deadlines 1. Application
2. Official transcripts
3. Resume
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Three years of work experience preferred OR a related undergraduate degree with internship or work experience
Fall semester: August 1st
Spring semester: December 1st
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What Master of Public Administration courses can I take?
You can find the full list of MPA courses in the checksheet below: