Master of Public Administration
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Shippensburg University’s Master of Public Administration program prepares students in general public management theory, techniques and skills.
About the MPA Program
The MPA degree prepares students for public-service careers with local, state, and federal government agencies and non-profit organizations. Students may earn their MPA by taking courses on campus or online.
Applicants entering the MPA program without professional experience are required to complete 36 credit hours. Each student's program includes six core courses, four elective courses, and a six credit-hour internship. Applicants may request an internship waiver based upon approved professional experience in the field of public service when applying to the MPA program. Students obtaining an internship waiver must take additional elective credits for a total of 33 credit hours.
This program offers flexibility through:
- Courses offered on campus -or- online
- Courses offered in 8-week sessions (complete the program in as little as 18 months by taking a combination of on-campus and online courses)
- Online summer and winter session courses (5 weeks in winter; 6 weeks in summer)
See the sample program schedule and curriculum information for more details.
Shippensburg University’s MPA program is a member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Student Enrichment Opportunities
The MPA program prepares students for public service careers through experiences outside the classroom. Students may complete independent research projects under the supervision of an MPA faculty member. Recent student research has been presented at national and regional academic conferences, including the Northeastern Conference on Public Administration, the Northeast Political Science Association annual conference, and the Pennsylvania Political Science Association annual conference.
Eligible students are also encouraged to join the Shippensburg chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the global honor society for public affairs and administration. Membership in Pi Alpha Alpha is a recognition of a student's academic achievements and commitment to public service. Involvement with Pi Alpha Alpha affords students valuable networking opportunities.
Application Requirements
Students applying for the MPA program should have a 2.75 GPA with relevant coursework or professional experience. Applicants who do not meet minimum requirements will be required to take the GRE or GMAT and report the score to the Department. Applications require a resume.
To apply for the program, you should review the Graduate Admissions requirements. You will need to provide a current resume through the Ship Admissions portal.