In-Person or Fully Online
Students can earn their MPA at their own pace within one to two years.
Internship Waivers available
For students currently employed in a public, non-profit, or government affairs organization and all US military veterans, members of the National Guard and reserve, and active duty service members.
Worth 6 credits
Dual Degree Offering
Shippensburg University offers a dual degree program culminating in a Master of Social Work (MSW) and MPA.
For more information, contact MCMoltz@ship.edu.
The Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students for careers in public service with local, state, and federal government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Through this program, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to become service-oriented public officials. A large alumni network in nearby Harrisburg provides invaluable networking and career connections.
MPA students may qualify for membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Pi Sigma Alpha membership qualifies federal government job applicants for a higher GS level.
The MPA courses focus on general public management theory, techniques, and skills, while emphasizing a practical approach to public administration. Students may also take advantage of experiential learning opportunities through internships, field research, and elective courses.
The MPA degree is a 36-credit hour program, which students may complete during eight-week sessions within an academic semester and five-week sessions during the summer. Students with at least one year of professional public service experience, currently working in a public, non-profit, or government affairs organization, as well as honorably discharged US military veterans, members of the National Guard or reserve, and active duty personal are eligible for a six-credit internship waiver. Students with an approved internship waiver are required to complete 33 credits, with an additional elective course in lieu of the internship. Students can earn their MPA at their own pace within one to two years.
Our graduates work in:
- Policy-making positions with the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the federal and state government
- Local government
- Not-for-profit agencies
- The private sector
4+1 Program Available
With careful planning, complete a BA in Political Science or BS in Public Service and a MPA with only one additional year of study. For more information, contact MCMoltz@ship.edu.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the application and transcript(s), Public Administration applicants must submit:
- Application
- Transcripts
- Resume
Admission is based on prior academic success. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA. Applicants with a lower GPA may be requested to take the GRE or GMAT.
Public Administration has rolling admissions with no application deadline. Students can begin the program during the spring, summer, or fall terms. Once the application is complete, the Political Science Department will begin the review process and make a prompt decision.
Professional Experiences Credit (PEC) for Commonwealth Employees
Shippensburg University grants full-time Commonwealth employees who have gained relevant professional experience through their public service with graduate credits toward a Master of Public Administration. Employees with one year of experience may be eligible for three credits and those with at least three years of work experience may be eligible for up to six credits toward their MPA degree. Ship is also waiving the internship requirement for all Commonwealth employees, regardless of their length of service. Once students have been accepted to the program and confirm they will submit the Professional Experiences Credit (PEC) application via e-mail attachment to The Graduate School with a portfolio consisting of an executive summary of their work experience, resume, and an official letter from a current HR supervisor/manager attesting to their employment and responsibilities. The graduate director will promptly notify the applicant of their approval for PEC as soon as the portfolio is reviewed by the MPA program coordinator.
Course Work for Public Administration, MPA
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. For complete course descriptions, visit the catalog.