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
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.
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
Dual Degree Offering
Shippensburg University offers a dual degree program culminating in a Master of Social Work (MSW) and MPA. For more information on these programs, please contact your program advisor.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the application and transcript(s), Public Administration applicants must submit:
- 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.
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.