Master of Public Administration (PAD), University of Dayton

Dayton, Ohio

24 Months

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About this course

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree designed to prepare students for administrative careers in society. It focuses on the study of administrative organization, systems, processes, and methods as applied to government programs and operations. The program emphasizes understanding contemporary issues in public administration and offers practical components like internships and projects that help students gain real-world experience. It is tailored to equip students with skills in management, leadership, policy analysis, and organizational theory, making it suitable for those aiming to advance in public sector careers.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for students who want a comprehensive understanding of public administration combined with practical experience. With full tuition remission and stipends available through assistantships, it offers both financial support and career development opportunities. The flexibility to waive courses based on academic background and the chance to incorporate public management courses from other graduate programs make it adaptable to individual career goals. It prepares students for leadership positions in government, nonprofit, and community organizations, ensuring they are well-equipped for public service.

Specialisation

The program offers a variety of electives that allow students to tailor their studies toward areas such as general administration and management, analytic tools, public law, nonprofit and community leadership, policy studies, and more. Students can choose electives based on their interests, with options including environmental policy, health policy, nonprofit management, and government budgeting, among others. The curriculum also provides pathways for students to engage in internships or applied research projects, focusing on practical skills in their chosen field.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

11.84L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To earn the Master of Public Administration degree, students must complete 39 semester hours of coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This includes core courses such as Public Administration, State & Local Government, Quantitative Methods, Organization Theory, and a Capstone project. Students can waive some core courses if they have appropriate academic backgrounds. Additionally, students can choose from options including internships, public service projects, or full coursework to fulfill their graduation requirements.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

110

Career prospects

Graduates of the program are prepared for administrative roles in the public sector, nonprofits, and community organizations. With a solid foundation in public policy, management, leadership, and specialized fields like nonprofit management or environmental policy, alumni can find opportunities in local, state, or federal government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community development sectors. The program’s focus on practical experience enhances employability in diverse public service careers.

FAQs

Can students waive core courses?

Yes, core courses may be waived for students with an appropriate academic background.

What are the options for completing the degree?

Students can opt for full coursework, participate in internships, or undertake public service projects, depending on their career objectives.