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Mission

The mission of the Master of Public Administration program is to offer graduates the knowledge of values, roles, skills, and practices that will help them become competent professionals capable of ethical, intelligent, and creative leadership in the public service. As a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), the MPA program’s mission and set of goals also reflect NASPAA's Code of Good Practice (www.naspaa.org/codeofgoodpractice).

The Four Goals of Our Mission

"Pursuing an MPA degree at Villanova presented me with the opportunity to learn from amazing faculty who are not only knowledgeable about their subject, but have a passion for it as well. Every faculty member made themselves available to the students, and offered practical advice and counsel in both the academic and career environments. Interaction with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and with varied interests also enriched my academic experience. The most rewarding aspect of my education at Villanova was that it presented me with a chance to learn more about myself, and how I can use this education to make a difference wherever my professional life takes me."
Carolyn McCreary, May 2008
Township Manager
Plumstead Township, PA

  • Stress the study of how values from political (constitutional and legal), philosophic, and religious traditions, guide the actions of successful public administrators.
  • Offer an interdisciplinary curriculum featuring the integration of knowledge from sociology, political science, economics, psychology, communication, history, philosophy, and statistics.

  • Nurture a sense of service to community 
    • by featuring the study of successful public administrators as roles models.
    • by exploring the traditions and approaches in public administration theory
  • Emphasize the importance of practical experience
    • by discussing case studies of public administration in practice.
    • by using simulations and other exercises to use knowledge in the safe environment of the classroom.
    • by stressing the need for work experience in the application of public administration knowledge
    • by requiring an internship for students lacking such experience.