MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
You care deeply about public service. So do we.
The Villanova Master of Public Administration (MPA) program develops ethical, creative, inclusive and intelligent leaders in public service through an innovative and practical curriculum, engaged faculty, community partnerships, experiential learning and a vibrant national alumni network.
Our on-campus and online Master of Public Administration program offers convenient class times, affordable tuition rates and a curriculum tailored to your professional interests. Our flexible program allows you to stay connected from anywhere, with synchronous online courses complementing in person course options that meet live virtually each week.
WHY CHOOSE OUR MPA?
CUTTING-EDGE CURRICULUM
39 credits to earn your MPA degree online or on-campus with curriculum to learn how to lead with ethical judgment, human-centered people management, analyze data, communicate effectively with stakeholders and more. Learn more about MPA curriculum.
SPECIALIZED CERTIFICATES
Enhance your degree and deepen your public administration knowledge by earning a graduate certificate in nonprofit or city management. Learn more about certificates.
HANDS-ON LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Students in the MPA program with less than three years of public service experience must complete a three-credit internship to help prepare students for management careers in the public and non-profit sector. Lear more about internships.
SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
The vibrant public administration community at Villanova consists of expert faculty, ambitious peers, and supportive alumni to help you advance your career even after you’ve graduated from the program. Learn more about the Nova Network.
DEADLINES
FEBRUARY 15: For admission with funding consideration for the FALL
AUGUST 1: For admission without funding for the FALL
DECEMBER 1: For admission without funding for the SPRING
APRIL 15: For admission without funding for the SUMMER
NOTE: On-campus classes are 16-week terms. Online classes are 8-week terms. Funded students must be able to complete assistantship requirements on campus.
Please contact Khari Black with questions related to admissions.
Completion Rates
The majority of our public administration degree students are working professionals who attend classes part-time. Below is information about the 2019-2020 cohort.
- 73 students initially enrolled in the 2019-2020 academic year (in MPA degree).
- 47% of students who began their graduate studies during the 2019-2020 academic year completed the degree within two years.
- 59% of students who began their graduate studies during the 2019-2020 academic year completed the degree within three years.
- 70% of students who began their studies in 2019-2020 completed the degree within four years or are in the process of completing degree requirements.
For more detailed information regarding MPA enrollments, please refer to the Office of the Provost - University Statistics. You can find this data under the "Enrollment by Majors Report" tab by selecting "Graduate Arts and Sciences" from the Student Level drop-down menu.
Graduate Success
In the 2023-2024 academic year, at six months after graduation, students who received their MPA degree are working in the following:
- One student was employed by the federal government in the U.S.
- Seven students were employed by the state government in the U.S.
- Nine students were employed in city, county, or other local governments in the U.S.
- 18 students were employed by a domestic nonprofit organization.
- Two students were employed by an internationally-oriented nonprofit organization.
- Two students were employed by the military.
- Four students were employed in the private sector, with one specifically in the research and consulting industry.
- One student was unemployed seeking employment.
- The status of three students is unknown.
Public Administration Advisory Board Members
Important Notices for Distance Education Students
Read the Notices for Distance Education Students to access important information for students participating in online courses, online programs and/or on-ground clinicals or practicums while physically located outside of Pennsylvania.