MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Master of Public Administration
You care deeply about public service. So do we.
A 39-credit degree that develops ethical, creative and inclusive leaders — online or on campus, built around the schedules of working professionals.
Leadership Ethics develops the skills and habits needed to navigate complex ethical decisions with integrity.
Organization Theory helps you understand how organizational structures, cultures and dynamics shape performance and decision-making.
Human-Centered Management prepares you to engage employees and create meaningful workplaces across government and nonprofit organizations..
Managing Public Networks develops the collaborative decision-making, negotiation and intergovernmental-relations skills needed to move initiatives forward across agencies and sectors.
Strategic Planning and Communication teaches you to translate an organization’s mission and priorities into an actionable plan.
Financial Management develops the analytical skills to assess the fiscal health and performance of government and nonprofit organizations using real-world budgets, financial statements and fiscal data.
Applied Research Methods trains you to gather and use evidence in ways that can move a real decision.
The required management internship places you inside a government or nonprofit organization, where you can apply your coursework in practice. Students with at least three years of relevant professional experience may qualify for a waiver.
The comprehensive exam integrates your learning into a culminating applied project that demonstrates your readiness to lead in public service.
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Online or on campus – One degree. Flexible ways to learn.
Either path leads to the same MPA degree. The difference is how the course content is delivered.
| Online | On Campus | |
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| Term length | 8-week terms in the fall and spring; 7-week summer terms | 16-week terms |
| How class meets | Combination of asynchronous and synchronous course elements; virtual live session each week | In person on the Villanova campus |
| Best for | Professionals valuing flexibility and the ability to study from anywhere | A face-to-face classroom experience and closer connection to campus |
Where our graduates go
| 39 of 47 | 2023–24 MPA graduates were working in government, nonprofit or military service six months after graduation. |
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.
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.
April 15 — summer application deadline.
August 1 — fall application deadline.
December 1 — spring application deadline.
Public administration at Villanova
The Program
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The Department
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Department of Public Administration Office of Graduate Studies Phone: 610-519-3934
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Accreditation The Villanova MPA is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.
Important notices for distance education students. Read the notices for important information about online courses and programs completed outside of Pennsylvania. Read the notices → |
Department of Public Administration
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
St. Augustine Center, Suite 205
Villanova, PA 19085
Follow the Public Administration Department