CURRICULUM
MPA Curriculum
Build the knowledge and practical skills to lead in public service.
Villanova's practice-oriented MPA curriculum develops ethical leadership, strategic problem-solving, analytical decision-making and organizational effectiveness for careers across government, nonprofit and public-serving organizations.
Students with at least three years of relevant professional experience may qualify for an internship waiver, reducing the degree requirement to 36 credits.
Develop skills for effective public service leadership
The MPA curriculum connects public administration theory with practical skills for addressing complex challenges across government and nonprofit organizations.
Navigate complex decisions with integrity, accountability and a commitment to public service.
Use research, evaluation, and data to guide policy and organizational decisions.
Engage people, understand organizational dynamics and lead through human-centered management practices.
Build a strong foundation, then make the degree your own
Six required courses establish a foundation in public administration, ethics, management, research and organizational leadership. Six elective courses give you room to pursue subjects that align with your professional interests.
Build your foundation in public administration
The core curriculum develops the knowledge and skills every Villanova MPA student needs to lead effectively in public-serving organizations.
Explore fundamental public service delivery concepts by evaluating classical and emerging theories through contemporary public challenges. Apply those frameworks to case studies and develop tools for managing complex public institutions.
Examine theories and organizational practices related to ethical decision-making while developing the skills and habits necessary for ethical leadership in public service.
Study financial management in government and nonprofit organizations, including financial reporting, public revenue systems, budgeting, financial condition analysis, benchmarking and forecasting.
Explore human-centered leadership and human resource management practices that help government and nonprofit leaders engage employees in meaningful public service work.
Develop applied research skills for public-sector leadership, with an emphasis on data-based decision-making and evaluation. Build proficiency in Excel while examining the ethical use of qualitative and quantitative data.
Study the structures and dynamics of formal and complex organizations and the theories that help explain how organizations operate and change.
Shape the curriculum around your goals
Use your electives to deepen your expertise in areas such as policy analysis, strategic communication, local government, nonprofit management, fundraising, public networks and more.
Customize your graduate experience
Students may further personalize the MPA through approved individual research projects and up to two graduate electives outside the MPA program.
MPA 8012 — Individual Research I
Complete an individual research project under the direction of a Public Administration faculty member.
MPA 8013 — Individual Research II
Continue individualized research under faculty supervision.
Enrollment requires successful completion of MPA 8011 and MPA 8051, faculty supervision and approval from the MPA Director.
Put your learning into practice
The three-credit Management Internship gives students an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional public or nonprofit setting while gaining hands-on management and administrative experience.
Where students gain experience
Recent MPA students have completed internships across government, nonprofit and public-serving organizations, including:
- City of Philadelphia — Public Parks Project
- Middletown Township
- West Whiteland Township
- Radnor Township — Community Development Department
- City of Baltimore
- Nationalities Service Center
- Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center
- HealthSpark Foundation
- Housing Initiatives of Princeton
- Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations
- The Pew Charitable Trusts
- Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
- Villanova University — President's Office
- Delaware Valley Community Health
Students with qualifying prior professional experience may be eligible to waive the three-credit Management Internship. Contact the MPA program to determine eligibility.
Complete your degree with the comprehensive exam
The written comprehensive exam serves as a capstone experience, giving students an opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge developed throughout the MPA program.
Students must have earned at least 24 credit hours at the time the application is submitted and must hold at least a 3.0 GPA to register for the MPA Comprehensive Exam.
The Comprehensive Exam is offered three times each year—in spring, summer and fall. Review the Graduate Academic Calendar for current exam dates and application deadlines.
Review the MPA Guide to the Comprehensive Exam for guidelines, expectations and recommendations for preparation. Students should also review Graduate Studies policies before submitting the MPA Comprehensive Exam application.
Accommodations: Students who require exam accommodations should register with Learning Support Services.
Library access: Students who have completed their coursework may request an extension of library privileges while preparing for the comprehensive exam.
Find courses, schedules and important dates
Use the academic calendar and master schedule to find current registration deadlines, class dates, comprehensive exam dates and available course sections.
Build your path in public service
Explore Villanova's Master of Public Administration and learn how a flexible, practice-oriented curriculum can support your professional goals.
Department of Public Administration
Villanova University
800 Lancaster Avenue
St. Augustine Center, Suite 205
Villanova, PA 19085
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.
Follow the Public Administration Department