Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration degree program at Saint Peter’s University is a great way to prepare for a high impact career doing work about which you are passionate. This 36-credit program is designed for professionals who desire to play a critical role in solving public policy challenges.

You will develop a deep understanding about how policy is made and implemented so that you can effect change. You will learn the language and tools of leadership by gaining familiarity with basic concepts in economics, statistics, and budgeting. You will have a chance to hone your critical thinking, problem solving, writing, and presenting skills. Most importantly, you will grow your network by building relationships with like-minded individuals who are committed to impacting the lives of others for the better.

Program Benefits

Located in Jersey City, Saint Peter’s is an ideal place to study public administration because the city is small enough for students to meet and work with leading city and non-profit officials, yet, it is only minutes away from Manhattan’s boundless academic, cultural, and public service institutions.

Students work closely with professors who combine academic expertise with years of professional experience and learn to analyze data, design new initiatives and programs, develop budgets, and manage teams. Our graduates learn to lead individuals, teams, and social change organizations successfully. The MPA program is designed to make graduate education available and accessible.

Full-time students taking two classes at a time will complete the program in 2 years

Our classes are offered in a hybrid format in order to allow students to create meaningful in- person connections with professors and classmates while also making it convenient for professional adult learners to pursue graduate studies. Classes are taught synchronously online three weeks a month. One week a month all classes are in-person on campus. This means that during an eleven week trimester students will physically come to campus approximately five times.

Once a trimester, students attend “Leadership Saturday.” This is a half day program which brings together students from both the first and second year cohorts along with faculty members to work on building stronger leadership, communication, and networking skills as well as to explore hot topics in the field of public administration with high
profile guest speakers and alumni.

Course Highlights

• Introduction to Public Administration and Service
• Public Policy
• Public Sector Finance and Budgeting
• Political Economy
• Community Organizing and Development
• Managing and Conflict Resolution

Career Outlook

MPA graduates obtain jobs that require them to administer programs, prepare and implement policies, manage people, analyze information, serve as consultants, and act as agents of the public interest.

MPA graduates often have careers as:

Why Saint Peter’s University?

Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, strives to educate a diverse community of learners who will excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing environment.

The Master’s and Doctoral programs are designed to make graduate education available and accessible. With flexible learning opportunities online, hybrid and on-campus—we make coming back to the classroom an attainable goal. Expert faculty offer real-life experiences in the classroom to ensure maximum learning potential.

In addition, the Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning provides students with one-on-one advising and encouragement throughout their education.