Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds to excel in public policy, public management, nonprofit management careers. An MPA degree is an academic credential appropriate for employment in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

The same MPA degree is offered across two different modalities, the Traditional MPA and the Online MPA (OMPA). The classes in the Traditional MPA are offered in a variety of formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online, with 50% of classes being taught in person. The OMPA is offered entirely in an online asynchronous format, and the majority of classes have an accelerated, 7-week schedule.

The MPA program has two key objectives. First, through a set of core courses, the program provides a strong foundation of practical and theoretical training for professional work in public service. Second, through free electives, the MPA program offers students the opportunity to fashion a curriculum linked directly to their individual career and academic interests.

The Baruch MPA is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Baruch's Marxe School of Public and International Affairs is the only nonprivate school of public affairs in New York City.

All students in the MPA program complete eight required courses and are required to earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0. This ensures that all students achieve a basic understanding of fundamental public administration principles and practices together with a foundation in communication skills, economic analysis, and statistical analysis. In addition to the required courses, students complete five elective courses chosen in consultation with their advisor. Students without prior professional experience will also complete an internship in a public, nonprofit, or private-sector organization. In their final semester, all students take the Capstone Seminar, which emphasizes the application of students’ knowledge and skills to specific professional situations.

Students in the MPA degree program at Marxe are expected to obtain knowledge and skills associated with the following Program Learning Goals approved by the faculty. These Program Learning Goals fall under five Universal Competencies established by NASPAA, which are taught at varied levels within the core courses and throughout the program.

NASPAA Competencies and Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Program Learning Goals:

Competency #1: Management

a) Use management and leadership theories to analyze the design, operation, and governance of public and nonprofit organizations.

b) Develop recommendations, based on multiple analytical frames, to improve the management of public and nonprofit organizations and achieve the organizational mission.

Competency #2: Policy

Identify alternative policy options; assess their potential feasibility and effectiveness; describe how the policy options are expected to affect outcomes (mechanisms).

Competency #3: Critical Thinking

Use social science methods to analyze, evaluate, and draw valid conclusions from data that is relevant to public policy questions, and/or decision-making situations, and or issues of public concern.

Competency #4: Public Service Perspectives

Demonstrate an understanding of the public interest in an assignment.

Competency #5: Communication

Exhibit an awareness of strengths and weaknesses in verbal and written communication and articulate a plan to maximize communication effectiveness.