Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in public service, nonprofit management, or roles that bridge the public and private sectors. This graduate-level degree builds the leadership, policy, and management skills needed to create meaningful change in local, national, and global communities. Students gain the expertise to develop and implement effective policy, manage diverse organizations, and apply evidence-based analysis to inform decisions that serve the public good.
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Shaping Leaders for Impactful Public Service
Building on a strong foundation of public administration theory, the MPA program at WHTU emphasizes practical application and leadership development. Coursework is designed to prepare students to address complex challenges in governance, policy, and organizational management. You’ll explore strategies for managing diverse teams, navigating political and legal frameworks, analyzing data to guide decision-making, and implementing solutions that improve public service delivery.
The program’s flexible Independent Study and Directed Study formats allow working professionals to balance graduate-level coursework with career commitments. Whether your goal is to serve in government, lead a nonprofit, or influence policy in the private sector, the MPA curriculum equips you with the skills, ethical grounding, and strategic perspective to make a lasting impact.
What You'll Learn
In the MPA program, you’ll develop a combination of strategic, analytical, and leadership skills essential for success in public service and beyond.
Public Administration Foundations
Understand the historical, theoretical, and ethical principles that shape effective governance and public policy.
Organizational Leadership
Build the skills to lead diverse teams, manage resources, and drive performance in public and nonprofit organizations.
Policy Development and Implementation
Learn to design, evaluate, and execute policies that address complex community, national, and global challenges.
Ethics and Accountability
Apply the values of integrity, equity, and fairness to decision-making in the public interest.
Data-informed Decision Making
Use research, analysis, and evidence-based approaches to guide strategies and improve outcomes.
Curriculum
The MPA program prepares students for leadership in government, nonprofit, and public service roles. The curriculum focuses on policy development, organizational management, and evidence-based decision-making — equipping graduates to drive effective change and serve communities at every level.
Public Administration
MPA500 | 3 credits
This is the gateway course to the field of public administration. It examines the major intellectual and constitutional foundations of American government and public administration as well as current trends. The course includes theoretical and practical aspects of key governmental processes, the historical development of the field, contributions of social science to understanding organizations, and ethical issues in contemporary government activities.
Administrative Law
MPA518 | 3 credits
This course explores the study of the legal framework of public administration. Basic principles of constitutional law and the institutions of American government are reviewed. The development of administrative agency as a contemporary legal and social phenomenon and its relationship to other branches of government are considered.
Understanding Public Policy
MPA509 | 3 credits
Covers political and organizational perspectives on the policy-making process: agenda setting, policy design, adoption, implementation, evaluation, modification or termination, policy leadership skills, negotiation, and strategic mapping.
State and Local Politics
MPA505 | 3 credits
This course considers issues related to politics in states and communities using a comparative approach. “Its focus is on conflicts in states and communities and the structures and processes designed to manage conflict” (Dye & MacManus, 2015, Preface). The course considers how conflict is carried on, how leaders act in conflict situations, and decisions are made about who gets what.
Challenging Global Issues
MPA514 | 3 credits
This course covers the foundations of international relations and provides a comprehensive view of how interdependence and the forces of globalization are creating serious challenges to governments. The political, economic, and cultural forces are discussed in relation to contemporary globalization and world affairs.
Policy Analysis
MPA515 | 3 credits
This course addresses the conceptual foundations and craft skills required to perform policy analysis. Students in this course will consider core economic principles and learn key research and communication skills, which are needed to construct applied analysis.
Public Budgeting
MPA506 | 3 credits
This course covers the theory and practice of public budget preparation and review, governmental accounting and auditing, and political issues in the budget process. The course includes consideration of capital budgeting, revenue estimation, and the history of budget reform efforts.
Economics in Public Administration
MPA510 | 3 credits
This course covers economics and the role of the government in an economy. Economists are concerned with the distributional aspects of resources and the ramifications of resource use. The primary objective of this course is to familiarize the student with basic economic concepts and theories that have been developed to explain economic issues that are faced, decisions that are made, and policies that are implemented.
Global Business
MPA512 | 3 credits
This course considers whether globalization benefits or harms national economies. This course takes a close look at how changes in regulations governing international trade and investment, when coupled with changes in political systems and technology, have dramatically altered the competitive playing field confronting many businesses. It discusses the resulting opportunities and threats and reviews the strategies that managers can pursue to exploit the opportunities and counter the threats.
Capstone Project
MPA599 | 3 credits
This Capstone course requires preparation of a written project demonstrating scholarship on some aspect of public administration, normally in-depth treatment of an applied management concern; must be approved by a thesis committee (chairperson and two faculty members). Concurrent enrollment in final courses with Dean’s approval.
Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
PLO1
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of public administration's theoretical and historical foundations.
PLO2
Use core competencies for managing individuals, groups, clients, and programs.
PLO3
Apply ethics and the values of personal integrity, accountability, equity, and fairness in the public interest.
PLO4
Apply knowledge and skills to improve the quality of operations in public organizations and the community.
PLO5
Summarize, appraise, and communicate technical and professional information orally and in writing.
Tuition and Admissions
Applicants must have completed prior college coursework to qualify for the degree completion program.
- Tuition Per Credit: $350
- Credits Required: 30
- Total Program Tuition: $10,500
- Learning Modalities: Independent Study & Directed Study
- Program Duration: Can be completed in as little as 12 months, and must be completed within 5 years
Required Course Materials
Each program has a list of required textbooks and resources for its courses. Textbook information, including titles, authors, and ISBNs, is updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Before purchasing materials, we recommend confirming the list with Student Support or reviewing your course syllabus in the e-learning platform.
Resources and Support
At WHTU, your success is supported at every stage of your academic journey. From advising and career planning to writing help and technical support, our student services are designed to meet the unique needs of online learners. Explore the full range of resources available to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
What Sets WHTU’s MPA Apart?
Our MPA curriculum is grounded in a comprehensive approach to public service education, blending theory with practical application. Students learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world insights from government, nonprofit, and private sector roles. Whether pursuing a leadership position in government, driving initiatives in a nonprofit, or influencing policy at the international level, graduates leave prepared to lead with integrity, accountability, and a focus on impact.
Explore Further
The MPA program at WHTU is designed to help students make a tangible difference in the world. Whether you’re pursuing career advancement, transitioning into public service, or aiming to influence policy and governance, this program provides the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.