University of Minnesota

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Public Affairs

Format: Campus, Online

Program Description:

The Master of Public Affairs degree is designed for mid-career professionals with 10 years or more of professional experience who want to advance their skills in public and nonprofit leadership, management, and policy analysis.

The core curriculum emphasizes leadership and policymaking theory, analysis, and practice. Students complete their degrees by designing a concentration based on the knowledge base and skills they need to further their career goals.

The framework of the MPA program is flexible and efficient. We offer a blended classroom/online cohort model that allows students to complete the first 12 credits in 8 months (one week in August, and one F/Sa per month September through April).

Classes are offered during the day, evening, some weekends, and over the summer. It’s adaptable to family, work, and other responsibilities. The majority of MPA students take one or two classes at a time while continuing to work full-time. Because of this schedule, 90 percent of MPA students complete the master's degree in less than three years. You can complete the program in one calendar year (fall, spring, summer, in that order) by attending full-time.

We understand your concerns about going back to school when you already are on a career track or have been away from academic pursuits for many years. We—and your fellow students—will help you every step of the way. Yes, returning to school and balancing other commitments is challenging. But if career advancement, change, and rejuvenation or deepening your capacity to bring effective solutions to public problems is your goal, then the Humphrey School is the right choice. And the MPA is the right degree.

Intended for working professionals, the MPA is offered in both a hybrid and traditional classroom format. The hybrid program allows students to complete 12 credits of the 16 credit core through a combination of on-campus and online sessions.

Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Eligibility Requirements:

• A four year bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. university or foreign equivalent

• At least 10 years of post baccalaureate professional work experience. Pre-baccalaureate experience may be considered for applicants with a significant gap (15 years or more) between completion of high school and college.

• Academic achievement

• Engagement in public affairs

• Leadership talent, ability to work effectively in teams, and conceptual and analytic thinking

• English language competence. If English is not your native language, you must pass the TOEFL or IELTS exam with a minimum score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), 100 (internet-based, minimum 22 on each section), or 7 for the IELTS. TOEFL or IELTS scores must be less than two years old.

• Competency in MS Excel and Word

# of Credits Required:

30

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

1123 (MN); 1174 (non-MN) USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Fringe Rural Area

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999