Government Administration (Exec)
The Executive Master of Public Administration in Government Administration at Pennsylvania University is a two-year blended program tailored for professionals with significant public sector experience who aspire to elevate their leadership and policy-making skills. Designed with flexibility and real-world applicability in mind, the program combines online coursework with periodic in-person residencies, enabling participants to balance academic advancement with their ongoing professional responsibilities. Through a curriculum focused on governance, strategy, and policy analysis, students explore the inner workings of public institutions while developing innovative solutions to complex administrative challenges.
Participants engage in collaborative learning environments alongside fellow public officials, senior administrators, and policy professionals from diverse sectors. The program emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, providing a deep understanding of public finance, ethics, strategic management, and intergovernmental relations. Faculty members with backgrounds in both academia and government bring invaluable insight to the classroom, enriching discussions with case studies and field-based perspectives. Graduates leave the program equipped not only with advanced knowledge but also with the leadership capacity and political acuity required to drive impact within local, national, or international public service contexts.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Government Administration (Exec)
- Degree Type: Master of Public Administration
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, Blended
- Application Deadline: 01 April 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Public Administration
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Executive Public Management
- Principles of Public Administration
- Public Ethics and Accountability
- Governmental Financial Management
- Organizational Theory and Leadership
Semester 2 – Policy Design and Strategic Implementation
- Strategic Planning and Performance
- Public Policy Analysis
- Administrative Law and Regulation
- Residency I: Executive Skills Workshop
Semester 3 – Advanced Governance and Collaboration
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Data-Driven Public Decision-Making
- Public Sector Innovation
- Residency II: Case-Based Policy Seminar
Semester 4 – Capstone and Professional Leadership
- Global Public Administration Perspectives
- Executive Leadership in Government
- Capstone Project in Public Administration
- Residency III: Leadership Integration and Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this executive program are well-positioned to take on high-level roles in federal, state, and local governments, intergovernmental organizations, public policy think tanks, and international development agencies. The program prepares professionals for positions such as city manager, policy director, agency administrator, or senior advisor, where they can influence public policy, streamline administration, and manage large-scale government operations. Additionally, many graduates serve as elected officials or executive consultants, using their academic and practical expertise to navigate the political landscape and guide policy implementation. The interdisciplinary and leadership-focused training ensures they are equipped to lead with clarity, adapt to political shifts, and promote ethical governance in increasingly complex public systems.
Why Choose This Program
This executive-format program offers a unique opportunity for experienced public service professionals to strengthen their strategic vision, expand their policy influence, and develop advanced leadership skills without interrupting their careers. By blending flexible online coursework with immersive on-campus residencies, the program provides both depth and practicality, allowing learners to apply new knowledge immediately in their roles. With its focus on executive-level governance, ethical leadership, and innovation, the program creates a space for critical reflection and impactful learning. For those seeking to lead meaningful change in public administration and address pressing societal challenges with competence and conviction, this program delivers the tools, connections, and credibility needed to lead with distinction.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 215 898 5000
Email: admissions@upenn.edu
Address: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
