International
The International Master of Public Administration program at Pennsylvania University is a one-year, full-time graduate degree that prepares students to understand and influence global public affairs in an increasingly interconnected world. Combining public management training with international relations, global governance, and policy analysis, the program develops leaders equipped to navigate complex international challenges such as migration, climate diplomacy, conflict resolution, and multilateral cooperation. Students explore how public institutions function across borders and how global policies shape local realities.
With a curriculum rooted in public administration and global policy studies, students build expertise in diplomacy, international law, public finance, and development strategy. Faculty with backgrounds in international affairs, economics, and political science guide students through case studies, simulations, and field-based projects. The program fosters cross-cultural competence and policy literacy through a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach designed for those who aspire to shape international agendas and strengthen public institutions on a global scale.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: International
- Degree Type: Master of Public Administration
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: International Relations
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Global Public Administration Foundations
- International Governance and Multilateral Institutions
- Comparative Public Management and Reform
- Global Public Finance and Budgeting
- Policy Analysis and International Decision-Making
Semester 2 – Diplomacy, Strategy, and Global Impact
- International Law and Human Rights
- Conflict, Security, and Peacebuilding Policy
- Development Policy and Transnational Challenges
- Capstone Project: Global Policy Strategy and Implementation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue impactful careers in international organizations, diplomatic services, NGOs, policy think tanks, and global consulting firms. Common roles include foreign affairs analysts, international policy advisors, program managers, development consultants, and multilateral engagement officers. These professionals contribute to shaping global policy responses, coordinating cross-border partnerships, and advising on international regulations. Employers include United Nations agencies, international development banks, government ministries of foreign affairs, and global nonprofits. The program’s focus on applied skills and policy strategy also prepares graduates for roles in climate governance, migration policy, humanitarian coordination, and peace and security efforts. With global systems under increasing pressure, there is strong demand for public leaders who can build consensus, manage international programs, and bring evidence-based approaches to complex global issues.
Why Choose This Program
This program delivers a powerful combination of international relations theory, public administration practice, and global problem-solving tools, ideal for those who seek to lead in transnational contexts. The one-year structure enables students to gain focused, intensive training without delaying their professional goals. Learners benefit from expert faculty, real-world case engagement, and institutional partnerships that offer insight into current global challenges. The program also emphasizes ethical leadership, diplomatic negotiation, and cross-cultural collaboration—skills essential in today’s interconnected policy environments. Whether your aim is to influence global agendas, work in international institutions, or support public innovation across borders, this program equips you with the strategic insight, cultural fluency, and professional capacity to lead with global impact.
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
