Public Administration
The Public Administration Master’s program at Pennsylvania University is a dynamic, one-year graduate degree designed to prepare future leaders for impactful roles across government, nonprofit, and public-sector organizations. Built on principles of governance, ethics, and effective management, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of how public institutions function and how to lead them with accountability, innovation, and strategic foresight. Students engage with pressing societal issues such as policy design, fiscal responsibility, public sector reform, and community engagement, all through an interdisciplinary lens.
Throughout the full-time, on-campus experience, students are immersed in both theoretical frameworks and applied practice, working on real-world cases and simulations that mirror current public challenges. Faculty members with backgrounds in government, law, political science, and administration offer students direct insight into the decision-making processes that shape public policy and service delivery. The program is ideal for early-career professionals and aspiring public managers who are committed to ethical governance and measurable public impact.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Public Administration
- Degree Type: Master of Public Administration
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Location: University of Pennsylvania, United States
- Field of Study: Public Administration
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Core Foundations in Public Leadership
- Principles of Public Administration and Governance
- Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation
- Budgeting and Financial Management in the Public Sector
- Organizational Theory and Public Sector Management
Semester 2 – Strategy, Ethics, and Practice
- Leadership and Ethics in Public Institutions
- Strategic Planning and Performance Measurement
- Public Administration Practicum / Field Project
- Capstone Seminar: Policy Innovation and Civic Impact
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this Master of Public Administration program are well-prepared for leadership positions in municipal, state, and federal government agencies, as well as in nonprofit organizations, international NGOs, policy think tanks, and public-private partnerships. Roles may include city managers, policy analysts, program evaluators, grant administrators, and public affairs officers, with responsibilities ranging from managing budgets and supervising teams to shaping legislation and implementing social programs. The program’s applied focus and emphasis on accountability ensure that graduates are not only effective administrators but also trusted stewards of public resources. Additionally, the MPA opens pathways to doctoral study or specialized careers in urban planning, healthcare administration, or international development. As public systems evolve to meet new challenges, there is rising demand for professionals who combine ethical leadership with strategic competence—and this program delivers exactly that.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers a unique combination of practical governance training, policy-focused education, and leadership development, all within a compact one-year structure ideal for ambitious professionals. With access to experienced faculty and a curriculum grounded in real-world challenges, students gain tools they can apply immediately to public service environments. The university’s strong connections with government agencies and nonprofits ensure valuable networking and internship opportunities, while the hands-on practicum allows students to directly impact communities through applied work. For those who are passionate about driving equitable and effective change in the public sphere, this program provides the skills, insight, and platform to become leaders who not only manage systems—but reshape them for the better.
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
