Academics / Graduate Programs

Master of Public Administration

Prepare to serve as a leader in public service.

Promote progress in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors by earning a Master of Public Administration degree. Gain a diverse and flexible skill set that will prepare you for leadership in nonprofit agencies, government offices, and private businesses worldwide.


Beginning in the Fall of 2027, students can complete their coursework for the Master of Public Administration in as few as 36 credit hours. The curriculum offers a rigorous yet focused course of study that MPA students can complete in just three full-time terms. With core courses offered each term, students can feel confident enrolling whenever they're ready— beginning their degree and seamlessly engaging with the SPIA community in either the spring or fall semester.

*Please note: Updated plans of study for the new 36-credit Energy & Environment, Governance & International Public Management, Public & Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, and Social & Urban Policy concentrations can be found here. Current students enrolled prior to Fall 2027 should refer to the existing 48-credit plan of study for their program. 

Professional Skills

  • Neighborhood development
  • Data interpretation
  • Advocacy for effective local government
  • Ethical leadership
  • Responsible business practices
  • Critical thinking and problem solving

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Joint Degrees

You can pursue two graduate degrees simultaneously through our joint degree partnerships with other professional schools at the University of Pittsburgh and with Kobe University in Japan. This approach reduces the number of credits needed for both degrees and helps shorten your time to graduation.

 

  • MPA/Law Degree (JD)
  • MPA/Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • MPA/Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS)
  • MPA/Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Joint degree through Kobe University in Japan
  • MPA/Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (MQE)
Employment Data – Class of 2024

Employment outcomes are reported based on data collected up to one year post-graduation. Current data reflects the Class of 2024.

29%
Local/State Government
10%
Federal Government
38%
Nonprofit/NGO
14%
Private

Success by the Numbers

The career paths of our graduates are as diverse as the members of our community. See how their successes play out in the numbers.

 

MPA Accreditation Data

  • Cohort: Fall 2018
  • Initially enrolled: 35
  • Graduated in two years: 71%
  • Graduated in four years: 91%