Public Administration

Overview

This graduate program leads to the Master of Public Administration (MPA), a professional degree designed to prepare students for management careers in the public and nonprofit sectors.

SIUE’s nationally accredited MPA program serves two types of students:

Pre-service students who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to use the master’s degree to gain entry into a professional career track
In-service students who have worked for several years in the public or nonprofit sector, but wish to pursue graduate education to enhance or upgrade their skills and knowledge

The program is offered by the Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis.

Program Format

Offered in two convenient course formats, the MPA degree may be earned in as little as 12 months.

Fully Online: All coursework is completed online. Students will use a consistent online learning platform for seamless transition between courses.
Hybrid: This option includes face-to-face, online and blended courses. Students utilize online learning tools combined with classroom experiences to complete the program.

Please note that international students are not eligible to receive a student visa for this program.

Accreditation

Certificate of Accreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)

Globally, only 202 programs have successfully met the standards set for NASPAA accreditation.

What can I do with a degree in public administration?

All industries benefit from strong leadership, which makes graduates of MPA programs in high demand. Historically, graduates of SIUE’s MPA program have been very competitive in the job market, and many benefit from the department’s strong network with employers in Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Employment opportunities include:

City manager
Finance director
Policy analyst
Department head in the public sector
Administrator in the nonprofit sector
Healthcare administrator
Military staff and line commander
Police/fire chief
Recreation director
Museum director
Social service staff and/or manager

MPA graduates are also employed in a number of state and federal agencies, including:

Illinois State Police
Illinois Secretary of State Police
Department of Homeland Security
Housing and Urban Development
Department of Justice

Local and state governments are among the largest employers in the economy and job prospects are favorable. Job growth will stem from the rising demand for services at the local and state level, particularly demand for public safety and health services. Two factors are fueling the growth of these services:

Increasing population
Assumption of responsibility by local and state governments for services previously provided by the federal government

Local and state jobs, however, are susceptible to budgetary constraints, which is why advanced degrees are highly recommended in order to compete.