College of Social Sciences and Humanities
Networked for Success. Networked for Industry.
Networked for Life.
MASTER OF
“The public and
nonprofit worlds need
individuals who can
lead and manage at the
same time—who can
inspire, build, persuade,
and implement. These
are the skills we help our
students acquire in the
MPA program.”
—Professor Michael S. Dukakis,Former Governor of Massachusetts and
THE PROGRAM
MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Northeastern’s Master of Public Administration program has been forming leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors since 1969. Our students come from a wide range of industries, but are united by a common commitment to public service. The program provides students with in-depth skills in budgeting and human resources, organizational management and leadership, and norms of ethics and accountability. The program’s unique, interdisciplinary, and customizable curriculum creates capable managers and effective leaders, and allows students to prepare to innovate in a diverse range of fields.
Master of Public Administration students have access to the wider community of Northeastern’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, adding dimension to their experience and broadening opportunities for interdisciplinary work. Students also have the ability to participate in applied research with government and community partners, create social change, and address the emerging challenges affecting the quality of life in cities through several on-campus research labs and centers— The Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, The Resilient Cities Lab, and The Social Impact Lab.
THE EXPERIENCE
The Northeastern Network
The Northeastern University network spans the globe, and includes over 3,000 employer partners and more than 200,000 alumni. Our MPA has a particularly strong alumni base, giving students ample opportunities to connect through networking receptions, career panels, and much more. MPA students from around the world also have access to all of our campus resources, including our research library, career services, and various conferences and presentations. Whatever their location, all of Northeastern’s students graduate prepared and Networked for Life.
The Faculty
Northeastern’s Master of Public Administration program is taught by respected faculty who are also senior leaders in fields of public service. They bring their extensive experience to the classroom, giving students firsthand knowledge of current industry projects and best practices. Faculty advisers think cohesively about each student’s pathway, ensuring that your MPA curriculum matches your individual passions and career goals. These dedicated faculty members will assure that your education is rigorous, current, and relevant.
The Capstone and Internship Experiences
The capstone and internship experiences allow students to apply what they have learned, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the tools and skills to thrive in the public and nonprofit sectors. All students complete a Capstone project, working with real clients on challenging policy and management problems. Students with less than one year of related full-time work experience also complete a 300-hour internship for academic credit, which offers experience in planning, research, policy development, and other administrative aspects in a public or nonprofit organization.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The pressing challenges in the current public and nonprofit sectors are creating significant demand for those with effective analytical, leadership, and managerial skills who also have a passion for serving the public good. Northeastern’s Master of Public Administration prepares students to develop these skills and to innovate in the public and nonprofit sectors. Northeastern’s global network gives students access to numerous resources that enhance the academic and professional experience, including alumni connections and several top-ranked research centers right on campus.
Our Master of Public Administration graduates are empowered to make a difference across disciplines and around the world. Students leave Northeastern with the theoretical and fundamental understanding needed to transition into their careers and also to immediately participate in and contribute to the policy process in their chosen public or nonprofit field.
“ Northeastern truly prepared me for my career. I gained a deep
understanding for what it would be like to work for a municipal
government, and I was still able to work while I was in the
program. The access to faculty was excellent and allowed me
to tailor my degree to my own interests.”
THE OPTIONS
Three Outstanding Cities
The Master of Public Administration is offered in three vibrant cities which boast opportunities that are perfectly in line with the program.
Boston is the home of Northeastern’s main campus, a city known as a global hub for higher learning and service. Boston’s MPA is offered in a hybrid or on-campus format, with courses scheduled after 5 p.m. to accommodate working professionals.
Charlotte is home to one of Northeastern’s graduate campuses, and the city is at the center of global business. Charlotte’s MPA is offered in a hybrid format.
Seattle is Northeastern’s West Coast campus for graduate studies, a city with strong ties to innovation. Seattle’s MPA is offered in a hybrid format.
A Virtual Campus
Our MPA is also available 100-percent online, allowing students from around the world to take advantage of our challenging classes and expert faculty. This flexible option is based on the same vibrant curriculum as our hybrid and on-campus versions.
One Innovative University
Whichever option you choose, Northeastern’s Master of Public Administration delivers the same rigorous academics, experienced faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and industry experience. With the support of our global network of employer partners, connected alumni, and dedicated faculty, the program enables students to successfully build their careers while maintaining their lives.
Required Core Courses
Budgeting and Financial Management Economic Analysis and Institutions Institutional Leadership and the Public Manager
Organizational Theory and Management Principles of Public Administration Public Personnel Administration Quantitative Techniques Techniques of Policy Analysis
Capstone Experience
Capstone Project
Internship
300-Hour Internship in the Field
Sample Elective Courses
Administrative Ethics and Public Management
Functions and Techniques of Public Management
The Nonprofit Sector in Civil Society Problems in Metropolitan Policymaking Program Evaluation
Graduate Certificate Options
Data Science
Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy and Social Change
Public Policy Analysis Urban Informatics Urban Studies
THE CURRICULUM
An Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Northeastern’s Master of Public Administration is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) and is dedicated to helping students develop the unique skills they need to become leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students gain a solid set of managerial and leadership skills through the required core, and are able to customize their elective choices to match their personal career goals. Students with special areas of interest can also choose electives that will earn them an additional certificate in a related subject area at no additional cost.
THE NEXT STEP
Apply
If you’re ready to make a difference in your life—and the world— apply to Northeastern’s Master of Public Administration.
To access our online application, go to northeastern.edu/mpa
Application Requirements
To apply to the program, you must have:
> A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher To complete the application process, you must submit:
> Unofficial transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate institutions
> A personal statement
> Three letters of recommendation > A resumé
> International applicants must also provide proof of English language proficiency
For more information, please contact: Thomas J. Vicino, PhD Director, MPA Program [email protected] northeastern.edu/mpa
