Advance your opportunities in the public sector and become the confident and influential leader you were called to be.
PLNU’s Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) is designed for individuals committed to making a positive impact in their communities through public service. Our fully online asynchronous program offers a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences through mentorship from faculty that are scholar-practitioners, ensuring that each graduate is equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead with integrity and effectiveness in the public and non-profit sectors.
An MPA will equip you to expand your leadership opportunities in a variety of organizations, building vital skills such as:
- Management
- Policymaking
- Public communication
- Government relations
- Planning and development
- And more!
All students will complete a capstone project working on active policy initiatives with highly regarded local organizations.
Program Features:
- Dedication to Public Service: Our curriculum emphasizes collaborative and ethical leadership, preparing students to navigate complex public service environments while upholding the highest standards of integrity.
- Integrated Management Approaches: Students will learn to combine management techniques across fiscal and human resources, policy formulation, and program administration. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates can enhance service provision in both governmental and non-profit organizations.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from leaders deeply connected to San Diego organizations. All faculty for this program are both scholars and practitioners in the public, nonprofit, and social sectors, with expertise in government relations, statistics, cross-sector collaborations, and more.
- Evidence-Based Solutions: The program equips students to deliver thorough analyses and develop corresponding solutions to pressing societal issues, with a strong focus on public policy considerations.
- Commitment to Equity: We are dedicated to fostering cultural responsiveness and equity in all aspects of public administration. Students will engage with diverse populations and learn to implement inclusive practices in their professional endeavors.
Fully online leadership learning
Through this flexible online program, you can become a thoughtful, innovative, and effective leader in administration. You’ll gain the skills to progress your career in the public sector in a study format that fits with your schedule. Earning an online master’s can expand your opportunities without interrupting the responsibilities you’ve been called to.
This online program gives you the flexibility to learn when and where you want. You can complete coursework in the comfort of your home, favorite coffee shop, or local library while choosing a study schedule that works best for you.
Mentorship and support
Benefit from an exceptional level of personal mentorship and support from an interdisciplinary program faculty — helping you really do it, not just know it.
You’ll work in a collaborative learning environment that will provide you the opportunity to develop a professional and personal network of people who share your goals. You will also use technology to test team building and communication skills, a dynamic that mirrors what you will experience outside the classroom in the marketplace.
Build an impactful future
Whether you’re deeply involved in the public sector or looking to shift into a career with big impacts, the Public Administration M.A. will give you the skills and confidence to be an adaptive, creative leader in a variety of sectors.
This degree can significantly enhance career prospects in public service, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noting that positions in management and leadership roles within government and non-profit sectors often require or prefer candidates with advanced degrees. The BLS links higher earning potential to higher educational attainment. Additionally, the BLS projects growth in public administration-related fields, particularly in areas like urban planning, health services management, and social services, where the demand for skilled leaders is increasing.
