Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Are you ready to make a difference?

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree draws on its historic and enduring strengths in local government and public management to prepare students to manage and lead public-serving organizations, especially at the state and local levels. The program is dedicated to cultivating the ethics, knowledge, critical thinking, and professional skills needed to serve diverse communities.

The KU MPA achieves its mission by:

• Providing high-quality professional education that instills in students the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to lead public and non-profit organizations.
• Conducting policy and management research that speaks to contemporary social issues and topics of relevance to the field.
• Fostering and modeling public service values—social equity, sustainability, transparency, accountability, and respect for democracy—in teaching, research, and service to the professional community.
• Recruiting and retaining students with diverse backgrounds who show the passion and potential for leadership in public service.

Accessible and Convenient MPA Options

Whether you're launching a public service career or looking to move up in your current role, the KU Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is built to fit your life. You can study full-time or part-time, on campus in Lawrence, Kansas, or fully online through Jayhawk Online with a mix of live (synchronous) and on-your-schedule (asynchronous) classes.

• Evening classes are offered once a week starting at 6:00 p.m., with accelerated options available in Summer and early Spring. You can start in Summer, Fall, or Spring, and complete the degree in as few as 5 semesters or take up to 7 years, if needed.

• If you’re passionate about local government, check out our #1-ranked City Management Fellowship program.

The 40-credit hour MPA curriculum is structured to give you a strong foundation, deeper application in in-demand public service areas, freedom to explore further, and opportunity to reflect on how your experiences, skills, and knowledge will take you into the next chapter of your public service story.  Learn more about the curriculum and the options in store for you in the Academic Catalog. 

The KU Master of Public Administration program combines theoretically grounded coursework and practical application to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to lead, innovate, and problem-solve in public and nonprofit settings.

• Our 40-credit hour program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
• Through specially designed coursework, students learn to:
  • Lead and manage in public governance.
  • Participate in and contribute to the public policy process.
  • Analyze, synthesize, think creatively, solve problems, and make decisions.
  • Articulate and apply public service perspectives.
  • Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Students in our MPA specialize in:

• City and County Management - Students specifically interested in local government management are encouraged to apply to our #1 ranked City Management Fellowship program.
• Performance Management.
• Public Policy.
• Public/Nonprofit Management.
• Urban Planning.

Learn more about our curriculum and advancing your career with an MPA from KU.

Graduation rate and employment statistics