The University of Kansas

Prepare for a career in public administration that will make a difference.

Earning your Master of Public Administration (MPA) from KU prepares you to manage and lead public-serving organizations, especially at the state and local levels. This program specializes in the ethics, knowledge, critical thinking, and professional skills needed to serve diverse communities, combining theoretically grounded coursework and practical application to produce graduates who can lead, innovate, and problem-solve in public and nonprofit settings.

Become an expert in public policy and a leader in your field.

The Master of Public Administration program at the University of Kansas instills in students the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to lead public and nonprofit organizations. Students study contemporary social issues while learning to foster and model public service values — including social equity, sustainability, transparency, accountability, and respect for democracy.

Our 43-credit hour program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). The curriculum allows students to specialize in city and county management, performance management, public policy, public/nonprofit management, and urban planning. By the end of your coursework, you will learn to lead and manage in public governance; participate in and contribute to the public policy process; analyze, synthesize, think creatively, and make decisions; articulate and apply public service perspectives; and communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

The renowned faculty of the KU School of Public Affairs and Administration will be your instructors, mentors, and collaborators. As a student, you have access to local internship and employment opportunities, public service professional development programs, and our nationwide network of public service leaders.

Now is your chance to be a part of one of the top graduate public affairs programs in the nation. Find out more about the application process and deadlines by contacting an admissions coordinator and begin your pathway to advancing your career with KU.