Master of Public Administration and Affairs (Online or On Campus)
Similar to an MPA, our unique public administration and public affairs master’s degree prepares you for leadership roles in public administration, public policy and community service.
Earn a Master’s Degree That Empowers You to Make a Difference
Every academic program at Merrimack College reflects our decades-long tradition of socially aware, civically engaged education. The Master of Public Administration and Affairs builds on this heritage, providing you with the tools to help your community govern itself effectively, respond to challenges, maintain a high quality of life and promote high ethical and moral values.
Our public affairs master’s program resembles a traditional Master of Public Administration (MPA), but it takes a broader perspective than the usual MPA degree. In addition to studying government administration and public policy, you’ll also develop expertise in nonprofit management, community outreach, philanthropy and other kinds of active citizenship. With its well-rounded approach, the public administration and public affairs master’s degree prepares you for a wide range of leadership roles in all kinds of organizations.
You can apply our public administration and affairs master’s program to tackle almost any challenge confronting society, including (but not limited to):
- Health care
- Immigration
- Economic development
- Education
- Finance
- Workforce development
- Environmental and climate issues
- Social services
- Gender equity
- Public safety
- Housing
- Urban renewal
New! Online Master of Public Administration and Affairs
Since its inception, the on campus Master in Public Administration and Affairs program at Merrimack College has earned a reputation as one of the area’s best master’s programs. Now, you can also choose to complete the program online! Whichever modality you pick, you’ll benefit from the same rigor, expert faculty, and close-knit community. Read on to discover which option is right for you.
What the on campus and online graduate programs have in common:
- The same rigorous curriculum, with all classes taught by Merrimack’s expert faculty
- Requires 32 credit hours to complete
- Earn your M.P.A. full-time in as little as 1 year, or study part-time at your own pace
- Optional concentrations in Government Management and Public Policy
- Offers entry terms in the spring, summer, and fall
- Provides Merrimack alumni with a streamlined application process (transcript and letters of recommendation requirements are waived)
Differences between the on campus and online master’s degree:
|
|
On Campus M.P.A. Program |
Online M.P.A. Program |
|
Course Format |
Classroom, synchronous |
Online, asynchronous |
|
Semester Length |
14 weeks |
8 weeks |
|
Tuition* (per credit) |
$1,028 |
$781 |
|
Tuition* (total) |
$32,896 |
$24,992 |
|
Fellowships Available |
Presidential Fellowships (full tuition) and Provost Fellowships (half tuition) |
None |
|
Automatic Scholarship Eligibility |
Deans Scholarship (up to 20% of tuition); Double Warrior Alumni Scholarship (up to 33% of tuition) |
None |
* Tuition indicated is for the 2022-23 academic year and subject to change. Please visit of Graduate Tuition and Fees page for the most up to date and complete cost of attendance information.
Learning Outcomes: What You Will Learn in the Master’s of Public Administration and Public Policy
Whether you choose the online or on campus MPA degree, you will gain a foundation in public administration theory and research with an emphasis on practical applications. Upon completing the program, you will have developed:
- An Understanding of Public Administration: You will understand the roles and responsibilities of key actors in public administration and the framework of public administration under the law; analyze and critique concepts and realities of public service; understand the importance of diverse viewpoints and populations in the public sphere; will be able to exhibit a knowledge of leadership and management skill in public administration; and will present the role of public financial management and budgeting in a public setting.
- Policy Expertise and Understanding of the Policy Process: You will understand the dynamics and implications of policy making, from development to implementation and evaluation; identify problems and challenges in policy making; assess and evaluate policy effects. In addition, you will understand the important relationship between policy and diversity, and the impact that relationship has on the public work force and the public at large.
- Research Skills and Practices: You will develop the capacity to conduct ethical, responsible, and appropriate research using a variety of methodologies to answer questions in public administration and affairs; will conduct research will analyze and interpret results; and will disseminate results appropriately.
- Communication, Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills: You will develop the ability to identify problems and possible solutions; critically incorporate and synthesize information from a variety of perspectives; analyze information to determine possible solutions to problems and comparative outcomes; and effectively communicate that understanding through oral and written proficiency.
- Diversity and Ethical Frameworks for Public Service: You will understand and be able to identify a variety of ethical frameworks; will be able to apply ethical frameworks to a variety of settings; and, will develop an awareness of public service ethics and responsibilities. Included is an understanding of the importance of diverse viewpoints and populations in the public sector.
“I got real hands-on experience in the field I want to be in. It supported what I learned in the classroom, and it gave me so many connections in the world of state policy.”
- Ian Burns, MPA ’19
Careers in Public Administration, Public Policy and Civil Society
The U.S. Bureau of Labors Statistics (BLS) projects rapid job growth over the next decade in public administration, public policy, community service and related fields.
Like a master of public administration or similar degree, our Master of Public Administration and Public Affairs will qualify you to exercise leadership in executive, managerial or supervisory positions. Merrimack graduates work in public administration jobs throughout the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Our alumni have gone to work for employers such as:
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
- Massachusetts State House
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- City of North Andover
- Town of Andover
- GroundWork (a Lawrence, MA nonprofit)
- F.H. Cann and Associates
- Stantec Consulting Services
- Port Healthcare Center
- Greene LLP
- Hampton, NH Police Department
- Merrimack College
Want to Learn More about the Master of Public Administration and Public Affairs?
Schedule an Informational Call with the Program Director, Dr. Brad Miller
You may also contact the Merrimack College Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@merrimack.edu.