Master of Public Administration

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Master of Public Administration Degree at a Glance

 

Earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the John Lewis Public Administration Program at Tulane SoPA will prepare you to enter the field as a leader and address critical societal challenges we face today and into the future. With an MPA from Tulane SoPA, you will build upon your professional and volunteer experiences and be equipped with the expertise, knowledge, and skills you'll need to help create thriving communities. Find out how SoPA’s online MPA program can help you strengthen your community and reach your career goals.

 

TRANSFER

Transfer up to nine credits of graduate level courses to your program and earn your degree for less.

 

FACULTY

Nationally recognized faculty who practice what they teach and help you succeed beyond the classroom.

 

LOCATION

Flexible online courses that match your schedule. Accelerate your career without putting your life on pause.

 

BENEFITS

Course credit for experience and 20% tuition discounts available.

ADMISSIONS

Rolling admissions. No test scores. No recommendations. Four start dates. We make the admission process easy.

What You Will Learn While Earning Your Degree in Public Administration

  • Public Policy Analysis and Implementation
  • Organizational Management and Leadership
  • Public Finance and Budgeting
  • Ethics and Public Accountability

  • Technology and Civic Sector Leadership
  • Data-Informed Leadership, Management, and Decision-Making
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Public Service
  • Budgeting and Financial Management

The School of Professional Advancement awards the Master of Public Administration degree following the successful completion of 12 graduate courses, including six core courses, five electives (which may be in an area of concentration), and one capstone course. Students must also complete a residency in New Orleans. A listing of required courses can be found here.

John Lewis receives an honorary degree

Learn When, Where, and How You Want

Tulane SoPA MPA concentrations and certificates offer opportunities to develop specialized expertise in the areas within your field that matter most to you. Our online coursework provides you the flexibility to balance school with work, family, and other commitments in your daily life. Browse the MPA program’s YouTube playlist for more information about potential career pathways and applying to Tulane SoPA.

 

Faculty Who Practice What They Teach

Our program faculty brings decades of on-the-ground, impactful work throughout the local and national community to the classroom. Learn from leaders with influential roles and experience in the nonprofit sector, education, law, economics, philanthropy, infrastructure development, and more. Our public administration instructors are committed to helping you develop as a critical thinker and leader while promoting a more equitable society.

At Tulane SoPA, mentorship goes beyond the classroom. Build a strong professional network with both your classmates and instructors that extends throughout your career.

 

Halima Leak Francis

SoPA Faculty Feature

“The mission of our program is to prepare forward-thinking, responsive, and ethical public service professionals to effectively lead within a diverse and ever-changing civic sector.”

Halima Leak Francis, Ph.D.
John Lewis Public Administration
Program Director

MEET DR. LEAK FRANCIS

Cultivate Your Career Around Your Passions

Careers in public service span government, nonprofits, and the private sector, providing graduates with the significant potential to make positive, long-lasting contributions to your community and society as a whole. In a dynamic field, keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date is crucial; many public service professionals work with multiple organizations over the course of their careers, and the encompassing combination of knowledge and skills obtained through SoPA's MPA program furthers opportunities for change and growth throughout graduates' careers. Whether you're interested in public infrastructure and governance, nonprofit leadership, public/private partnerships, or data analytics, an MPA from SoPA can help you pursue whichever path you choose.

With a Tulane SoPA MPA, you’ll be ready to apply for various public service leadership positions, including:

  • Local, state, or federal government manager
  • Nonprofit or philanthropic organization executive
  • Government, nonprofit, or private consulting firm policy research analyst
  • Program evaluator in government, nonprofits, or the private sector
  • Government or private sector data manager
  • Public finance manager or analyst
  • Corporate responsibility manager
  • Public affairs specialist

mia blom

SoPA Student Spotlight

“Tulane SoPA was intentional about making sure that people who have not had an opportunity before, can get the opportunity to compete.”

Mia Blom

MEET MIA
NLC

 

Our Partnership with the NLC

We’re proud to work with the National League of Cities (NLC) to provide municipal leaders from across the country with valuable educational experiences. Our Master of Public Administration program will help them develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to better serve their communities. NLC members who complete the “Leading Through Disruption” program are eligible to receive up to six credits toward an MPA from Tulane SoPA, as well as discounted tuition. For more information, contact the MPA program director, Dr. Halima Leak-Francis.

NASPAA

 

Our Partnership with the NASPAA

The MPA program is proud to be a member of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. NASPAA is the Global Standard in Public Service Education and has over 300 institutional member schools at U.S. and non-U.S. universities that award degrees in public administration, public policy, public affairs, nonprofit and related fields.

Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online

Relevant Curriculum

Courses cover community resilience, civic modernization in education, environmental management, public safety, and economic development.

Innovative Online & On-Campus Courses

We don’t teach with boring PowerPoint presentations. We’ve developed the most interactive courses around.

Student Experience

Access resources and opportunities including an in-person residency, internships, and our student chapter of ICMA.

Career Guidance & Academic Advising

Navigate degree requirements and prepare for the workforce with help from our academic advisors and career counselor.

Tuition and Aid

Tulane SoPA is more affordable than traditional private university tuition. With limited fees and a 20% tuition discount (if qualified), cost is on par with many state schools.

All tuition is charged by the credit hour and we have minimal fees. Visit our tuition page to see our current tuition rates and use our net price calculator.

We strive to make higher education affordable by offering 20% discounts, financial aid, and credit for work and life experience. Learn about financial aid, discounts and scholarship opportunities to fund your master's in Public Administration today.

Admissions

Apply anytime—no test scores or letters of recommendation are required.

To be considered for admission to the MPA or Graduate Certificate program, a prospective graduate student must have:

  • Earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution prior to the first semester of proposed graduate study.
  • At least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in undergraduate coursework; students with grade point averages below 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission, provided they demonstrate significant professional experience in a relevant field.

Applications to the program must include the following:

  • Two statements discussing the applicant’s interest, relevant experience, and perspectives on the field.
  • Official transcripts from each college attended.

Applicants may be conditionally admitted and allowed to take one class in their first semester, in which a B or better must be earned to be fully admitted to the program. Students who do not have a 3.0 grade point average in their undergraduate coursework but possess sufficient professional experience may be admitted conditionally into the program.

Students in good standing may petition to transfer a maximum of nine credit hours (three courses) of graduate coursework from other colleges or universities to the MPA degree. However, only courses completed up to five years before enrollment in the MPA program and with final grades of B's or better may be considered for transfer credit.

A Unique “Stackable” Certificate Program

To accommodate busy schedules, we also offer graduate certificates that offer credits you can use toward an MPA. By completing just four online courses, you can be one step closer to earning your master's degree.

Graduate Certificate in Economic Development
Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Resilience
Graduate Certificate in Equity-Centered Education Leadership
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Strategic Philanthropy Management

If you'd like to focus your studies on preparing underserved communities for natural disasters, issues of national security, and other unforeseen risks, we also offer a concentration within our MPA program in Emergency Management. Each course you take in this concentration will be applied to your MPA.

Admissions Deadlines

JAN 1

Spring Semester

MAY 1

Summer Session I

JUN 1

Summer Session II

AUG 1

Fall Semester

APPLY NOW

Earn Your Degree in Public Administration at Tulane SoPA

Interested in putting your skills to work for your future? Start your application today to earn your degree in Public Administration from a world-renowned university.

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