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Public Administration

  Affordable Tuition |   No Test Scores |   Rolling Admission |   Three Start Dates |   Expert Faculty

The John Lewis Public Administration Program

The John Lewis Public Administration Program & Center for Applied Research is community–responsive, results–driven, and impact–focused. Our program features graduate degrees and certificates that will prepare you with the knowledge and skill you need to enter the field as a leader and address today's critical societal challenges while building our shared future.

We prioritize an accessible student experience that includes hands-on learning and deep community engagement. Our approach includes practice-focused curriculum delivered through online coursework, capstone consultancies, internships, and residencies. Additionally, you can build on your professional and volunteer experiences and directly engage with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, government divisions, and corporations.

John Lewis, left, receives an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Tulane President Mike Fitts during the University's 2019 Unified Commencement Ceremony.

Degrees & Certificates

Online Master's Degree

Master of Public Administration

Online Graduate Certificates

Economic Development

  • Develop specialized expertise in economic development strategies that intersect with the health and well-being of cities and communities.
  • Earn your certificate in just four courses.
  • Certificate credits can be applied toward an MPA.
  • Find certificate-specific information here.

Environmental Management and Resilience

  • Prepare yourself to address the single greatest civic, economic and governance challenge facing the Gulf South region.
  • Earn your certificate in just four courses.
  • Certificate credits can be applied toward an MPA.
  • Find certificate-specific information here.

Equity-Centered Education Leadership

  • Engage in a unique learning experience that will help you develop the leadership skills needed to function effectively in diverse settings and organizations.
  • Earn your certificate in just four courses.
  • Certificate credits can be applied toward an MPA.
  • Find certificate-specific information here.

Nonprofit and Strategic Philanthropy Management

  • Gain the hands-on skills and knowledge to prepare for leadership roles in non-profit and philanthropic organizations.
  • Earn your certificate in just four courses.
  • Certificate credits can be applied toward an MPA.
  • Find certificate-specific information here.

Center for Applied Research

Strengthening local public service leadership capacity is central to the mission of the John Lewis Public Administration Program. We achieve this aim in many ways including our practice-focused curriculum, capstone consultancies, internships, and residencies. Along with these approaches, we seek to deepen our community impact by establishing an affiliated center directly focused on practice-driven, applied research projects and initiatives.

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

—Mia Blom, SoPA ’22

MEET MIA

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.

PROGRAM FACULTY

Work Toward a Career Rooted in Your Passions

You can play a direct role in influencing positive change in the world around you with the tools in our public administration program courses. Navigate and understand the challenges posed by the economic development process, gain the skills to become a successful nonprofit leader, and equip yourself to address critical issues impacting the world around you.

Develop a specialty for various public service roles, including:

  • Local, state, and federal government manager
  • Urban planning support
  • Policy-maker
  • Economic indicator data analyst
  • Nonprofit management
  • Policy research analyst at a government, nonprofit, or private consulting firm
  • Education administrator or policy development
  • Environmental analyst
  • Disaster management services manager
  • Sustainability consultant
  • Community relations specialist

Industry Partnerships

Our program is proud to partner with the National League of Cities (NLC) and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Members of NLC are eligible to receive up to six credits and discounted tuition upon completing the "Leading Through Disruption" program. Contact our program director, Dr. Halima Leak-Francis, for more information.

National League of Cities (NLC)
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)
ICMA

VIEW ALL PARTNERSHIPS

Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online

Relevant
Curriculum

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

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Innovative Online
& On-Campus Courses

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

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Student
Experience

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

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Meet the Advisory Board

The Public Administration curriculum is guided by experienced faculty and a knowledgeable advisory board that helps ensure the most up-to-date and relevant skillsets are being taught to our students.

Featured Members

Stephanie Barksdale

Stephanie Barksdale
Director of University Partnerships and Social Innovation for Tulane’s President Emeritus Scott Cowen

Linetta Gilbert

Linetta Gilbert
Managing Partner, Gilbert & Associates

Michael Hecht

Michael Hecht
President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Andy Kopplin

Andy Kopplin
President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater New Orleans Foundation

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ADVISORY BOARD

Facts at a Glance

Admissions Process

Tulane SoPA accepts students on a rolling basis, year-round.  Start dates every August, January, and May. We never require test scores or recommendations. Visit our Admissions Process page to learn more.

Tuition

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.

Financial Assistance

We strive to make a Tulane SoPA education affordable for all students. Learn about financial aid, discounts and scholarship opportunities here.

Portfolio Assessment

Earn credit for your work experience through a portfolio assessment. Undergraduates can earn up to 24 portfolio credits. Graduate students can earn up to 6 portfolio credits.

Career Advising

SoPA offers career advising to all enrolled students.


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By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.