Public Administration
Affordable Tuition | No Test Scores | Rolling Admission | Three Start Dates | Expert Faculty
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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.
The John Lewis Public Administration Program
The John Lewis Public Administration Program 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
- Equip yourself with the expertise, knowledge, and skills you'll need to help create thriving communities.
- 36 credit hours.
- 3-day on-campus residency in New Orleans.
- Learn more.
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.
K-12 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.
“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
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.
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.
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.
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
Director of University Partnerships and Social Innovation for Tulane’s President Emeritus Scott Cowen
Linetta Gilbert
Managing Partner, Gilbert & Associates
Michael Hecht
President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater New Orleans, Inc.
Oliver Wise
Director, Socrata Data Academy
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.
Enter your email to download our Public Administration e-brochure.
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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.
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