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Developing Public Service Leaders Inspired by the Legacy of John Lewis
The John Lewis Public Administration Program & Center for Applied Research is community–responsive, results–driven, and impact–focused. It is named in honor of John Lewis (1940-2020), a revered civil rights leader, longtime U.S. Congressman, and champion of nonviolent civic action. Channeling his legacy, our graduate degrees and certificates prepare you to enter the field as a leader and address today's critical societal challenges.
Our accessible student experience includes hands-on learning and deep community engagement. We deliver a practice-focused curriculum through online coursework, capstone consultancies, internships, and residencies. You can also engage with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, government divisions, and corporations.
Affordable
Tuition
No Test
Scores
Rolling
Admission
Multiple
Start Dates
Expert
Faculty
Degrees & Certificates
Online Master's Degrees
Equip yourself with the expertise, knowledge, and skills needed to help build thriving communities through this 36-credit-hour Master of Public Administration, which includes a three-day on-campus residency in New Orleans.
Tulane Master of Public Administration students who seek deeper knowledge in Public Health may earn a 36-credit-hour concentration in public health through the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
Online Graduate Certificates
Develop specialized expertise in economic development strategies that support the health and well-being of cities and communities through this four-course Graduate Certificate in Economic Development. Certificate credits may be applied toward a Master of Public Administration.
Prepare yourself to address the single greatest civic, economic and governance challenge facing the Gulf South region through this four-course Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Resilience. Certificate credits may be applied toward a Master of Public Administration.
Engage in a unique learning experience that will help you develop the leadership skills needed to function effectively in diverse settings and organizations through this four-course Graduate Certificate in Education Leadership. Certificate credits may be applied toward a Master of Public Administration.
Gain the hands-on skills and knowledge to prepare for leadership roles in non-profit and philanthropic organizations through this four-course Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Strategic Philanthropy Management. Certificate credits may be applied toward a Master of Public Administration.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about our programs and degrees.
The Center for Applied Research
Established in 2023, the Center for Applied Research is part of the John Lewis Public Administration Program at Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement. The center advances civic leadership by connecting students and faculty with community partners through applied research integrated into capstones, internships, residencies, and other experiential learning. Its work focuses on addressing pressing societal challenges and informing timely, practical solutions.
The 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.
“The School of Professional Advancement was intentional about making sure that people who have not had an opportunity before, can get the opportunity to compete.”
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 The School of Professional Advancement, mentorship goes beyond the classroom. Build a strong professional network with both your classmates and instructors that extends throughout your career.
Faculty Feature
Halima Leak Francis, Ph.D.
Program Director, John Lewis Public Administration Program
Dr. Halima Leak Francis is a nationally accomplished educator, practitioner, and scholar whose career spanning more than 20 years has focused on strengthening capacity, sustainability, and equitable practices within nonprofits, philanthropy, and higher education administration.
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
Director of University Partnerships and Social Innovation for Tulane’s President Emeritus Scott Cowen
Managing Partner, Gilbert & Associates
President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater New Orleans, Inc.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater New Orleans Foundation
Work Toward a Career Rooted in Your Passions
The Annual Public Administration Program Residency is the culminating experience of Tulane’s Master of Public Administration program. Students gather on Tulane’s Uptown New Orleans campus for three energizing days of learning, networking, and collaboration.
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.
Public Service Job Opportunities
- 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), the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), and the International City/Council Management Association. Members of NLC are eligible to receive up to six credits and discounted tuition upon completing the "Leading Through Disruption" program. These partnerships help give students a head start in achieving their career goals. Contact our program director, Dr. Halima Leak Francis, for more information.
Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online
Courses cover community resilience, civic modernization in education, environmental management, public safety, and economic development.
We don’t teach with boring PowerPoint presentations. We’ve developed the most interactive courses around.
Access resources and opportunities including an in-person residency, internships, and our student chapter of ICMA.
Navigate degree requirements and prepare for the workforce with help from our academic advisors and career counselor.
Public Administration Facts at a Glance
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.
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 a Tulane SoPA education affordable for all students. Learn about financial aid, discounts and scholarship opportunities here.
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.
Enter your email to download our Public Administration e-brochure.
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.
