Public Administration
Affordable Tuition No Test Scores Rolling Admission Three Start Dates Expert Faculty
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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.
Degrees & Certificates
Online Master's Degree
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 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.
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
Tulane SoPA class of 2022
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.
Meet the Director
“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
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.
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), 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. 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.
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
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.
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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.
