With the public administration industry employing more than seven million people in America, pursuing a career in this sector is a promising frontier. For those interested in becoming a politician, research analyst, city manager, or administrative director, earning a master's degree in public administration can help put you above the competition. Learn more about how earning a Master of Public Administration at The Tulane School of Professional Advancement (Tulane SoPA) can lead to a variety of job opportunities.
Master of Public Administration
Curriculum
Tulane SoPA's Master of Public Administration (MPA) curriculum offers a broad range of targeted courses in policy analysis and public administration. Through completion, students acquire essential knowledge and skills to assist them in working effectively with real-world clients. The MPA curriculum allows students to:
- Identify, contrast, and communicate foundational issues and concepts in public affairs
- Understand the Constitution and practice public administration legally and constitutionally
- Grasp economics and policy analysis foundations to offer public services and make informed decisions
- Combine practice and theory successfully to handle complicated organizational issues
- Perform human resource management in the public and non-profit sectors
- Develop cutting-edge leadership skills and comprehend leadership theory
- Use project management concepts to boost non-profit and public sectors
- Use quantitative and data methods to evaluate public programs, conduct analyses, and solve problems
Difficulty
While everyone learns differently, undertaking an MPA degree requires commitment and dedication. MPA students should expect to prioritize time management and remain adaptable to course objectives to ensure proper learning. For students who work full-time, scheduling time blocks for coursework is especially crucial for success in the program.
Tuition & fees
Information on SoPA's graduate tuition and fees can be found here. Some courses may require students to pay fees for technical support; if so, the list of fees can be found on the schedule of classes.
Funding your MPA
External funding options exist for those pursuing an MPA. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, roughly 58% of graduate students receive some sort of financial aid to assist with the costs of their graduate program. Whether funding is acquired through a grant or a loan, prospective students should inquire about any available options.