This plan is no longer offered at the Flagstaff Campus. See the Campus Availability tab below for alternate plan campus options.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Northern Arizona University prepares pre-service and mid-career professionals for leadership and management roles in public and not-for-profit sectors. As the preeminent public MPA program in Northern Arizona, we play a unique role in serving the people and public institutions of this region at the county, municipal, state, tribal and federal levels. In addition to this regional focus, the program serves students from throughout the state, the nation and even internationally. The curriculum of the NAU Master of Public Administration builds a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical dimensions of public management and educates students within a program of study that facilitates intellectual development, promotes scholarship, and integrates the theory and practice of public administration with the promotion of public service values.
This program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.
Whether you are a working professional or a full-time student, the MPA in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University can help prepare you for leadership opportunities in government work, nonprofit organizations, or nongovernmental organizations. You'll take the theories you learn in the classroom and put them to work through activities in your community.
You'll tackle skills like budget or fiscal proposal preparation, human resource management issues, conflict resolution, executive management development, and program evaluation. If you're hoping to advance your career and broaden your expertise, our program can help.
Recent graduates have completed internships with:
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 36 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Additional Fees/Program Fees | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Northern Arizona University prepares pre-service and mid-career professionals for leadership and management roles in public and not-for-profit sectors. As the preeminent public MPA program in Northern Arizona, we play a unique role in serving the people and public institutions of this region at the county, municipal, state, tribal and federal levels. In addition to this regional focus, the program serves students from throughout the state, the nation and even internationally. The curriculum of the NAU Master of Public Administration builds a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical dimensions of public management and educates students within a program of study that facilitates intellectual development, promotes scholarship, and integrates the theory and practice of public administration with the promotion of public service values.
Student Learning Outcomes
Core Outcomes
Graduates of the MPA program should demonstrate the following abilities.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
This Master’s degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 36 units:
Public Administration Coursework (21 units):
Electives (12 units)
Select 12 units of electives which may include the POS courses listed below or other NAU courses chosen in consultation with your MPA Coordinator*.
Concentration Area
*In consultation with your MPA Coordinator, electives can include a student designed concentration from a particular field or take several interdisciplinary courses that comprise a coherent area of study.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Online campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Public Administration 90-30 and start a Master of Public Administration at NAU.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
This Master's degree requires 36 units distributed as follows:
Electives (6 units)
Select 6 units of electives which may include the POS courses listed below or other NAU courses chosen in consultation with your MPA Coordinator*.Note that POS 581 can be taken four times with different topics.
Concentration Area
*In consultation with your MPA Coordinator, electives can include a student designed concentration from a particular field or take several interdisciplinary courses that comprise a coherent area of study.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
If you have completed Public Administration, Graduate Certificate prior to enrolling in this plan, the certificate coursework may be applied to this plan.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details. Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.