The Objective of the MPA program is to improve the knowledge and skills of early career professionals in the public and nonprofit sectors and to prepare aspiring public servants for entry-level positions. The degree may be completed entirely online or with a combination of online and on-campus coursework.
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 | 39 |
| 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 |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Master of Public Administration is to prepare both 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, we aspire to serve students from throughout the state, the nation and even internationally. To make ourselves as accessible as possible, our classes can be taken both in-person at our residential Flagstaff campus, or online from anywhere with an Internet connection.
The NAU MPA also has a unique and innovative partnership with the Department of Applied Indigenous Studies that allows students to concurrently complete a certificate program in Indigenous and Tribal Nation-Building, Leadership, Management, and Administration. Because of this partnership, as well as our geographical proximity to a number of indigenous nations, students who are interested in tribal government and administration have access to educational resources and opportunities that are not available at most other institutions.
The curriculum of the NAU Masters 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. Because effective leaders and managers need to be adaptable and creative, this degree provides a broad perspective on political science, leadership, implementation of policies, problem-solving, analysis, ethics, and improved organizational performance. Students will be able to use key concepts and analytical approaches from human resource administration, public budgeting, ethics and administrative law, within the context of the public service values of equity, accountability, transparency, access and responsiveness to diversity.
Our curriculum ensures that students can engage in the core competencies of enhancing leadership and decision-making, communicating effectively in diverse organizational settings, contributing to the public policy process, advancing a public service perspective, and using critical thinking and problem solving in organizational settings.
The faculty of this department are innovative teachers and researchers who engage students in their classes, research agendas and co-curricular activities. Faculty regularly encourage students to engage in research projects, therefore exposing them to professional political science research. Additionally faculty may guide students towards internships, help them to develop independent studies, and work with them to develop emphasis areas that suit their needs and interests. These broad opportunities and perspectives help students understand our diverse world.
Our goal is to train pre-career and in-service professionals to be active, engaged and informed participants in the public and not-for-profit sectors.
Student Learning Outcomes
Core Outcomes
Graduates of the MPA program should demonstrate the following abilities.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
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 Graduate College.
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.
Take the following 39 units:
Core Coursework in Public Administration (21 units):
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 of $1500 ($750 per each of the first two semesters) has been approved for this program.