Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration


Academic Information

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.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration


Careers

What Can I Do with a Master of Public Administration in Public 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.

Career opportunities that might be pursued:
  • State or County government
  • City government
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Private sector
  • Higher education administration 

With further education, one of these paths is possible:

Recent graduates have completed internships with: 

  • Coconino County Search and Rescue
  • Arizona State Parks
  • The City of Glendale Transportation Division
  • The Sonoran Institute
  • Tolani Lake Enterprises

 

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration


University Requirements

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration


Overview

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.

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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration


Details

Graduate Admission Information
Additional Admission Requirements
Master's Requirements
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
Additional Information
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Academic Catalog - 2024-2025

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Department of Politics and International Affairs

Public Administration, Master of Public Administration


Campus Availability

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