Master of Public Affairs Program By Washington State University |Top Universities

Master of Public Affairs

Main Subject Area

Public PolicyMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Public Policy

Study Level

Masters

The MPA prepares students for a diverse group of positions in government such as public policy, personnel administration and strategic planning, as well as a range of jobs outside of government service, such as not-for-profit organizations. MPA students may already be employed in these areas and are seeking this degree to advance professionally in the field. These students can expect to hone their skills and receive further training. Alternatively, the Master of Public Affairs degree is also appropriate for students who would like to shift their career tracks and obtain a position in the public and non-profit sector. The MPA seeks to develop the skills of present and future public administrators and policy analysts in the region to provide them with the tools to meet the challenges of government. In an age when governmental philosophies are continually being redefined, the MPA program is designed to promote professionalism, leadership, inventiveness, and a commitment to public service for government employees in the area of public administration, applied policy studies and health policy administration. The Master of Public Affairs degree at WSU is designed to accommodate the needs of working students. The degree can be completed entirely in the evenings, and most students often continue to work full time during the day when completing their degree. Seminars are small, ranging from 5-20 students, and typically meet one or two evenings a week over the course of the semester. Class structure includes lectures, small group discussions, and individual and group presentations. The program takes two or more years to complete; the exact length of time required to complete the degree depends on how many classes a student takes each semester.

Program overview

Main Subject

Public Policy

Study Level

Masters

The MPA prepares students for a diverse group of positions in government such as public policy, personnel administration and strategic planning, as well as a range of jobs outside of government service, such as not-for-profit organizations. MPA students may already be employed in these areas and are seeking this degree to advance professionally in the field. These students can expect to hone their skills and receive further training. Alternatively, the Master of Public Affairs degree is also appropriate for students who would like to shift their career tracks and obtain a position in the public and non-profit sector. The MPA seeks to develop the skills of present and future public administrators and policy analysts in the region to provide them with the tools to meet the challenges of government. In an age when governmental philosophies are continually being redefined, the MPA program is designed to promote professionalism, leadership, inventiveness, and a commitment to public service for government employees in the area of public administration, applied policy studies and health policy administration. The Master of Public Affairs degree at WSU is designed to accommodate the needs of working students. The degree can be completed entirely in the evenings, and most students often continue to work full time during the day when completing their degree. Seminars are small, ranging from 5-20 students, and typically meet one or two evenings a week over the course of the semester. Class structure includes lectures, small group discussions, and individual and group presentations. The program takes two or more years to complete; the exact length of time required to complete the degree depends on how many classes a student takes each semester.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

7+

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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More programs from the university

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Students volunteer 75,000+ hours of service annually. Undergraduates learn hands-on, alongside professors whose discoveries resonate globally. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 200+ FIELDS OF STUDY. Many undergraduate programs rank among America’s best. Broadcasting students gain practical experience at student-run television and radio stations. Organic agriculture students work on a 30-acre certified organic teaching farm. Business majors study overseas to experience cross-cultural practices.
  • LEARN BY DOING. Students enter national competitions in robotics, clean energy, business, and more. They present papers at conferences and publish findings in scholarly journals.
  • INTERNATIONAL EMPHASIS. Study abroad programs span 86 countries. The Honors College immerses students in discussion of international issues. 1,700+ international students enrich cultural diversity on campus.
  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS. Plus, professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Spokane Health Sciences Campus.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. At the flagship Pullman campus, Cougar spirit unites 18,000+ students. WSU also has locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Extension offices occupy every county. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS, PLUS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS. Professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Health Sciences Campus in Spokane.
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY. WSU scholars include members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and recipients of numerous national awards and fellowships. WSU researchers garner worldwide recognition for their discoveries. Many stand among the most widely published and frequently cited scholars in the nation.
  • COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL LAB AND U.S. AGENCIES. WSU scholars team with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on research for sustainable production of bioproducts and biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service works seamlessly with WSU researchers from on-campus offices.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. The main WSU campus in Pullman, nestled among the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, serves 18,000+ students. The Health Sciences Campus sits along the scenic riverfront in Spokane. Additional locations include Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Postgrad programs