Program Overview
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at West Chester University provides high-quality, accessible, flexible, and affordable education for a diverse group of emerging and existing public service leaders. Students train to manage and lead across industries, including the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. The MPA program at WCU is a community led by accomplished scholars and practitioners who instruct and mentor our students. As a student, you will learn accountability and transparency; industry and financial management processes, and how to serve professionally with competence, efficiency, and objectivity by making data-driven decisions; how to act ethically to uphold the public trust in analyzing & making public policy; and how to demonstrate respect, equity, and fairness in managing citizens and fellow public servants. West Chester University’s MPA program includes areas of concentration in public management and nonprofit administration. In addition, graduate certificates may be paired with the master’s program and are available in healthcare administration, human resource management, industrial/organizational psychology, sport management and athletics, urban and regional planning, and more. The MPA is designed for working professionals and can be completed full- or part-time, in person on West Chester’s main campus, or 100% online. The University also offers the option to teleconference into live classes. The MPA program at WCU is housed in our AACSB-accredited College of Business and Public Management and is accredited by NASPAA, the gold standard in public service education.
Tracks
Nonprofit Administration
This concentration is designed for those who want to enhance their knowledge of nonprofit administration, including skills in strategic management and fundraising. It is appropriate for individuals pursuing careers in a wide range of nonprofit fields.
Public Management
This concentration focuses on public-sector management at the local and regional levels. Ideal for managers and officials from local, county, and regional government bodies looking to enhance general management skills and gain insight into public policy issues of particular concern.
Program Highlights
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Program flexibility: in-class, online, or teleconference
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NASPAA-accredited
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Graduate Assistantships and grants available
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Faculty who are also practitioners
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Internship opportunities
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18% projected industry growth through 2026 (according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What can I do with this degree?
Our students are successful in any industry they choose. Many can be found in local, state and federal government; nonprofits (including founding their own organizations), law enforcement, education administration. Our graduates have been hired by many prestigious companies including:
- Chester County Hospital
- Crestwood Area School District
- Federal Reserve
- Human Achievement Project
- Philabundance
- Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health
- Pennsylvania State Legislature
- Rutgers University
- United States Department of Defense
- United States Department of Education
- United States Secret Service
- University of Pittsburgh
- West Chester University
West Chester University Foundation Job titles of some of our recent graduates include:
- Borough Supervisor
- Clinical Social Worker
- Compliance Fraud Analyst
- Director of Community Outreach
- Deputy Director of Fundraising
- Legislative District Aide
- Operations Manager
- Program Analyst
- Recorder of Deeds
- Recovery Manager
- Regional Director
- Township Manager