Skip to main content
Penn State Harrisburg
Hotline Visit Apply Give
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • Graduate Programs
  • Admissions and Financial Aid
    • Office of Admissions
    • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Research
  • Information For
    • Future Students
    • Parents & Families
    • Alumni & Supporters
    • Current Students
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Workforce Professionals
Full site navigation menu

This dialog contains the full navigation menu for this site.

Penn State Harrisburg
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Hotline Visit Apply Give
  • This is Penn State
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Diversity and Inclusion at Penn State Harrisburg
    • Outreach and Economic Development Services
    • Board of Advisers
    • Administration
    • Chancellor's Office
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • Graduate Degrees
    • Minors
    • Graduate or Postbaccalaureate Certificates
    • Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Degrees
    • Education Certifications and Endorsements
  • Admissions
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Student Life

Find Information For:

  • Future Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni & Supporters
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Workforce Professionals

Helpful Links

  • Contact Us
  • Give Today
  • Directory
  • Events Calendar

Connect With Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • flickr
  • youtube
  • instagram
  1. Home
  2. School of Public Affairs
Public Administration

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is intended for those with career interests in public management, health and human services, government, and other public service and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum blends theoretical and applied concepts and assures “real-world” experiences for the novice administrator. In addition, it requires that students devote attention to general professional development. The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

Students may begin the program in any semester. Three courses (or 9 credits) per semester are considered a normal course load for full-time students. Part-time students typically take one or two 3-credit courses each semester and one or two courses during the summer session to maintain steady progress toward the degree. 

Dual Modality

The MPA program is offered as a dual modality, providing both online and residential course work options. The Residential program is in person at Penn State Harrisburg campus and the online program is fully online via Penn State World Campus. 

Program Mission and Goals

Mission

The Penn State Harrisburg Master of Public Administration program seeks to advance the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead organizations engaged in public service in democratic and diverse societies.

Goals

  • Goal 1: To develop leaders and professionals who are ethical and skilled to work effectively in an increasingly globalized world.
  • Goal 2: To develop leaders and professionals who are competent as managers and analysts skilled in oral and written communications.
  • Goal 3: To develop leaders and professionals who share a commitment to public service values and democratic processes.
  • Goal 4: To effectively contribute with theoretically-driven research questions and appropriate and sophisticated empirical methods relevant to the practice and the profession of public administration.
  • Goal 5: To effectively apply competencies and expertise to address local, regional, state, national, and global public issues by engaging relevant stakeholders and the community called to serve.

NASPAA-accredited 

The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA is the recognized global accreditor of master's degree programs in public policy, affairs, and administration. Their mission is to ensure excellence in education and training for public service and to promote the ideal of public service. 

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

  • Curriculum
  • Courses Overview
  • Program Requirements for Admission
  • Information for Accepted Applicants
  • Assessment
  • Student Support
  • Program Contacts and Faculty
Apply to Penn State
How to Apply
Talk with a Student
Connect

This program is also available via World Campus.

For more information see the World Campus program listing

ACCREDITATION

NASPAA Logo

Public Administration Programs

Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Public Administration (Ph.D.)
Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration (J.D./M.P.A.)
Non-Profit Administration (Certificate)
Public Budgeting and Financial Management (Certificate)
Public Sector Human Resource Management (Certificate)
Policy Analysis and Evaluation (Certificate)

See Also

  • Brochure (PDF)
  • MPA Student Club at Penn State Harrisburg
  • Honor Society
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program Guide
  • Request Information
  • MPA Internship Handbook
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State campuses with Penn State Harrisburg highlighted

Penn State Harrisburg

A comprehensive college in southcentral Pennsylvania offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • flickr
  • youtube
  • instagram
Visit Apply Give
  • This is Penn State
    • Administration
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Board of Advisors
    • Outreach and Economic Development Services
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • Graduate Degrees
    • Academic Calendar
  • Admission
    • Office of Admissions
    • Housing Options
    • Veterans
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Office of Student Aid
    • Bursar's Office
  • Research
    • Office of Research and Outreach
    • Harrisburg LaunchBox
  • Student Life
    • Office of Student Life
    • Student Affairs
    • Student Initiated Fee
  • Community Safety & Health
    • University Police and Public Safety
    • PSUAlert
    • Weather Policy
Penn State University
777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057 717-948-6000

Footer Legal Menu

  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Directory
  • The Pennsylvania State University © 2023
  • We Are Penn State