Public Administration
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 39 - 42 Credits
Public administration is the implementation and management of public policies and programs to serve communities and improve societal well-being.
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public service. The program consists of 39 credit hours, with an additional three credit hours of internship for pre-career students. It offers flexibility with evening and online courses, allowing students to tailor their education to fit their career goals in government, nonprofit, health, or private sector organizations.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for public administration. Students will engage in courses on strategic planning, organization theory, policy development and implementation, law and ethics, financial management, research and program evaluation, philanthropy and social responsibility, and the dynamics of the built environment. This comprehensive coursework, combined with collaborative projects and hands-on experiences, equips students with the skills and knowledge to become visionary leaders.
The M.P.A. offers multi-sector opportunities, allowing you to tailor your degree to any business sector. The NASPAA-accredited curriculum focuses on leadership development, building essential skills to lead, innovate, and inspire. Students gain real-world experience through impactful internships and projects with community leaders, alumni, and faculty. The program also fosters a diverse network, enabling connections with a vibrant student body, influential professionals, and faculty experts. Additionally, affordability is enhanced through graduate assistantships, scholarships, and credit transfers.
Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) for over twenty years, starting in 1995. This accreditation recognizes that our programs maintain rigor and currency for tomorrow's public leaders.
School of Community Leadership and Development
288C DeVos Center
[email protected]
(616) 331-6575
Program Director
Donijo Robbins, Ph.D.
(616) 331-6740
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is August 1; winter is December 1; and spring/summer is April 1. The nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Top skills- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 34,166.97 | 10% |
| $ 54,399.71 | 25% |
| $ 77,331.83 | 50% |
| $111,927.32 | 75% |
| $190,726.65 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Top skills- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 46,052.59 | 10% |
| $ 58,199.93 | 25% |
| $ 77,740.98 | 50% |
| $ 94,516.51 | 75% |
| $115,883.60 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 45,599.09 | 10% |
| $ 62,132.21 | 25% |
| $ 96,768.75 | 50% |
| $144,568.72 | 75% |
| $214,712.84 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 34,166.97 | 10% |
| $ 54,399.71 | 25% |
| $ 77,331.83 | 50% |
| $111,927.32 | 75% |
| $190,726.65 | 90% |
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Top skills- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Management of Financial Resources
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 67,664.85 | 10% |
| $108,682.77 | 25% |
| $181,250.06 | 50% |
| $297,194.89 | 75% |
| $471,972.57 | 90% |
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
By Direct Parent
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Accreditation
Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) for over twenty years, starting in 1995. This accreditation recognizes that our programs maintain rigor and currency for tomorrow's public leaders.
Community Engagement
As a professional school in an urban setting, students in the M.P.A. program are actively involved with the community in professional service activities and applied research. They participate in internships and projects with community leaders, alumni, and faculty.
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Request Information