2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

Master of Public Administration

Course Requirements for the M.P.A.

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree empowers graduates to become dynamic leaders who shape the future of their communities and organizations through advanced administrative skills and a commitment to public service. With a focus on leadership, ethical decision-making, and innovative problem-solving, the program offers opportunities across multiple sectors, including government, nonprofit, and healthcare. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum, hands-on experiences, and real-world internships, all designed to develop essential leadership skills and foster meaningful connections with a diverse network of professionals, alumni, and faculty. The NASPAA-accredited M.P.A. program provides a pathway to success, offering financial support options like scholarships and graduate assistantships to make your education more affordable.

Accreditation

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

Program Location

The M.P.A. program is offered on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

Credit Hour Requirements

The M.P.A. degree requires a minimum of 39 credit hours, including 18 credits of required core courses. The remaining credits are earned through a concentration that complements the student's interests. In addition to the 39 credit hours, pre-career students must complete a three-credit internship (PNH 690). Students will work with an advisor to develop a personalized program of study.

Completion Time

Full-time students can complete the program in five semesters, while part-time students taking two classes per semester can finish in seven semesters.

Admission

Admission to the Master of Public Administration program is competitive. We intentionally maintain small class sizes to create a supportive and interactive learning environment, valuing applicants with diverse backgrounds, skills, cultures, and experiences. Although no specific undergraduate major is required for admission to the M.P.A. program, candidates must demonstrate a strong academic record and a clear commitment to public service.

The application process requires the submission of the following:

a completed graduate application,
a nonrefundable application fee, unless the applicant has previously applied to Grand Valley State University and has paid this fee,
an official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution,
an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, calculated on the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework,
three letters of reference from informed sources,
a detailed resume,
an essay on career and educational objectives (500-750 words) that demonstrates commitment to community and public service, and
an official TOEFL or IELTS score report is required of applicants whose primary language is not English

Note: Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete. The admissions committee may request additional information or a personal interview if it deems it appropriate and necessary. GRE scores are NOT required but may be requested in cases where GPA is lower than a 3.0.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of 12 semester hours of transfer credit will be given for appropriate graduate courses completed within the previous five-year period with a grade of B or better at another college or university. These transfer credits may be substituted for required courses or given general credit as determined by the faculty.

Course Requirements for the M.P.A.

The core courses of the M.P.A. program provide the foundational knowledge and skills required to lead and manage in the public interest. These courses focus on developing competencies in policy analysis, evidence-informed decision-making, and critical problem-solving within complex and dynamic environments. Students will gain a deep understanding of public service values and learn to navigate the policy process while fostering inclusive communication and collaboration in diverse, multicultural settings. Additionally, a variety of concentrations allow students to tailor their degree to align with specific interests or career goals, enhancing and advancing their competencies. Students are encouraged to consult with their adviser to develop a personalized plan of action to ensure successful completion of the degree.

The program core requires the following (18 credits):

Concentration Areas

Students select one of the following concentrations and complete at least 15 credits.

Criminal Justice
Health Administration
Nonprofit Management and Leadership
Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Evaluation
State, Regional, and Local Governance
Custom concentration (work with advisor and graduate program director)

Criminal Justice

This concentration prepares students to tackle complex issues in law enforcement, corrections, and the broader justice system, with a focus on policy, administration, and reform. This concentration is crucial for addressing challenges such as justice system equity, public safety, and criminal justice reform, while ensuring effective management and accountability. Graduates are ready to lead in law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, or policy advocacy organizations, advancing their careers by influencing reform, improving system outcomes, and fostering safer communities. Courses for this concentration include:

AND one of the following courses:

Health Administration

This concentration focuses on the management, policy, and operations of healthcare systems, preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. This concentration is essential for addressing the challenges of healthcare delivery, access, and quality, while ensuring efficiency and compliance in health organizations. Graduates are equipped to manage healthcare institutions, shape health policies, improve public health outcomes, advancing their careers in hospitals, government agencies, and health-focused nonprofits.

Nonprofit Management and Leadership

This concentration prepares students to lead and manage nonprofit organizations, focusing on governance, financial sustainability, and mission-driven leadership. This concentration is vital for equipping professionals with the tools to address social challenges, build organizational capacity, and ensure long-term impact within the nonprofit sector. Graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles in nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises, advancing their careers by driving effective change and organizational growth in mission-oriented environments. Possible courses in this concentration include:

Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Evaluation

This concentration equips students with critical skills in assessing public policies, advocating for effective change, and evaluating the outcomes of government programs. This concentration is essential for fostering informed, data-driven decision-making and ensuring policies are both impactful and equitable. By mastering these areas, graduates are well-positioned to drive meaningful reforms, influence policy agendas, and lead evaluations that enhance public sector performance, advancing their careers in government and nonprofits. Possible courses for this concentration include:

State, Regional, and Local Governance

. This concentration focuses on understanding the complexities of governance at various levels of government, from local municipalities to state legislatures. This concentration is crucial for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within regional and local governance, fostering more responsive and effective public administration. Graduates gain expertise to navigate intergovernmental relations, manage local policy issues, and drive community-centered solutions, enhancing their ability to lead and impact change in state and local government roles. Possible courses for this concentration include:

Elective Courses

Students complete 6 credits of electives as part of the M.P.A. degree. These elective courses can be selected from other concentrations within the M.P.A. program or from graduate programs across the university, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.

Internship

All pre-career students are required to take at least one three-credit internship in addition to 39 hours of coursework. The internship requirement provides students with critical opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world settings. These experiential learning opportunities enable students to develop essential skills in policy analysis, management, and leadership, while fostering valuable professional networks. By engaging in internships, students gain a competitive edge in the public sector, enhancing their career readiness and contributing meaningfully to the field of public service. Students may choose to take a second internship for a total of six credits. A second internship would count toward three credits of electives.

Capstone

As part of the core course requirements, students must take PNH 685 as their culminating experience. Students must have completed 30 credit hours of coursework before registering for PNH 685. As an alternative to PNH 685, students may opt for a research project as their culminating experience. The graduate program director and advisor must approve the research project option.

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