HPU's revamped MPA program is scheduled to commence in spring 2024, along with the MPA+ option that offers students to further their expertise in specific subject areas.
HPU is excited to announce the launch of its revamped Master in Public Administration (MPA) program, scheduled to commence in the spring term, starting January 2024. The University is also introducing the MPA+ option that offers students an educational opportunity to further their expertise in specific subject areas.
HPU's MPA degree is a one-year accelerated program that is offered in both online and in-person modalities. Students take two courses per term, in six 8-week terms.
"At HPU, our values of being practical, innovative, and experiential are at the core of everything we do,” HPU Associate Professor, MPA Program Chair Cynthia Lynch, Ph.D., said. “The MPA degree and the new certificates in the MPA+ pathway exemplify these values by empowering our students to put theory into practice, embrace innovative solutions, and gain real-world experience. With these specialized qualifications, graduates are not just prepared for impactful careers. Students who are poised to be positive forces in the world, applying practical knowledge and innovative thinking to make a tangible difference in public service and nonprofit organizations.”
HPU's MPA program has undergone a significant transformation since its inception in 2017. In 2024, students enrolling in this program can choose between the traditional MPA and the new innovative MPA+ option. The MPA+ option offers an exciting opportunity for students to earn an additional 12-credit hour graduate certificate credential in one of the following five specialized subject areas.
Nonprofit Management: This program is tailored to cultivate expertise in grant writing, fund development, effective staff and volunteer management, program implementation, evaluation, and the strategic planning essential for the success of nonprofit organizations.
Criminal Justice: This certificate explores the intricacies of criminal justice organizations and the media's role in shaping the criminal justice profession. It helps students gain insight into program implementation, evaluation, and the vital aspects of fostering diversity and equity within the criminal justice workplace.
Public Budgeting and Financial Management: In this certificate, students are equipped with the skills required to proficiently develop performance-based budgets, engage in capital budgeting, and strategic financial planning. Students also develop a comprehensive understanding of the legislative and judicial context of budgeting, all while honing their ability to forecast financial trends.
Public Service Management: Focused on state and local government, this program delves into program implementation and evaluation. Learn the art of managing performance-based budgets, city management, and urban policy. This certificate also addresses the nuances of diversity in the workplace, preparing students for leadership roles in state and local government.
Ethics for Public Service: This program provides an in-depth exploration of ethics within the realm of public service. Acquire a profound understanding of ethical contexts and content, gain tools for addressing ethical dilemmas, foster individual ethical values, and contribute to the development of an organization's ethical culture.
These five certificates also serve as standalone qualifications, allowing alumni and graduates of other HPU programs, even those who completed their degrees years ago, to gain additional expertise in a chosen field of interest.
HPU's MPA degree is a one-year accelerated program that is offered in both online and in-person modalities. Students take two courses per term, in six 8-week terms. The program is designed to prepare students for careers at various government levels and nonprofit organizations and facilitate quick entry into the workforce.
With access to well qualified faculty of academics and practitioners, state-of-the-art library resources, and a collaborative learning environment, students develop a deep understanding of role of public administration, public policy and leadership in serving in democratic governance. This knowledge equips them for leading roles in both government, and the nonprofit sector.
To learn more about the MPA program, click here.
