Master of Public Administration in Public Management

The Master of Public Administration in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University is a nationally ranked, Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accredited program that provides a foundation in the principles of administration, addresses the practical responsibilities of managers and leaders, and reflects on the task of programmatic and policy analyses. Experienced full- and part-time faculty of the program balance academic rigor and professional practice in curriculum design and delivery. The program accommodates the needs of pre- and in-career, domestic and international students in career, professional development and course sequencing. Students have a choice of five concentrations: health care, human resources, nonprofit, public management and public policy. The School has a history of offering innovative programs as a way to lead and manage change in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Applications to the MPA program must meet the Graduate College requirements of waiving an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale Students with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 who demonstrate a record of relevant work experience and professional advancement may also be considered for conditional admission While standardized language tests TOEFL or IELTS apply to international applicants submitting scores from GRE or GMAT tests is optionalThe following must be submitted in order to be considered for admissionThe completed University online application for Graduate admission with paid application feeAn official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended except Western Michigan UniversityA written statement of how the MPA degree will help you meet your personal and career goals Also address how your experiences align with the strengths of the MPA program and faculty your creative or scholarly interests and your professional goals including future jobs or careersA current resume including all academic professional and volunteer experience andThree letters of recommendation at least one academic and at least one professionalAdmission decisions are based on the undergraduate grade point average any prior graduate course work work experience standardized test scores letters of recommendation and statement of career goals