Master of Public Administration

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.

Applicants to the MPA program must meet the Graduate College requirements of 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 also demonstrate a record of relevant work experience and professional advancement may be considered for conditional admission.

Minimum English proficiency test scores:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 80 iBT

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6.5

Pearson Test of English, Academic Module (PTE): 54

Michigan English Test (MET): 57

Application deadlines:

To ensure admissions by the start of the semester or summer session, all admissions materials must be received by August 1 for fall admissions, December 10 for spring admissions, and April 10 for summer admissions, though earlier applications allow for better course availability.