Master of Public Affairs

The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program is an innovative and interdisciplinary program that prepares students for dynamic and interesting careers as leaders in the world of public affairs and public policy.

The MPA program trains the next generation of public affairs workers and policy leaders to understand, evaluate, and tackle increasingly complex public issues in a globalized world. The program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills to address important problems in society and to excel in the areas of ethical leadership, collaborative governance, public policy strategy, economic analysis, and more.

Students interested in pursuing the MPA, the accepted professional credential for public service professionals, are interested in being civically engaged members of the community and society, and seek an active role in promoting positive change in the public and nonprofit sectors. They wish to make an impact on the issues and problems that affect the general public. Many are involved in providing vital services in cities and states and are influencing organizations, guiding public policy and impacting the lives of fellow citizens in real and meaningful ways. Students graduate with an understanding of all influencing factors which contribute to the development and implementation of public policies.

The Master of Public Affairs program begins with the fall 2015 term.

Career opportunities with the Master of Public Affairs

Graduates of the Master in Public Affairs will become leaders and managers in a variety of careers in national, regional, and local organizations within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The Master in Public Affairs prepares students to work as public affairs analysts, policy makers, leading administrators, researchers, consultants and public health professionals. They may also enter careers in criminal justice, education, and health care.

Admission Requirements

The MPA requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Standardized test scores are not required to complete an application, though we encourage students to submit test scores if they have taken an exam

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit test scores. Merrimack requires a TOEFL minimum score of 84 on the internet-based test (with a minimum score of 21 on the writing subset). For IELTS, Merrimack requires a minimum score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0). For the Pearson Test of English Academic, Merrimack requires a minimum score of 56.

Graduate Degree Requirements

The Master of Public Affairs can be earned by completing a one-year program comprised of eight courses (32 credits). Students can complete the program full time in one year, or part time in two years. The coursework is designed to give students a foundation in theory and research as well as emphasis on practical applications.

Required Core Courses (4 courses)

• Foundations in Public Affairs
• Research Methods
• Public Finance
• Public Affairs Internship or Strategic Capstone

Elective Courses (4 courses)

• Organization Theory & Practice
• Environmental Policy
• Urban and Regional Economics
• Intercultural Communication
• International Political Economy
• Public Administration
• State & Local Politics
• Business Law & Ethics
• Immigration Policy course
• Globalization & Democracy course
• Survey of Women, Law, and Public Policy

The MPA program is dedicated to experiential learning and requires a public affairs internship or strategic capstone, selected by the student with counsel from his/her faculty advisor.

Merrimack College is a selective, independent college in the Catholic, Augustinian tradition whose mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives.

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The College offers undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts, business, science and engineering, and education programs; it also offers master’s programs in accounting, computer science, education, engineering, health sciences, and management; and a range of certificate, licensure and degree completion programs.

Throughout the curriculum, students can take advantage of hands-on opportunities including cooperative education and internships, research with faculty, study abroad and service learning. And, because our curriculum emphasizes the liberal arts, graduates are prepared to be imaginative, analytical, aware of trends and historical perspectives, clear thinking, and adaptable to changes in their career.

In the Augustinian Tradition

Merrimack’s community is committed to scholarship and service to others, and provides students myriad opportunities to develop intellectually, spiritually, socially and ethically. At Merrimack, our dedication to the Augustinian values of hospitality, community, and the pursuit of truth will make you feel right at home as you explore the world and gain the experiences you need to chart your future.

• Over 2800 undergraduate students representing 24 states and 23 countries
• 90+ academic programs
• 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio
• Strong cooperative education program for all majors, study abroad, internships and career services programs
• Just 25 minutes north of Boston
• 75% of students reside on campus
• More than 50 student clubs and activities
• NCAA Division I men’s hockey and 23 men’s and women’s NCAA Division II sports