Master of Public Affairs

Master of Public Affairs

The M.P.A. program allows you to be adaptable in your career, understand and prepare for multisector and cross-sector realities, and successfully lead in your changing environment. Because the M.P.A. is a values-driven program, you will focus not only on doing things the right way, but on the courage to do the right things.

Prepare for the unscripted future

The cross-sector, liberal-arts base of the M.P.A. degree is designed for those navigating the changing and dynamic work environment of the 21st century.

Learn from widely published, highly experienced and qualified faculty

Your courses will be led by seasoned academicians and Ph.D. researchers. In addition, Park University has attracted well-known leaders as faculty. Our courses are taught by leader-scholars who are former mayors, city managers, executive directors of nonprofit organizations, state and local government officials, and heads of national an international professional organizations. This combination of faculty brings enormous vitality and real-world currency into the classroom—both online and face-to-face.

Engage in a top-quality classroom experience

Small class sizes mean you get more attention. Highly interactive experiences mean you learn more. Even in the online classroom, you'll engage in lively discussions with classmates in a variety of professions from around the country and world.

Maximize your time

You can complete the M.P.A. curriculum in just 36 credit hours.

Get involved in experiential learning

You will be encouraged to get involved in special projects for government and nonprofit organizations that uniquely reflect the real world of public affairs.

Align with a nationally recognized program

The M.P.A. online program is ranked a "Best Buy" by GetEducated.com. Ranked fourth nationally are four concentrations within the program — Public Management, Nonprofit and Community Services Management, Disaster and Emergency Management, and Economics and Global Strategy.

Park, a four-year, private, nonprofit, liberal arts institution has helped students break barriers to education since 1875. Our motto, fides et labour (Latin for “faith and work”) is as relevant today as it was in the 19th century. A Park University education is an opportunity to find faith in yourself — by discovering your potential and working to realize it.

Park University’s core values are academic excellence, inclusivity and social responsibility. Diversity is in our DNA — Park’s first graduating class included four women. Today, we welcome more than 260 international students from 60 countries.