Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Prepare to lead with a master's in public administration
We know the landscape facing today’s public administrators is full of challenges and opportunities. That’s why Hamline has been an innovator in public administration education for more than 30 years. Our MPA degree program takes a theory-to-practice approach so you can immediately apply what you learn. Build your expertise and enrich your community while working with instructors who have years of experience in the public sector and are passionate about teaching.
Join the first program MPA of its kind in the upper Midwest and:
- Develop your expertise so you can provide important leadership to public sector agencies and positively affect people's lives in an ever-changing landscape.
- Expand your professional network by learning from instructors and colleagues who are actively engaged in public service. You’ll also join a network of more than 1,000 MPA alumni serving the public across the state and nation.
A Minnesota-based MPA degree online, hybrid, or on-campus
We know that balancing work, school, and family can be a challenge. That's why we've designed our master’s degree in public administration online and on-campus—to offer flexibility. Whether you prefer in-person courses at our Saint Paul, Minnesota campus, want the flexibility that online coursework offers, or want the benefits of both, Hamline offers options to meet your needs with classes being offered on-campus or online for some terms or hybrid for another term. Whichever format you prefer, you’ll be able to learn and network in the manner that works best for you.
Specialized coursework for public administration professionals
With Hamline's MPA you'll get prepared to lead in the public sector with nine required courses and three courses in a concentration area of your choosing.
Business analytics concentration
Businesses need leaders who can make data-driven decisions. With a concentration in business analytics, you’ll gain the knowledge of statistics and data collection needed to make these decisions, as well as the communication and visualization skills to advocate for data-informed business practices.
View business analytics concentration courses »
Leadership and change management concentration
The ability to lead organizations through times of change is a highly sought-after skill set. With Hamline’s leadership and change concentration, you’ll develop your own negotiation, conflict management, and project management skills while learning how to enhance the performance of others and facilitate constructive engagement leading to sustainable change.
View leadership concentration courses »
Customized concentration
This option is for students who are motivated toward in-depth study on a topic relevant to their Master of Public Administration degree. Customized concentrations require 12 credits of graduate elective coursework and may be comprised of graduate courses at Hamline University and approved transfer courses. Sample concentration options might include marketing, finance, or business communications. Students who want to pursue this option should contact the School of Business graduate programs director for an application form.
Explore how we make your master’s in public administration affordable
With Hamline there was that balance, exposing you to real life through people that are working in the field day to day. It's nice to have the connections and network, and Hamline really provided that opportunity."
We’re here to help you with career planning
You don’t have to navigate your career on your own. Beginning with orientation, our career advisor will guide you in developing your own individual career plan that will best meet your professional goals.
