Master of Public Administration and Policy

Master of Public Administration and Policy

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DAVID ROSENBLOOM: I teach public administrators how to respect other people's rights, and how not to violate the individual's constitutional rights, how to do their jobs within the framework of protecting individual rights and even human rights.

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CONSTANCE LINDSAY: Students, literally their next step is into a job where they're using all the skills that they learned. So whether it's the Quantitative Methods class or the Policy Process class, they're using the skills that they learned right there on the ground. If they're in DC, or if they go back to a different state and work for state government, local school boards, they're using it. So I think that's very rewarding.

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Develop Public Affairs Leadership Skills in Our Prestigious Program

Organizations in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors seek leaders who possess expertise in both policy analysis and management. Acquire valuable knowledge and skills with American University's online Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) program. The degree blends foundational competencies from our nationally recognized and NASPAA-accredited Master in Public Administration (MPA) and Master in Public Policy (MPP) programs to offer you a prestigious and marketable credential.

Based in Washington, DC, American University is among the nation's top-ranked schools for public affairs. For over 80 years, the School of Public Affairs has transformed its students into public management leaders who serve in countless public and private functions that enhance not only the lives of its graduates, but all of society. This online two-year program enables you to earn a graduate degree in public administration and policy on your schedule. It also gives you immediate access to American University's vast network of policy experts, reputed faculty, and well-connected alumni.

Online Merit Scholarships Available - Up to $18,000

With a Master in Public Administration and Policy, you will gain critical knowledge in both policy analysis and public administration to advance your career and add value in public service. Regardless of where you live and work, you can study at an institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence and deep connections in public affairs. Recent rankings for American University's School of Public Affairs include:

Upon completion, you will possess the knowledge and skills to:

  • analyze administrative problems and craft solutions by applying knowledge of organizational management and leadership, organizational structure and culture, human resource systems, as well as the political and legal context of contemporary public service organizations.
  • formulate, evaluate, and communicate public policies and programs using acquired analytic frameworks and methodological skills, including statistics, economics, and politics while considering their responsiveness, accountability, effectiveness and equity.
  • incorporate a range of constitutional and ethical values into policy and administrative analysis and actions, including respect for the diversity of people and perspectives in the policy process.
  • apply acquired skillsets, expertise, and values to real-world policy and organizational problems in a collaborative manner.

A Proven Curriculum from a Recognized Institution

When you choose the online Master of Public Administration and Policy from American University, you receive an education that provides a targeted blend of courses in public administration and policy analysis. The MPAP curriculum takes you from start to finish in a predictably sequenced curriculum in as few as 24 months, during which you take two courses per semester, including fall, spring, and summer.

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Establish a Career Leading and Defining Public Policy

Government, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations hiring managers actively recruit professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively and efficiently achieve public objectives. Candidates must have the foresight, insight, and critical thinking to craft policies and monitor their implementation and success. Those able to understand policy problems, craft effective solutions, and successfully put policies in action are in high demand.

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The online Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) is spearheaded by American University’s School of Public Affairs’ highly regarded on-campus faculty and instructors. These academics do more than facilitate a learning experience online — they elevate the quality of instruction by incorporating their own real-world and practical experiences. Well-connected and influential, these leading scholars come from a variety of areas within public administration, public policy, and organization development.

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Faqs

What are your admissions requirements for the online Master of Public Administration and Policy?

You will need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and submission of your GRE or LSAT test score (waivers considered).

Can I be admitted to the program if I do not have a BA in public policy or administration? 

Yes, it is not a requirement to have an undergraduate degree in public administration or policy.

How long does it take to complete the Master of Public Administration and Policy?

The program can be completed in as little as 24 months.

Are there any specializations offered?

This program is structured to be a blend of the core curriculum of the campus Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy.

Do you require submission of test scores?

Yes, submission of your GRE test result is required. LSAT and GMAT may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Can the GRE be waived?

GRE waivers are eligible with relevant work experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Speak with an advisor to understand how to qualify.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

A TOEFL score of 600 (or 100 on the Internet-based test), a minimum score of 68 on the Pearson Test of English, or a minimum IELTS score of seven (7) is required. Additionally, applicants with international transcripts must have them evaluated course-by-course. For a list of acceptable evaluators, go to NACES.org.

What documents are required when applying?

The required application documents include:
• A completed graduate application
• A $55 application Fee
• Phone Interview with Admissions Advisor
• Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation, which may be from former professors as well as current or former employers
• Transcripts from previous undergraduate and relevant graduate coursework (If a degree was earned outside the U.S., a course-by-course evaluated transcript is required.)
• GRE or LSAT scores

When is the deadline for application?

Our application deadline will change depending on which to term you are applying for. Please contact our online admissions staff for a specific timeline your application file needs to be fully submitted.

Is financial aid available?

Graduate students enrolled at least part time in a Master's program may be eligible for federal loans. To apply, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What is the Policy Practicum?

The final course in your Master of Public Administration and Policy is to demonstrate what you’ve learned by performing policy analysis or a management project for an external client.

Where do alumni of the Master of Public Administration and Policy program find employment?

Students with a Master of Public Administration and Policy are typically employed in the public, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors in the United States and abroad. Learn more about our graduates’ success.

What potential jobs can I find in nonprofit organizations?

When you graduate with a Master of Public Administration and Policy degree you'll be prepared for a variety of nonprofit jobs, depending on your past experience within the field, including:
•Nonprofit Program Manager
•Nonprofit Budget Analyst
•Nonprofit Operations Manager
•Director of Development
•Chief Operating Officer
•Chief Executive Officer

Will this degree help me enter the nonprofit sector?

Yes. A significant portion—30 percent—of professionals with public administration and policy degrees enter careers with nonprofit organizations.

Will I be able to take advantage of the same resources as on-campus students do?

Yes, online students are encouraged to obtain a Student ID and take advantage of all of the same resources as our on-campus students.

Are there scholarships available for the program?

American University is pleased to offer the Online Merit Scholarship to students who demonstrate undergraduate excellence and continue on to graduate studies. Scholarships are available to students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Rankings & Accreditation

#10 Best Public Affairs Programs

Top-Ranked School in Washington, D.C.

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Grad School (2023)

#10 Best Online Master of Public Administration Degree Program

TheBestSchools.org (2020)

#6 INTERNATIONAL POLICY & ADMINISTRATION

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2023)

#5 Most Politically Active Students

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2021)

#4 TOP PUBLIC MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

U.S. News & World Report
Best Grad Schools (2022)

#4 College Gets High Marks

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2021)

I researched many MPAP programs and had three criteria: a challenging and relevant curriculum, excellent professors and a high job placement upon graduation. American checked each box.

– Rhonda Retterath de Garcia, Student, Master of Public Administration and Policy

ONE VERSATILE DEGREE, COUNTLESS CAREER PATHS

American University is internationally recognized for its passion for public service, political activism, and location in Washington, DC—a political, cultural, and media capital. School of Public Affairs alumni report a 100-percent rate of post-graduation employment, continued graduate education, or both within six months of receiving their degree.

Our MPAP degree arms you with the analytical, contextual, ethical, and substantive skills and knowledge critical to effectively advise public policy and lead public programs. These key skills are in high demand for careers across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, at all levels of government.

Upon completion, you will possess the knowledge and skills to:

  • Analyze administrative problems and craft solutions by applying knowledge of organizational management and leadership, organizational structure and culture, human resource systems, as well as the political and legal context of contemporary public service organizations.
  • Formulate, evaluate, and communicate public policies and programs using acquired analytic frameworks and methodological skills, including statistics, economics, and politics while considering their responsiveness, accountability, effectiveness and equity.
  • Incorporate a range of constitutional and ethical values into policy and administrative analysis and actions, including respect for the diversity of people and perspectives in the policy process.
  • Apply acquired skill sets, expertise, and values to real-world policy and organizational problems in a collaborative manner.

ONLINE MPAP GRADUATES JOIN PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENTAL MANAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM

"The experiences I had through my education with AU, and my relationships with professors—that was the real preparation." — SARAH SCHROEDER, MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY, '18
Read more about online MPAP graduates Sarah Schroeder and Katie Eagan Schenck, and their experiences joining the prestigious ranks of the PMF program.

The MPAP program is definitely structured for working people. The flexibility of the online program made it possible for me to continue working full time while attending school and juggling other responsibilities.

 

– Stephanie Bream, Alumni, Master of Public Administration And Policy

WASHINGTON POLICY EXPERTS LEADING THE WAY

WHETHER TEACHING A CLASS OR SPEAKING TO LEGISLATORS, MPAP FACULTY ARE ALWAYS ACTIVELY ENGAGED.

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VICKY WILKINS: I think the School of Public Affairs at American University stands out and is often ranked among the best schools of Public Affairs because of the fact that we have such a active and engaged faculty. Our faculty are just as comfortable in the classroom as they are behind their desk doing research as they are downtown giving testimony to Congress.

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At the helm of the online Master of Public Administration and Policy is our School of Public Affair's renowned faculty, whose Washington expertise allows us to expose students to the practical application of policy analysis and provide unique insight into public administration challenges currently facing policy experts and administrators. Our online MPAP courses are developed by faculty who:

  • Have held senior leadership positions at the American Society of Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration
  • Consult and train NGOs and donor agencies
  • Work with leading Washington, DC think tanks
  • Spearhead critical government-funded public policy research
  • Have personally led state legislation implementation
  • Are frequently published in leading public affairs journals
  • Are authors of leading textbooks in their field
  • Have won several prestigious awards in the field
  • Regularly appear as expert speakers at conferences and in the media

As experts in every aspect of public service, these highly motivated and skilled educators from the School of Public Affairs develop all courses for this MPAP degree. They work in close cooperation with course instructors who mentor and guide students through the day-to-day learning process. All of our instructors hold advanced degrees in public affairs. Our instructors are well-connected professionals working in government and the nonprofit sector. Together, our online faculty delivers a comprehensive understanding of core administrative and policy analytic skills in an effective and engaging manner. Our faculty's academic credentials, real-world experience, and political and policy expertise provide you with a world-class education that prepares you for immediate success in your career.

To learn more about how American University's online Master of Public Administration and Policy can advance your career, request more information or call us toll free at 855-725-7614.