The MPA is the professional degree for those who seek leadership positions in public service. Coursework in this program develops students’ skills to design and implement policies, projects, and programs in order to provide vital daily services and address societal problems while attending to the day to day administrative issues in organizations. To see a brief video about the program in Quicktime click here, or click
here to watch the video in Windows Media Player.

KU’s Master of Public Administration degree combines an established tradition of academic excellence with a continuing concern for the practical aspects of public management. U.S. News and World Report ranks KU's public administration program #1 in city management and urban policy among public universities and, as of fall 2006, KU’s program became the first in the country where all full professors are members of National Academy of Public Administration. Edwards Campus MPA students benefit from the faculty’s distinction in the field and from the variety of experiences their fellow students bring to the classroom.

Graduates of the program are employed in local, county and federal government, in non-profit organizations and in for-profit corporations. What MPA students and alumni share is significant leadership potential and a dedication to public service — these are among the characteristics the admissions committee looks for in applicants.

Students can complete all requirements for the 37-credit hour MPA degree at the Edwards Campus in evening courses taught by the same nationally recognized KU faculty who teach in Lawrence. Most students in the program work full time in public service professions and complete one or two courses per semester.

A description of the curriculum and more information about the field of public administration are available in this program brochure[pdf] and on the department Web
site.