Program Options

Department web site

Program Overview

The online M.P.A. program prepares students to navigate the evolving landscape of public administration with the tools to strategically solve problems, analyze policies, and meet public service needs at the local, state, and federal level, as well as in the private and nonprofit sectors.  Drawing on the expertise of the Zimpleman College of Business’ renowned faculty, the Drake M.P.A. curriculum is enriched by experiential learning, team collaboration, and real-world scenarios.

Program Requirements

The M.P.A. is designed for the working professional to be completed with 30 credit hours with a focus in either public and nonprofit management or healthcare management.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
M.P.A. Core Curriculum (required for all students)
MPA 215	FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE	3
MPA 216	HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT	3
MPA 217	APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION	3
MPA 220	PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCE	3
MPA 221	PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND LEADERSHIP	3
MPA 228	RESOURCE DEV AND PROG PERFORM	3
MPA 260	CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE	3
M.P.A. Specialization Area
Select one area of specialization. The specialization areas and corresponding courses include:		9
Public & Nonprofit Management:
PADM 245	PUBLIC POLICY
PADM 287	PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
PADM 273	NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT
Healthcare Management:
HLTH 261	HEALTH CARE POLICY
HLTH 263	HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION
HLTH 266	HEALTHCARE REGULATION, LAW AND ADVOCACY
Total Hours		30

Certified Public Managers/Master of Public Administration

Individuals who have completed the Certified Public Manager® (C.P.M.) program offered through the Zimpleman College of Business may be eligible to waive up to 9 credit-hours in the M.P.A. The C.P.M. must be completed within the five-year time frame for M.P.A. program completion.

Admission

To apply for admission to Drake’s Master of Public Administration program:

• Complete the online application.
• Submit your official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Official transcripts are prepared and sent by the institution in question and received by Drake University in a sealed envelope.

Mail transcripts to: 

Office of Admission
Drake University
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505

Or email:

drakeonlinetranscripts@drake.edu

• Submit an electronic copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a typed, one-page essay detailing how a graduate education at Drake University will help you reach your academic and professional goals.
• Submit contact information for two professional recommendations.

International Students

If a student earned her/his undergraduate degree outside of the United States, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Scores dated within the last two years are acceptable and must be reported directly from the testing agency. Minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 213 on the computer-based exam, 550 on the paper-based exam, or 79-80 on the Internet-based exam. Minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5. Minimum scores on each section of reading, writing, speaking and listening may be required.

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to 12 credit hours from another accredited graduate program. All transfer credits must be earned with a grade of B- or higher, must directly relate to the program of study, and must fall within the 5-year time frame for program completion. Transfer credits will be applied to the degree program upon successful completion of at least one term of enrollment in the program.

Admission with Conditions

Admission with Conditions allows individuals to be reviewed for admission and begin graduate studies with a conditional requirement that must be completed successfully to progress in the program.

Students granted Admission with Conditions may enroll part-time and take up to nine credit hours of coursework to prove strong academic performance. Strong academic performance includes receiving a grade of B or higher in all courses. Students will be reviewed at the end of each full semester to confirm that the conditions of their admission have been met. The review will take place if a minimum of six credit hours, has been completed. 

Admission with Conditions is not available to international applicants.