To successfully lead a public or non-profit organization in today’s environment, administrators must develop superior executive, public policy, and resource management expertise. The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program strives to meet these challenges. Students customize this program by selecting an area of specialization to develop skills best suited to their academic and career goals. The M.P.A. is backed by Drake University’s full resources and reputation.
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 College of Business and Public Administration’s renowned faculty, the Drake MPA curriculum is enriched by experiential learning, team collaboration, and real-world scenarios.
Course |
Credits |
M.P.A. Core Curriculum |
21 |
MPA 215 - Changing Environment & Management of Public & Nonprofit Organizations |
3 |
MPA 216 - Managing Human Resources as Assets |
3 |
MPA 217 - Applying Information, Research & Analysis in Nonprofit and Public Environments |
3 |
MPA 220 - Public Budget & Financial Management |
3 |
MPA 221 - Public Organizations & Leadership |
3 |
MPA 226 - Public Policy Decision-Making Analysis |
3 |
MPA 260 - Applying Innovative Solutions to Current Problems |
3 |
M.P.A. Emphasis Area - Select four courses from a group of elective courses designed to focus on an area of specialization. Each student also must complete one advisor-approved elective, which can be an approved course from any of the emphasis areas. The emphasis areas include |
|
Executive Leadership and Collaborative Governance |
|
Health Care Management |
|
Information Technology Management |
|
Nonprofit Management |
|
Public Service and Social Policy |
|
Individualized |
Master of Public Administration applicants must meet the following admission requirements.
Adaptable in its design, students can tailor the degree program to align with their specific goals through career-focused curriculum in areas such as:
Executive Leadership Development – Develop management skills and learn to lead with confidence through a series of rigorous courses focusing on leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Healthcare Management – Gain an understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape through the completion of coursework consisting of healthcare administration, healthcare policy, ethics, law and advocacy and conflict resolution.
Individualized – Combine elective courses from Drake’s Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Communication programs to tailor an emphasis that meets your specific needs and career goals.
Course |
Credits |
M.P.A. Core Curriculum |
21 |
MPA 215 - Changing Environment & Management of Public & Nonprofit Organizations |
3 |
MPA 216 - Managing Human Resources as Assets |
3 |
MPA 217 - Applying Information, Research & Analysis in Nonprofit and Public Environments |
3 |
MPA 220 - Public Budget & Financial Management |
3 |
MPA 221 - Public Organizations & Leadership |
3 |
MPA 226 - Public Policy Decision-Making Analysis |
3 |
MPA 260 - Applying Innovative Solutions to Current Problems |
3 |
M.P.A. Emphasis Area - Select 15 credits from a group of elective courses from one of the areas of emphasis below |
15 |
Executive Leadership Development |
|
BUS 212 - Executive Leadership |
3 |
BUS 283 - Negotiation & Conflict Resolution |
3 |
Health Care Management |
|
BUS 283 - Negotiation & Conflict Resolution |
3 |
HLTH 261 - Healthcare Policy |
3 |
HLTH 263 - Healthcare Administration |
3 |
HLTH 264 - Beyond Ethics: Policy & Healthcare, or |
3 |
PADM 281 - Program Performance, Evaluation, and Management |
3 |
Individualized |
To apply for admission to Drake’s fully online Master of Public Administration program:
Mail transcripts to:
Drake University
C/O Wiley Education Services
851 Trafalgar Court
Suite 420 West
Maitland, FL 32751
Or email:
drakeonlinetranscripts@drake.edu
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.
Non-Degree Admission
The Pre-MPA program is for students looking to take classes for personal enrichment or to meet pre-acceptance requirements for entry into Drake’s Master of Public Administration degree program.
Students interested in applying for the Pre-MPA must submit the following:
Mail transcripts to:
Drake University
C/O Wiley Education Services
851 Trafalgar Court
Suite 420 West
Maitland, FL 32751
Or email:
drakeonlinetranscripts@drake.edu
Pre-MPA students are allowed to complete the following MPA core courses:
Once admitted into Drake’s Master of Public Administration program, all successfully completed Pre-MPA courses will transfer.
The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.