Master of Public Affairs

Program Director: Bradley Miller, Ph.D.

 

The Master of Public Affairs is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that prepares students for dynamic careers as leaders in the world of public affairs and public policy.

The Master of Public Affairs program trains the next generation of public affairs workers and policy leaders to understand, evaluate, and tackle increasingly complex public issues in a globalized world.  The program prepares students with the knowledge and skills to address important problems in society and to excel in the areas of ethical leadership, collaborative governance, public policy strategy, economic analysis, and more.

The MPA program is dedicated to experiential learning and requires a public affairs internship/strategic capstone, selected by the student with counsel from his/her faculty advisor.

 

Admissions Requirements

Same as General Admissions Requirements

 

Requirements for the Degree

The Master of Public Affairs can be earned by completing a one-year program comprised of eight (8) courses for a total of 32 credits.  Students may also enroll part time and complete the degree in two years or at their own pace.

 

Program Outcomes

Students graduate with the skills necessary for any public service professional and an understanding of all influencing factors which contribute to the development and implementation of public policies.

* Merrimack College graduates who received a grade of ‘A’ or ‘A-’ in POL2000W: Political Science Methods can petition the Director to have MPA6200: Research Methods and Evaluation waived.  Students would then be required to take an additional elective from the list of electives for this degree.  The total credits for the MPA program remains 32 credits (8 courses).  Similarly, students who graduated from another institution and received a grade of ‘A’ or ‘A-’ for a course equivalent to MPA6200 can petition the Director to waive the course.  All course waivers are at the discretion of the Director.