Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Propel your career forward as a highly effective manager and leader in the public and nonprofit sectors with Illinois Tech’s customizable Master of Public Administration degree.
Develop the Skills to Reach Your Career Goals with a Master of Public Administration at Illinois Tech
Do your skills match your career goals? In the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at Stuart School of Business, you can develop powerful skills and expertise in administration, policy analysis and implementation, public finance, and analytics that put you on the path to impactful management and leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and consulting.
Choose a specialization or elective courses to tailor your degree to your specific career interests. Looking to master key quantitative skills? Check out our STEM-designated M.P.A. in Analytics program.
Program Overview
Wherever you are in your career, Illinois Tech’s M.P.A. program delivers a hands-on, applied approach and customizable curriculum that is your pathway to achieving your goals.
Flexibility for working professionals includes evening courses, our downtown Chicago location, a hybrid format that allows you to attend courses in person or online, and typical completion times of two years part-time or 12–16 months full-time. Chicago is a dynamic, global business center with government agencies at all levels and a thriving nonprofit community. With Illinois Tech’s connections, you’ll have exciting opportunities for networking and internships.
Career Opportunities
Careers for Master of Public Administration graduates range across government, nonprofits, and consulting, as well as with companies that interact with public entities. Here are a few of the many job opportunities you might consider:
- Government agency administrators
- Public policy directors
- Social and community service managers
- Compliance and regulatory affairs managers
With the Master of Public Administration program, you have the freedom to choose elective courses or a specialization to match your interests and career goals. Check out some of our courses.
PA 502—Organizational Behavior
- Gain key insights into the behavior of individuals, groups, and organizations that can put you on the path to becoming an effective manager and leader. You’ll engage with topics such as motivation, perception, and learning style in individuals, as well as group dynamics and how organizational structure and culture impacts behavior. Case studies will help you practice management techniques in real-world situations.
PA 532—Public Financial Optimization and Management
- Learn how to follow the money! Develop your understanding and skills in governmental budgets and budget processing, accounting, and fiscal administration. Coursework emphasizes best practices, case studies, and the practical challenges encountered in managing government resources.
PA 541—Performance Measurement in Nonprofit and Public Management
- How do we know how well a policy or program is working? Performance management is an essential tool that nonprofit and government leaders and staff use to plan and manage the programs and services that they offer to customers, clients, and the public. You’ll learn how to develop performance measures and apply performance management techniques to solve problems and improve policies and programs.
- Completed Online Application
- Official transcript submission with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- No GMAT or GRE scores required
- A one-page statement of purpose, with goals and objectives
- English proficiency exam, if required
Have Questions? Connect with Us
For any questions about Stuart School of Business degree programs or the application and enrollment process, contact our Director of Student Recruitment Claire Johnson.
Learn More about M.P.A.: Ask a Program Director
Discover how a Stuart M.P.A. degree can open doors for you to a meaningful career in the public or nonprofit sectors by talking with Program Director Roland Calia. Register now for an upcoming session!
Online information sessions on Wednesdays at 8–8:30 a.m. CT
Scholarships and Aid
All Stuart School of Business graduate students are automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarship awards at the time of admission to Illinois Tech. Click on the buttons to learn more about merit-based and need-based financial aid awards and tuition and fees.
Chicago Police and Fire Department applicants: Contact Stuart School of Business for information regarding scholarships and tuition deferment.
More M.P.A. Options
Choose a Specialization
Optional M.P.A. specializations include:
> Nonprofit and Mission-Driven Management
> Security, Safety, and Risk Management
> Economic Development and Social Entrepreneurship
M.P.A. Certificate Programs
Designed for mid-career professionals to build expertise and skills in a specific area. Each program is four courses (12 credit hours total), which can be applied toward an M.P.A. degree.
Dual-Degree Programs
Prepare for leadership positions by combining the M.P.A. with another graduate degree in business (M.B.A. or M.S. in Sustainability Analytics and Management), design (M.Des.), or law (J.D.).
Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP)
Current Illinois Tech undergraduates can earn both a bachelor’s degree and an M.P.A. in as few as five years through the AMP co-terminal option.
One-Year M.P.A. Program
An accelerated, three-semester M.P.A. program option is offered for international students. Choose among five concentrations. For more information, contact M.P.A. Program Director Roland Calia.
Seeking a new career path, Scott Greene combined his interest in government with a Stuart M.P.A. degree to land a position as a city budget analyst in Chicago, and the promotions have followed.
Scott Greene (M.P.A. ’16)
Featured Faculty
Roland Calia
Joanne E. Howard
