Master of Public Affairs
SPEA's MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
The Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program at SPEA IUPUI prepares leaders in the public and nonprofit sector by delivering an interdisciplinary education that emphasizes professional practice throughout the curriculum. SPEA melds social and physical sciences from various disciplines into a graduate education that requires and prepares students to be attuned to the diverse landscape of changing ideas, culture, policies, and problems our society faces today and in its future.
The program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis. Most coursework for the program is offered in the evenings to allow students to work full-time and participate in the MPA program part-time.
SPEA's MPA program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
Welcome from MPA Program Director Debra Mesch, Ph.D
Careers in Public Affairs
The Master of Public Affairs degree prepares students for a variety of careers. MPA graduates are making a difference as leaders in companies in central Indiana and across the country, including:
- Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana
- Vice President of Government Relations, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Financial Analyst, City of Indianapolis
- Environmental Project Planner, City of Indianapolis
- Associate Director of Development, Cleveland Orchestra
- Deputy Director of Certification and Compliance, Environmental Protection Agency
- Rule Writer, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
- Director of Constituent Services, Indiana Attorney General's Office
- Assistant Director, Indiana Department of Education
- Program Manager, Indiana Department of Commerce
- Division Chief, Indiana Department of Transportation
- Director - Policy Office, Indiana State Department of Health
- Principal Telecommunications Analyst, Indiana Regulatory Commission
- Director of Finance and Administration, Indianapolis Downtown Inc.
- Executive Director, Iowa League of Cities
- Director of Community Relations, Lutheran Child and Family Services
- Auditor, Marion County (Indiana) Auditor's Office
- Policy Analyst, Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning
- Manager of Strategic Relations, Purdue University
- Senior Budget Analyst, Indiana State Budget Agency
- Donor Relations Manager, The Nature Conservancy
- President and Chief Professional Officer, United Way of Central Indiana
- U.S. Probation Officer, U.S. District Court
Program Benefits
- Provides preparation for responsible and informed legal, management, financial, and budgetary leadership
- Hands-on projects that promote positive change in the community
- Internships and work experience with local and state government agencies as well as public and private companies
- Well-respected legal experts, nonprofit executives, and government officials as guest lecturers
- Dual-degree programs allow specialization and reduce credits required to complete two separate degrees
- Graduate certificate classes may be applied toward the MPA program
- Careers with nonprofit agencies, city, state and federal government, colleges and universities, public utilities, and private companies
Curriculum
The 48 credit hour MPA program is designed to develop leaders for public agencies and nonprofit organizations and allows for expertise in one of these concentrations:
- Criminal Justice
- Environmental Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management
Each course of study requires completion of the core, the concentration, and the experiential requirements, in addition to sufficient electives and/or mid-career option credit. The core requirements of the MPA degree consist of 21 credit hours of work in seven courses. Concentrations expand on substantive areas of interest and are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. All concentrations require a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework and may be up to 21 credit hours. Additionally, general electives add breadth to a chosen program, further exploration of the field of concentration, or enhance quantitative and analytical skills or administrative techniques. The experiential requirement ensures that each graduate of the MPA program gains insight into the world of public service through an experience outside the classroom. It is recommended that students have undergraduate courses in algebra, statistics, and microeconomics prior to enrolling in certain required courses.
For a complete list of all MPA courses, see:
Faculty
MPA classes are taught by an impressive cadre of full-time, part-time, and associate faculty. View a complete list of all MPA faculty.
Joint Degree Programs
Master of Public Affairs-Doctor of Jurisprudence (MPA-JD)
Offered with the Indiana University School of Law, this program provides an understanding of the legal and managerial frameworks of public service, nonprofit, and quasi-governmental agencies
View MPA-JD checksheet
Master of Public Affairs-Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies (MPA-MA)
Offered with the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, this program focuses on the history, culture, and values of philanthropy, as well as the managerial frameworks of public service.
View MPA-MA checksheet
Master of Library Science - Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management (MLS-NMC)
Offered with the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science, this program provides MLS students with training in nonprofit management issues, including grant proposals.
View MLS-NMC checksheet
Master of Library Science - Graduate Certificate in Public Management (MLS-PMC)
Offered with the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science, this program provides MLS graduates with training in public management.
View MLS-PMC checksheet