Public Administration

Public Administration
Mission Statement & Student Learning Objectives
Faculty & Staff
Admission Process
MPA Professional Advisory Council (MPAPAC)
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program is designed to provide widely varied educational opportunities in the fields of public and not-for-profit management. Graduate study opportunities are available for those currently employed as well as for recent graduates seeking a career in the public service. Both full-time and part-time study programs are available on a degree and non-degree basis.

Students are encouraged to become aware of the public service environment, the values that guide public service and the critical and analytical skills necessary to formulate, implement and evaluate public service decisions.

Program faculty, all of whom hold doctoral degrees and have public service management experience, have been selected from the several academic areas most pertinent to public sector applications. Adjunct faculty are highly trained, qualified and experienced academics and practitioners.

NASPAA logoThe MPA Program is accredited by the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards.

For further information or questions, please contact Courtney Jensen at 509.828.1231 or cejensen@ewu.edu.

EWU Master of Public Administration

Are you interested in public service?

Want to earn a graduate degree and serve your community?

The MPA or Masters of Public Administration, is a nationally accredited graduate degree for public-serving organizations such as governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, NGOs, policy centers, and philanthropic institutions.

Like an MBA for the public sector, the MPA program is focused on developing students skills regarding policy, management, and leadership. And with our rolling admissions students can enroll asap!

What Can I Do With My Degree?

Our graduates go into a wide variety of careers. A survey of graduates from the 2017-2018 academic year found that 56% of our graduates went to work (or continued working) at some level of government: 33% state, provincial, or regional (including state universities); 17% city, county or other local government; 6% foreign government; 22% went into the non-profit sector, while 11% went into the private sector. Seven percent entered or remained in the US Military.

The majority of students in the MPA program are in-service students. As such, according to the most recent alumni survey, 38% continued in the jobs held before enrollment. 8% obtained a job before graduation, while 8% were employed within 3 months. 15% were employed within 4-6 months of graduation and another 15% within 7-12 months. Only 8% have not obtained a job since graduating.

Post Graduation Employment Statistics

Our graduates are currently putting their MPA degrees to work in their communities serving in positions such as: program planning and engagement manager, case manager, executive director, program coordinator, lobbyist, associate planner, network director, firefighter, special liaison to VP of business and finance, advocacy and immersion program manager, privacy officer, community programs manager, admissions representative, graduate student coordinator.

Employment Type2020202120222023
National or central government in the same country as program-1-1
State, provincial, or regional government in the same country as program26710
City, county, or other local government in the same country as program-211
Government not in the same country as the program (all levels) or international quasi-governmental----
Nonprofit domestic-oriented11--
Nonprofit/NGOs internationally-oriented----
Private sector - research/consulting1---
Private sector - not research/consulting-13-
Obtaining further education----
Military service----
Unemployed, not seeking employment----
Unemployed, seeking employment----
Status Unknown22410
Total6131524

How Long Does It Take to Graduate?

This depends on whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. 20-25% of our students complete the program within 18 months and 50% graduate within 36 months. Some students require more time. You are allowed to take up to six years to complete the program.

Graduation Statistics

Initially EnrolledGraduated within 2 yearsGraduated within 3 yearsGraduated within 4 yearsTotal Students Graduated and Persisting to Graduation
Total Number of Students in the ARY-5 Cohort3911212527

Graduation Class Size

20232022202120202019
99152617

How Much Will It Cost?

This table is for your information, rates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Student Financial Services page.

2023-24 Tuition Rates

Tuition TypePer CreditFull-Time (10-18 Credits)Additional Fee Over 18 Credits, Per Credit
ResidentNon-ResidentResidentNon-ResidentResidentNon-Resident
Undergraduate$243.12$827.76$2,431.23$8,277.64$216.22$801.50
Graduate$423.28$934.77$4,232.82$9,347.67$397.88$909.60
Note: Part-time students are charged for a minimum of two credits.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Courtney Jensen, PhD

Associate Professor; MPA Director
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program
Catalyst #425
509.828.1231