Program Type: Graduate
Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Public Administration Select the degree to view its requirements.
Department: Political Science, Criminal Justice & Organizational Leadership
Join NKU Master of Public Administration (MPA) students, alumni, and faculty in serving others, strengthening communities, and leading government and nonprofit organizations! The MPA is an applied 36 credit hour degree designed to prepare students for careers in public service and public management. Classes can be completed online or in a hybrid format and are small in size, permitting faculty to personalize instruction and allowing students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for competitive employment in the public and related sectors, including government agencies, hospitals, universities, and other nonprofit organizations. We are the only MPA program in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), which is the quality benchmark for graduate programs around the world. Also, we are ranked #3 for Best Public Affairs Graduate Programs in the state of Kentucky by U.S. News and World Report.
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) has re-accredited NKU’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program for the next seven years, which is the maximum period of time allowed. "NASPAA accreditation indicates that an MPA program meets certain benchmarks in terms of quality and value. We are honored that NKU's program, once again, has received this mark of quality or stamp of approval because it is very important to prospective students, current students, alumni and employers,” said Dr. Julie Olberding, MPA Director. “NKU’s program is one of only six in the state of Kentucky to have achieved this status." Read more...
Graduating Year: 2003
Education: Bachelor of Arts in History; Master of Public Administration
Career: "I began my career at CVG, where I worked in Airfield Maintenance for 10 years before accepting a director’s position in Lansing MI, the year I graduated with my MPA. After stops in Louisville KY, San Jose CA, and Grand Rapids MI – and 18 years later – I returned home Northern KY and CVG in 2021 in my current role. So, my career path has come full circle."
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A variety of financial assistance is available, from grants to scholarships, loans to veteran benefits.