Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [FINAL EDITION]

Public Administration, MPA


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Master in public administration (MPA) students are able to establish an enduring professionalism by completing course work that blends theory with practical applications and experience. The MPA program includes a core curriculum combining coursework in basic administrative and leadership skill areas with courses emphasizing the institutional, political, and ethical environments of the public and nonprofit sectors. 

The instructional philosophy of the MPA program is to promote learning through discussion. Courses feature small seminar-style settings and a diverse enrollment representing a variety of age groups, occupations, and educational backgrounds.

MPA Elective Courses (21 Credits)


  • Complete seven elective courses 
  • These courses may include offerings from the MPA program or designated alternatives from other graduate programs at Widener.  

MPA Comprehensive Exam (1 Credit)


Students must have completed at least 27 credits of coursework and three of the four core classes prior to registering for PA 698, provided that they are concurrently registered for the final courses in the exam semester.

Certificate/Specializations


Students may apply elective coursework toward completion of a specialization or graduate certificate in one of the following areas:

  1. Criminal Justice Specialization (4 courses)
  2. Human Sexuality Studies (4 courses)
  3. Local Government Specialization / Urban Studies Certificate (4 courses) 
  4. Nonprofit Leadership Specialization / Certificate (4 courses)

Criminal Justice Specialization


Local Government Specialization


Nonprofit Leadership Specialization


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