Master of Public Administration quick facts

  • Learn to drive meaningful change related to your specific area of interest
  • Connect with classmates and public sector leaders in two on-campus immersions and live virtual classes
  • Choose from three start times each year: fall, spring and summer
  • Earn your degree in two years, part time
  • Apply for our program without submitting GRE scores

Upcoming term

Next start Priority admission deadline Final admission deadline
August 25, 2025 June 1, 2025 August 1, 2025

Apply now

Leaders in the public sector are tasked with handling a wide array of local and global issues, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and social welfare. They also face the unique challenge of serving a public that may be skeptical of their efforts.

To be successful and fulfill the needs of the populations they serve, public sector leaders must understand the inner workings of their organization, manage complex day-to-day operations and understand how to implement impactful policies. The Master of Public Administration online program from SMU’s Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies equips aspiring leaders with the essential tools and knowledge to thrive in this dynamic field.

One of the advantages of this program is the small class sizes. This is a significant benefit of a small private university; when students have a particular project in mind and it doesn’t align with what we offer, we can either help them find a suitable project or support them in pursuing an independent one.

We aim to offer a wide range of policy projects for our students, ensuring that there are options that align with the interests of all our students.

Eva Chiang, Ph.D., Public Policy and Administration (P.P.A.) Lead Faculty and Academic Coordinator

Collaborate and connect through interactive M.P.A. courses and immersions

The Master of Public Administration combines synchronous and asynchronous coursework so that working individuals can connect with their classmates and build a valuable network of public administration professionals. Through a mix of virtual live lectures, project-based assignments and individual and group work, students gain hands-on experience with collaborative problem-solving, planning and management.

On-campus immersion experience: Master of Public Administration students also have the chance to meet public sector leaders during the two on-campus immersion experiences that bookend the program. The first introduces students to the foundations of public administration, while the second provides an opportunity for students to present their capstone projects to classmates and policy leaders from around the country. Learn more about M.P.A. immersion experiences.

Master of Public Administration curriculum & learning outcomes

Students can earn this 36-credit degree in two years by completing two courses per term. The curriculum consists of 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credits of electives. Students can currently select from the following public policy elective courses:

  • Finance and Budgeting for Public Policy
  • Leadership and Talent Management in the Public Sector
  • Public Sector Project Management

Our curriculum aims to equip students with a strong foundation in leadership and management of public sector organizations– In our program, students will:

  • Design, implement and evaluate public policy, and understand the unintended consequences of policymaking.
  • Develop leadership and management skills needed for effective governance in public sector organizations.
  • Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability and public trust in administration.
  • Identify policy solutions and political and economic institutions that influence the policy process.
  • Learn how to communicate and advocate in order to effectively engage stakeholders.
  • Develop a basic understanding of economics in the public sector while also gaining proficiency in public finance and budgeting, in order to manage and allocate public resources responsibly.

View M.P.A. Curriculum

Who can benefit from an online Master of Public Administration?

Individuals who want to lead in the public sector will benefit from an online Master of Public Administration program. This program is a great fit for:

  • Early to mid-career individuals who currently work in the public or nonprofit sector and want to move up to a management position
  • Public sector leaders or aspiring leaders who are interested in learning more about the practical aspects of running public sector organizations
  • Professionals from a wide array of backgrounds — including political science, business, social work and public health — who want to gain policy knowledge or administration skills.

Ready to learn more? Download our program brochure, and explore our curriculum, admission and FAQ pages.

Request information

To download a program brochure and learn more about the Master of Public Administration offered by SMU, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 469-871-6018.

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Frequently asked questions

A Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in public service, government, nonprofits and related sectors. These degrees often include coursework in public policy implementation,
management, budgeting and organizational leadership.

M.P.A. programs typically blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications, teaching students how to implement effective public policy and manage the day-to-day operations of public and nonprofit organizations. Students take courses
in public finance, public administration, ethics and leadership, all of which are crucial for navigating the complexities of the public sector.

If you strive to make a difference in the public sector, then a Master of Public Administration is an excellent way to move your career forward. In addition to making a difference in the world, those who possess an M.P.A. can also earn
a comfortable wage. Labor market analytics data from Lightcast shows that the median salary for professionals with an M.P.A. is $93,600 per year.

The M.P.A. is ideal for individuals looking to advance their careers in public or nonprofit management, as well as those interested in leadership or management roles in international organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
According to the career website Indeed, some of the top roles you can pursue with an M.P.A. include development coordinator, financial analyst and public affairs specialist.

An M.P.A. degree is beneficial for individuals who work in or want to work in public service, policymaking and leadership in government or nonprofit sectors. The degree provides specialized skills that can open doors to advanced career
opportunities. If you are looking to move up in your company or change careers, an M.P.A. provides the necessary training and credentials.

The SMU Master of Public Administration is flexible enough for students to complete while they work. It also offers a variety of opportunities to form deeper professional connections, including two immersive experiences.

  • Completed online application
  • Undergraduate transcripts
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • English language proficiency test scores for international students

See the admission page for details.

Students can earn their degree on a part-time schedule in two years, or six terms, by taking two courses per term.

Visit our FAQ page for more answers to your questions.