Master of Public Administration - Strategic Public Management and Leadership

About the Program

Advance your public management career with our master's degree program, ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our online MPA program is convenient and flexible. By taking two courses each semester, you can get your degree in less than three years. You'll build your leadership skills as you learn from the same faculty who teach on campus. You'll also grow your professional network - one-third of all Illinois city and county managers are alumni of our program.

Program Mode of Delivery

The program is 100% online.

Curriculum

You'll take courses to develop your public management and leadership competencies such as:

PSPA 607 - Public Service Performance I: Theory and Management
PSPA 608 - Public Service Performance II: Management and Data Analysis
PSPA 609 - Public Personnel Management
PSPA 610 – Public Budgeting and Financial Management
PSPA 650 – Leadership in Public Sector Organizations
PSPA 673 – Strategic Planning for Public Service Organizations

Information about specific course requirements can be found in the NIU course catalog.

Applying to the Program

To apply to the online MPA program, you must have at least two years of employment in public management, a minimum of a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies, at least one undergraduate course in U.S. government and an undergraduate course in mathematics or statistics.

Start your application now with the NIU Graduate School.

Faculty

• Christopher Goodman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
• Jaehee Jong, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
• Julie Langer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
• Gregory Kuhn, Ph.D., Instructor
• Brian Richard, Ph.D., Instructor
• Eunju Rho, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
• Alicia Schatteman, Ph.D., Associate Professor
• Thomas Skuzinski, Associate Professor
• Kurt Thurmaier, Ph.D., Distinguished Engagement Professor and Chair
• Donald Weiss, M.P.A., Instructor

Why NIU Online?

We know you have responsibilities and commitments. It's just easier if you're able to take classes where you are without the commute. The good news is that with NIU, you're not alone. Your classmates and instructors are available via the same technology that helps deliver your classes. In our classrooms or in your living room, we want you to succeed academically because your future is our focus.

Application Deadlines

For applicants residing in the U.S.

Term	Preferred Deadline
Spring	December 1
Fall	July 15

For international applicants

Term	Preferred Deadline
Spring	October 1
Fall	May 1

Apply