Public Administration
(M.P.A. | E.M.P.A.)
Welcome to the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A. & Executive M.P.A.) program at Rutgers-Camden. Our program prepares public service managers to lead and serve in Governmental and Nonprofit organizations. The M.P.A. curriculum provides students with professional skills and knowledge to support your career growth. Our renowned faculty brings both theory and practical experience to the classroom.
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The Rutgers-Camden M.P.A. and E.M.P.A. programs equip students with a versatile skill set to excel in the dynamic realm of public service. Students will gain proficiency in essential areas such as data analytics, financial management, leadership, and information technology, enabling them to make data-informed policy and management decisions, manage public resources effectively, and lead teams to achieve collective goals.
Our programs boast flexible course delivery modalities, offering students a mix of in-person, hybrid, and fully online courses. Customize your academic path to align with your individual needs and the timing of your personal and professional aspirations.
Upon graduation, our students find a myriad of rewarding career opportunities, including positions within city and municipality governments, state and federal agencies, and leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, making a lasting impact in the public and nonprofit sectors.
The Rutgers–Camden M.P.A. program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education and practical experience in public administration. Rutgers–Camden offers students the opportunity to apply theory and practice to real-world governance challenges. Several research centers and institutes, such as the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs, the Community Leadership Center, the Center for Urban Research and Education, and the Office of Civic Engagement, provide avenues for students to engage in community outreach and conduct research.
Dual Modalities: M.P.A. and Executive Programs
M.P.A.
The 42-credit (14 classes) MPA program supports part-time and full-time students. Classes are offered in the evenings with multiple modality options: in-person, online, and hybrid classes.
Executive M.P.A.
Mid-career professionals complete 10 classes (30-credits) in a Saturday morning hybrid-course model. Mid to senior-level managers with five or more years of experience apply to this cohort-based program.
Regardless of modality, the program prepares graduates for careers in government and non-profit organizations, both locally and internationally. Our graduates have made significant contributions to renowned organizations like the United Way and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They have also secured positions at prestigious government offices, including the NJ Department of Labor, the Department of Human Services, and the Treasury. Additionally, they have excelled in national-level agencies such as the US Department of Transportation, Department of Human Services, and Departments of Housing and Urban Development.
Program Overview
DETAIL | M.P.A. | EXECUTIVE M.P.A. |
|---|---|---|
| DEGREE | Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Specializations: public and nonprofit or community development Accelerated option available | Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) |
| CREDITS | 42 credits Courses: 14 (7 core courses / 3 specialization/ 3 elective courses / 1 internship) | 30 Credits Courses: 10 classes (2 classes in fall and spring) and Summer residency (one week) |
| FORMAT | Classes are offered on campus, online or hybrid. | Classes are hybrid |
| DURATION | Full-time: 3-5 semesters Part-time: Varies | Part-time: 5 semesters (including summer) |
| FUNDING | University, Graduate School, and Departmental Funding Available | University, Graduate School, and Departmental Funding Available |
Program in Action
Faculty research: Money Talks
In this article, Michael Hayes, M.P.A. Grad Director, joins campus researchers in discussing the Federal Reserve’s impact on inflation.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DIANA AKUMU
Inspired by family and despite pandemic challenges, Akumu, a Kenyan native, graduated from the M.P.A. program, achieving her educational goal.
On The DEPARTMENT Website
Discover where our graduates excel: nonprofit/private sectors (e.g., American Cancer Society) and government (e.g., Barrington Police).
Featured Courses
View the list of Course Descriptions.
HISTORY & PRACTICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (56:834:603)
The course examines the theories and practices of economic development, education, housing, and community organizing to understand policy and management implications for community development.
FOUNDATIONS OF POLICY ANALYSIS (56:834:501 & 56:831:501)
This course combines theories and practices from microeconomics and political economy to describe and predict public policy outcomes and inform policy decisions.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR PUBLIC PROGRAMS (56:834:553 & 56:831:553)
Examines budgetary processes, break-even analysis, municipal bonds, cash management, and financial statement analysis to inform policy and management decisions.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION (56:834:558 & 56:831:558)
This course analyzes poverty alleviation strategies, delving into root causes, survival tools, microfinance, and skills training.
PUBLIC MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (56:834:536 & 56:831:536)
This course examines the analysis, supervision, and coordination of the management information systems department within the larger organizational culture
RACE & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (56:834:539)
This course explores a broad analysis of new and emerging theories on the edge of the study and practice of race and public administration.
Admissions Requirements
DETAIL | ON-CAMPUS M.P.A. | EXECUTIVE M.P.A. |
|---|---|---|
| TRANSCRIPTS | Official transcripts displaying all undergraduate and graduate courses, confirming the attainment of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized undergraduate institution. The expected GPA is a 3.0. | Official transcripts displaying all undergraduate and graduate courses, confirming the attainment of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized undergraduate institution. The expected GPA is a 3.0. |
| LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION | Three letters of recommendation | Two letters of recommendation |
| RESUME/CURRICULUM VITAE | A current resumé | A current resume that demonstrates a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience |
| PERSONAL STATEMENT | A statement regarding the applicant’s personal and professional goals and experience | A statement regarding the applicant’s personal and professional goals and experience |
Application Deadlines
Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints.
Fall
M.P.A. – JUL 1
E.M.P.A. – JUL 1
Spring
M.P.A. – NOV 1
EMPA – Not Offered
Summer
Not Offered
Reach Out to Us
Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus, tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.
PROGRAM CONTACTS
Dr. Angie McGuire
Graduate Director, Executive Public Administration (EMPA)
angie.mcguire@rutgers.edu
(848) 932-4750
Dr. Michael Hayes
Graduate Director, Public Administration (MPA)
mh987@camden.rutgers.edu
(856) 225-6561
GRADUATE SCHOOL CONTACT
Erick E. Watt-Udogu
Assistant Dean, Graduate School-Camden
erick.watt-udogu@rutgers.edu
(856) 225-6149
Take the Next Step.
We invite you to explore the boundless opportunities that await you here, where a world-class faculty, diverse community, and innovative curriculum converge to nurture your intellect and foster your professional growth. Your future starts with a simple yet significant act – learning more about the exceptional programs we offer. So, why wait? Start your application journey with us, and together, we’ll unlock a future filled with possibilities and endless success.