College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Political Science
www.kent.edu/polisci/mpa

About This Program

Make a difference in your community with Kent State's Master of Public Administration Program. Our program prepares you for leadership roles in public service and equips you with the skills needed to drive positive change. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Daniel Hawes | dhawes2@kent.edu | 330-672-8923
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale¹
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Current résumé
• Writing sample (single-authored paper or manuscript completed in undergraduate or graduate school that exemplifies the applicant's critical thinking skills)
• Three letters of recommendation from faculty or individuals familiar with the applicant's ability to do graduate-level work
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 77 MELAB score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

¹

In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 2.750 may be admitted to the program conditionally provided other supporting materials are strong.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • ​Rolling admissions

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

Students without substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("pre-service students") must complete minimum 3 credit hours of internship; they will earn the M.P.A. degree with a total 39 credit hours. Students with substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("in-service students") may be waived from the internship requirement with the approval of the M.P.A. coordinator. Pre-service students or students wishing to gain experience in a new area will also be placed in an agency for at least 300 hours of experience.

²

Student chose elective courses in consultation with an academic advisor. Elective coursework outside of the program may be developed based upon the student’s needs and advisor approval.

Full Description

The Master of Public Administration degree in Public Administration is designed for students wishing to become policy analysts, managers and executives within public and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in public and nonprofit management, including the scope and history of public administration, administrative theory, ethical behavior in public management, public financial management, program evaluation, methods, personnel management and information technology management.

The M.P.A. degree can be completed in two years by taking two courses each term, including summers. Courses are offered in an asynchronous online format in back-to-back seven-week sessions. Courses utilize a mix of web-based instruction supported by audio and video technologies direct to the respective student's home.