Public Administration (MPA)

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The Hamline University master in public administration (MPA) gives working professionals the practical knowledge, tools, and skills they need to manage effectively and to meet the complex fiscal and economic challenges of their sector.

The master in public administration (MPA) is available at the Hamline University Saint Paul campus. An accelerated master in public administration (MPA), a cohort program, is also available. (A cohort is a group of students who start and finish a program together.)

All students in the master in public administration (MPA) program are required to complete forty-eight academic credits and four Hamline Dialogues. This includes eight required core courses, three elective courses, one final course (either Capstone Skills Development or Master’s Thesis), and four Hamline Dialogues. If students choose to specialize, then they may choose a concentration. For some students, an internship with a government entity is also a program requirement.

NOTE: Requirements for the accelerated master in public administration (MPA) program are slightly different. Students are required to take 12 set courses and are not required to complete Hamline Dialogues.

The master in public administration (MPA) program begins with a fundamentals course, which provides students with a sound foundation in the history, theory, and management standards of the government sector. Other courses (required and elective) provide working professionals with a base of knowledge in a variety of subjects, each necessary to build effective management skills.

MPA Degree Requirements (Total of 48 credits and 4 Hamline Dialogues):

8 Required Core Courses (32 credits)

1 Concentration or 3 Elective courses (12 credits)

(see below)

1 Final Course (4 credits) Choose from:

4 Hamline Dialogues

(see below)

Additional Requirements

(see below)

Time Limit:

Generally, it will take students 2-3 years to complete the traditional MPA program; however, 7 years is the allowed maximum.

Concentrations

There are three concentrations within the master in public administration (MPA) program. Each allows students to focus more deeply on one area of interest. Students may select three electives within their chosen concentration. Concentrations are not required.

1. Administering Local Government

This Concentration is suited for those pursuing careers in city and county government. Concentration electives include:

2. Managing State and Local Policy

This Concentration develops basic policy management skills with a focus on specific policy issues. Concentration electives include:

3. Public Dispute Resolution

This Concentration provides basic skills for resolving public disputes, improving a student’s ability to manage in the public sector. Concentration electives include:

Hamline Dialogue Series

Students in the master in public administration (MPA) program are required to attend at least four of the Hamline Dialogues over the course of their degree studies. The Hamline Dialogues Series provide a forum for conversation between distinguished guest speakers, graduate students, faculty, alumni, and the community. Topics discussed are of relevance to all sectors: government, business, and nonprofit. Cross-sector involvement allows for networking opportunities.

Additional Requirements

Completion of Business Communications (GPA 8307) for international students (to be counted as an elective course)
Completion of an economics course prior to taking Public Fiscal Management (GPA 8030) for students with no economics background.
An internship (GPA 8494), for students with limited public sector experience.

MPA Application Requirements:

Completed application form (available online at: www.hamline.edu/gsm/admission/online_application.html)
Personal statement. A one- to two-page personal statement, typewritten and double-spaced, detailing:
- why you have chosen Hamline University,
- how the degree program will help you meet your career goals, and
- which concentrations or policy areas are of interest to you and why
Professional résumé or curriculum vitae.
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original and an official or a certified English translation. The Hamline University Graduate School of Management reserves the right to require applicants to have their academic records evaluated by an academic credential evaluator.
Three letters of recommendation, written by people familiar with your academic and/or professional history, detailing your specific qualifications to pursue advanced study (letters from family members are unacceptable).
Writing sample. A sample of your academic or work-related writing, typewritten, at least three pages in length, written in the last two years, and written solely by you.

Dual Degree and Joint Degree Programs

The dual degree and joint degree programs allow students to receive graduate training across sectors and disciplines.

Dual Degree Programs in Management

Students earn separate graduate degrees in two sectors and save time and money in completing them. Dual degree students are required to complete seventy-two academic credits and four Hamline Dialogues. Dual degree programs offered:

Public Administration and Business Administration
Business Administration and Nonprofit Management
Public Administration and Nonprofit Management

Joint Degree Programs in Law and Management

In collaboration with the Hamline University School of Law, the Hamline University School of Business offers law students the opportunity to earn two degrees which combine law and public administration, management (business sector), or nonprofit management. These joint degree programs allow students to earn two separate professional and graduate degrees and to save time and money in completing the degrees. Law students enrolled in any of these joint degrees are required to complete thirty-six academic credits and four Hamline Dialogues. For information about joint degree programs in law and management, contact the Hamline University School of Law Admissions Office by phone at 800-388-3688. Joint degree programs offered:

Law and Public Administration (JD/MPA)
Law and Public Administration for International Lawyers (LLM/MPA)
Law and Nonprofit Management (JD/MANM)
Law and Nonprofit Management for International Lawyers (LLM/MNM)
Law and Business Administration (JD/MBA)
Law and Business Administration for International Lawyers (LLM/MBA)