Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

(30 credits)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA), under the Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership, is a graduate professional degree designed for working professionals seeking a long-term career working for nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), or government agencies. The MPA is based on an interdisciplinary approach that enables students to lead, implement policy, solve problems, and improve efficiency in nonprofit organizations, institutions, and different levels of government.

The program has two components. The first component requires seven core courses that provide a student with the basic concepts and methods of public administration. The courses offer an experiential learning opportunity in the community as well as an examination of quantitative tools for policy analysis that leads to a capstone project. The second component requires the completion of five elective courses, all suited to the student’s career interests or particular substantive area.

Upon completing the program of study in Public Administration, students will:

• Lead and manage nonprofit and public sector initiatives.
• Participate and contribute to the policy process.
• Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
• Articulate and apply a public service perspective.
• Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
  

Admission Requirements

• A completed application form and a non-refundable $50 application fee.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions attended that are accredited and recognized by the USDE or CHEA.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.*

• Proficiency in essential software and tools, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data analysis tools (such as Excel or statistical software), and communication platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).
• For non-native English-speakers, a minimum TOEFL score of:
  • 550 (paper-based)
  • 80 (internet-based)
  • 213 (computer-based)
• Proof of identity.
• Applicants using VA benefits may be required to submit additional documentation, such as a Certificate of Eligibility, upon matriculation to the school certifying official.
• An essay (of 500-600 words, double-spaced) on their professional career interests, reasons for entering the program and expectations of the program.
• Two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates.

* Applicants who do not meet the above GPA requirement may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. You may be required to complete preparatory courses or to earn a 3.0 cumulative GPA before being fully admitted to the program.

Transfer Credits

Albertus Magnus College will accept a maximum of 6 graduate hours from accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) toward satisfying the program requirements. Such credits must have been completed prior to entrance into the program and must satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits must have been completed with a minimum grade of 3.0 within the last five years. Transfer credits will be considered on an individual basis. Students must submit an official transcript showing proof of completion of the course(s) to be transferred. All requests to transfer credits must be completed prior to starting the program. Internal transfer students from other Albertus graduate programs must complete at least 50% of their requirements (15 credits) in the Albertus MPA program.

Tuition and Fees

For tuition and fees, visit https://www.albertus.edu/admission-aid/business-office/accelerated-degree-program/graduate-tuition-fees.php.

• Application Fee: $50.00
• Tutorial Surcharge: $500.00 (for student requested tutorial)

• Thesis Continuation Fee: $250.00 per registration period (within seven years of matriculation) until completion of the thesis.

Fees and rates are subject to change.

Accreditation

Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership at Albertus Magnus College has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. The IACBE grants accreditation for business-related and accounting programs that are equivalent to an education at the U.S. post-secondary degree level. Locations and delivery modes for program offerings are at the sole discretion of the Member. For a list of accredited programs please view the IACBE member status page.

The Master of Public Administration is accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

Program Format

Classes are offered in five, eight-week modules during the calendar year. All classes are fully online.  On-ground courses may be offered when demand suffices.

Academic Advisement

Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.

Course Load

Students may register for no more than 6 credits per mod.

Graduation Requirements

Students are responsible for reviewing the program requirements for their specific catalog year, fulfilling those requirements, and maintaining regular communication with the program director. To earn a graduate degree from Albertus Magnus College, students must successfully complete all program requirements and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. All requirements must be completed within seven years of matriculation, beginning with the module or semester in which the student starts their first course in the program. Graduate courses that exceed the time limit no longer count toward meeting program requirements, including transferred courses.

Graduation with Honors

Master’s degree candidates who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.90 are awarded honors and will have the notation included on their transcript and diploma.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

REQUIRED CORE (21 credits)

MP 500 - Introduction to Public Administration
MP 504 - Labor-Management Relations
MOL 506 - Organizational Behavior
MP 512 - Ethical Issues in Public Administration
MP 521 - Performance Measurement and Management
MP 581 - Implementing Public Policy
MP 630 - Applied Research Project Capstone Seminar in Public Administration

FLEXIBLE CORE (9 credits)

Select three:

AC 520 - Accounting Concepts
AC 651 - Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
MB 515 - Managerial Economic Analysis
MB 614 - Information Systems Issues for Managers
MB 646 - Healthcare: Law, Policy and Systems
MOL 505 - Moral Leadership: Defining the Character of Individuals in Organizations
MOL 508 - Servant Leadership
MOL 512 - Leading an Inclusive Workplace
MOL 514 - Conflict Resolution
MP 507 - Urban Policy
MP 511 - Politics and Public Policy
MP 550 - Special Topics in Public Administration

4+1 Bachelor's/Master of Public Administration

The 4+1 Bachelor's/Master of Public Administration program is designed for high-achieving traditional undergraduate students who seek to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in an expedited timeframe.This program provides a streamlined pathway to graduate education in public administration while maintaining academic rigor and support at both levels of study.

Students admitted to a 4+1 program complete the requirements for both degrees, typically totaling at least 150 credits, including a minimum of 120 undergraduate credits and 30 graduate credits. During the senior year, students may enroll in up to two graduate-level courses, one in the fall and one in the spring semester, which may be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. These are the only credits that may be double-counted between the two programs.

Admission Requirements
Students must apply to a 4+1 program during the junior year a upon completion of no more than 90 credits. Admission is competitive and requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, unless otherwise specified by the program. Applications submitted after the junior year may not be considered. Final acceptance is granted by the graduate program. 

Enrollment and Advising
Upon acceptance, students are assigned a graduate advisor in addition to their undergraduate advisor. Students remain classified as undergraduate students until the bachelor’s degree is conferred.

Academic Standards and Progression
To continue in the 4+1 program, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn a grade of B or higher in all graduate-level coursework. Students may not exceed the maximum number of graduate credits permitted prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree, as defined by the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate courses taken during the undergraduate phase are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate when included as part of a full-time undergraduate course load (12–18 credit hours per semester), unless otherwise noted; in these cases, no additional tuition is charged for the graduate coursework. After the bachelor’s degree is awarded, students are charged graduate tuition rates for all remaining coursework. Financial aid eligibility may change upon transition to graduate status and is subject to federal, state, and institutional regulations.

Program Completion
Students are expected to complete all graduate degree requirements within a defined timeframe following conferral of the bachelor’s degree, typically within one year, unless otherwise specified by the program.

Withdrawal or Dismissal
Students who withdraw from or become ineligible to continue in a 4+1 program may apply completed graduate coursework toward their undergraduate degree as elective credit, where applicable, provided a passing grade is earned. If a student later regains eligibility and is formally readmitted to the graduate program, previously completed graduate coursework in which a passing grade was earned may be applied toward the graduate degree, subject to program approval and applicable time limit requirements.

Eligibility
4+1 programs are limited to full-time, matriculated traditional undergraduate students in designated majors.