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Master of Public Administration
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MPA program at Kutztown University is a 36-credit graduate degree that typically takes 2-3 years to complete, depending on the student's schedule. Its core purpose is to prepare individuals for diverse careers in government, non-profits, human services, and educational spheres by teaching the processes, challenges, and goals of administering public services. A key highlight of the program is its practical skill development, including budgeting, revenue forecasting, auditing, planning, and decision-making using tools like Excel, as well as program evaluation using qualitative and quantitative data with SPSS, Excel, and survey research. The program also focuses on developing strong human resource skills essential for public sector management. An accelerated BA/MPA program is available for qualified undergraduate students, allowing them to begin graduate coursework early.
Curriculum: The 36-credit MPA curriculum at Kutztown University is structured to provide a robust foundation in public administration theory and practice. It comprises 21 required core credits, 3-6 research credits, and 9-12 elective credits. Core courses include "Administrative Law," "Approaches and Methods in Political Science," "Principles and Problems of Public Administration," "Administrative and Organizational Theory," "Public Personnel and Strategic Human Resources Management," "Budgeting and Decision Making," and "Program and Policy Evaluation." For the research component, students can choose between "POLI 503 Thesis" (6 credits) or "POLI 581 Professional Seminar" (3 credits), with the thesis undertaken upon successful completion of all coursework. Elective courses provide flexibility, allowing students to delve into areas such as "Public Policy Making," "Ethics and Managerial Leadership," "Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations," or specific topics in urban politics or criminal justice, depending on their interests and career goals.
Research Focus: The MPA program at Kutztown University places a significant emphasis on analytical and evaluative research skills. Students are trained to "evaluate programs using qualitative and quantitative data with SPSS, EXCEL and survey research" and to "analyze survey data and data sets from state agencies, such as Education Revenue, Center for Rural Pennsylvania, census data and municipal data." The research component of the curriculum, which includes a required course like "Approaches and Methods in Political Science" and the option of a 6-credit thesis, underscores this focus. The thesis option provides an opportunity for students to engage in extensive scholarly research on a relevant public administration topic, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent inquiry, synthesize information, and contribute to the field's knowledge base. This strong research foundation prepares graduates for data-driven decision-making and evidence-based policy implementation.
Industry Engagement: Kutztown University's MPA program is designed to be highly practical and relevant to the needs of the public and non-profit sectors. The curriculum directly addresses in-demand skills such as budgeting, financial management, human resource management, and program evaluation, which are critical for success in public administration roles. The program actively prepares students for careers in government, public and private sectors, non-profits, human services, and educational spheres. While specific internship requirements are not explicitly detailed for the general MPA, the presence of an accelerated BA/MPA program which prefers undergraduate work experience or internships, and the clear focus on "applied problem-solving skills" suggest a strong connection to professional practice. Faculty within the Department of Philosophy and Government often have diverse experience and research interests, further linking academic learning to real-world applications in public service.
Global Perspective: The Master of Public Administration program at Kutztown University incorporates a global perspective by promoting an "appreciation of the diversity of global political systems" and an "understanding of other political systems around the world and their different institutions and political culture." The curriculum also aims for students to "demonstrate knowledge of other political systems around the world and their different institutions and political culture," as well as an "ability to describe international interactions among states and non-state actors." While the primary focus remains on American public policy and administration, this emphasis on comparative analysis and international interactions ensures that graduates are prepared to understand global influences on local governance and to potentially engage in roles with an international dimension. The broader university also has an Office of International Education and Global Engagement, which supports curriculum internationalization and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
Location
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 16793
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Kutztown University is dedicated to supporting international students by offering scholarship opportunities that help reduce the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and encourage talented students from around the world to join the university community.
Merit-Based Scholarships: New international undergraduate students are automatically considered for a 40% out-of-state tuition reduction, which significantly lowers tuition costs. In addition, Kutztown University offers limited merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students based on their academic records, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement.
Renewable Scholarships: Many scholarships at Kutztown University are renewable, provided students maintain a minimum GPA requirement throughout their studies. This encourages sustained academic performance and rewards continued excellence.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain departments and programs may offer additional scholarships targeted at international students pursuing specific fields of study. These scholarships aim to attract diverse talents and foster specialized academic communities.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Kutztown University is a highly practical and versatile degree designed to prepare graduates for impactful leadership and management roles across the public, non-profit, and even private sectors. This 36-credit program, offered in a flexible hybrid format, emphasizes critical skills in budgeting, policy analysis, program evaluation, and human resource management, making its graduates well-equipped to address complex societal challenges and administer public services effectively.
City/County Manager/Administrator: A top leadership role in local government, overseeing the daily operations of a municipality or county. Graduates manage budgets, supervise departments, implement policies set by elected officials, and ensure efficient public service delivery.
Budget Analyst: Essential for all levels of government and non-profits, budget analysts are responsible for preparing, analyzing, and managing financial plans. They ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and in compliance with regulations, utilizing skills in forecasting and data analysis. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady demand for budget analysts.
Policy Analyst: Graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, research institutions, or advocacy groups. They research complex social and economic issues, analyze existing policies, and propose evidence-based policy recommendations to address public challenges.
Program Director/Manager (Non-Profit or Government): In these roles, graduates lead and manage specific programs or initiatives within non-profit organizations or government agencies. They are responsible for program development, implementation, evaluation, and often fundraising, focusing on achieving social impact.
Human Resources Manager (Public Sector/Non-Profit): With a strong emphasis on public personnel and strategic human resources management, graduates can manage HR functions for government agencies or non-profit organizations. This includes talent acquisition, employee relations, policy development, and compliance with labor laws.
Grant Administrator/Specialist: Graduates with strong writing, budgeting, and program evaluation skills are well-suited to secure funding for public and non-profit initiatives. They identify grant opportunities, write proposals, manage grant funds, and ensure compliance with grantor requirements.
Urban and Regional Planner: Combining administrative skills with an understanding of community development, graduates can work on land use plans, infrastructure projects, and community revitalization efforts. They help shape the growth and sustainability of cities and regions. The BLS projects continued growth for urban and regional planners.
Community Relations Manager: This role involves building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization (government, non-profit, or private) and its various stakeholders and the public. Graduates utilize their communication and public engagement skills to foster trust and collaboration.
Law Enforcement Administrator/Analyst (with Criminal Justice concentration): For those pursuing the MPA with a Criminal Justice concentration, careers include administrative roles within police departments, correctional facilities, or other criminal justice agencies, focusing on strategic planning, budgeting, and policy implementation in public safety.
Consultant (Public Sector/Non-Profit): Leveraging their comprehensive understanding of public administration, graduates can work as independent consultants or for consulting firms, advising government agencies and non-profits on organizational effectiveness, financial management, policy implementation, and program evaluation.
