Executive MPA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Executive MPA
What is an Executive
MPA?
The Executive MPA is a Masters degree designed for individuals who work with or for public sector organizations, possess significant professional achievements and are interested in advancing their careers. The Executive MPA allows individuals to continue their full-time professional careers while developing sophisticated skills in administrative leadership and critical analysis within the public sector context. There are several executive-level Master degrees for the public sector with similar titles, such as the Mid-Career MPA, Executive Master of Public Policy, and Executive Masters of Policy Management. Collectively, these degrees represent the broad spectrum of Executive MPA programs while meeting the unique goals of public sector professionals.
The Executive MPA is a Masters degree designed for individuals who work with or for public sector organizations, possess significant professional achievements and are interested in advancing their careers. The Executive MPA allows individuals to continue their full-time professional careers while developing sophisticated skills in administrative leadership and critical analysis within the public sector context. There are several executive-level Master degrees for the public sector with similar titles, such as the Mid-Career MPA, Executive Master of Public Policy, and Executive Masters of Policy Management. Collectively, these degrees represent the broad spectrum of Executive MPA programs while meeting the unique goals of public sector professionals.
Who is the Executive MPA for?
A typical Executive MPA student is a college graduate (any major) who has five to ten years of cumulative experience with public or non-profit organizations and at least three years of middle-to-upper level managerial experience. The Executive MPA is designed for experienced leaders such as directors, assistant directors, high-level technical staff, senior managers, and advisors. Some schools have different guidelines and requirements for admission, so be sure to check the school’s website, or talk to the admissions staff, to see if you are well-qualified for admission to that particular program.
A typical Executive MPA student is a college graduate (any major) who has five to ten years of cumulative experience with public or non-profit organizations and at least three years of middle-to-upper level managerial experience. The Executive MPA is designed for experienced leaders such as directors, assistant directors, high-level technical staff, senior managers, and advisors. Some schools have different guidelines and requirements for admission, so be sure to check the school’s website, or talk to the admissions staff, to see if you are well-qualified for admission to that particular program.
How is an Executive MPA different from a traditional
MPA?
The Executive MPA builds upon the extensive knowledge base that experienced public sector and non-profit professionals possess. The Executive MPA curriculum provides a hands-on and in-depth exposure to the leadership, managerial and analytic skills critical to advanced public sector professionals. Many Executive MPA programs encourage students to actively engage their professional responsibilities with the course content. Traditional MPA programs focus on the education needs of pre-service professionals and individuals early in their public sector career. Some Executive MPAs are offered as a separate “track” from a traditional MPA degree program, with their own schedule, curriculum, and cost.
The Executive MPA builds upon the extensive knowledge base that experienced public sector and non-profit professionals possess. The Executive MPA curriculum provides a hands-on and in-depth exposure to the leadership, managerial and analytic skills critical to advanced public sector professionals. Many Executive MPA programs encourage students to actively engage their professional responsibilities with the course content. Traditional MPA programs focus on the education needs of pre-service professionals and individuals early in their public sector career. Some Executive MPAs are offered as a separate “track” from a traditional MPA degree program, with their own schedule, curriculum, and cost.
How is an Executive MPA different from an Executive MBA?
The Executive MPA emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities of public sector executives. The Executive MPA programs invites students to focus on administrative leadership and critical analysis within the context of public laws and regulations and public policy implementation.
The Executive MPA emphasizes the unique challenges and opportunities of public sector executives. The Executive MPA programs invites students to focus on administrative leadership and critical analysis within the context of public laws and regulations and public policy implementation.
How is an Executive MPA different from a certificate or leadership program?
The Executive MPA, as a degree program, provides a portable, more widely recognized credential that you can take with you to your next job. Continuing education and leadership training have the advantage that they are shorter, and may be more topic-specific, but are limited in their marketability and resume-building capacity.
When are Executive MPA classes held?
The goal of the Executive MPA is to fit the needs of busy working professionals in the public sector and related fields. Executive MPA classes are conveniently scheduled to accommodate students working full-time. In some programs, classes are held on Friday, Saturday or in the evenings. Some programs offer intensive weekend or summer sessions.
The goal of the Executive MPA is to fit the needs of busy working professionals in the public sector and related fields. Executive MPA classes are conveniently scheduled to accommodate students working full-time. In some programs, classes are held on Friday, Saturday or in the evenings. Some programs offer intensive weekend or summer sessions.
How long will it take to complete an Executive
MPA?
Students are expected to complete an Executive MPA in 1 to 3 years, depending on the structure of the program (evenings, weekends, intensive sessions, etc). In comparison with traditional full-time programs, the Executive MPA is typically equivalent in content and coverage to an academic year of full-time study.
Students are expected to complete an Executive MPA in 1 to 3 years, depending on the structure of the program (evenings, weekends, intensive sessions, etc). In comparison with traditional full-time programs, the Executive MPA is typically equivalent in content and coverage to an academic year of full-time study.
Do Executive MPA programs offer on-line courses?
A number of Executive MPA programs do offer on-line courses, but most programs rely on classroom sessions. Please contact the Executive MPA programs directly for specific course options.
A number of Executive MPA programs do offer on-line courses, but most programs rely on classroom sessions. Please contact the Executive MPA programs directly for specific course options.
What are typical admission standards for Executive MPA applicants?
Generally, Executive MPA programs assess applicants on their professional experience, leadership record and potential for academic success. Application materials may include personal statements, resumes, and recommendation letters. Most Executive MPA programs waive GRE test scores for applicants with extensive professional experience. Please contact the Executive MPA programs directly for specific application requirements.
Generally, Executive MPA programs assess applicants on their professional experience, leadership record and potential for academic success. Application materials may include personal statements, resumes, and recommendation letters. Most Executive MPA programs waive GRE test scores for applicants with extensive professional experience. Please contact the Executive MPA programs directly for specific application requirements.
Tuition for Executive MPA programs differs from program to program. Frequently, the tuition includes the cost of the credit hours and course materials. Some employers provide financial assistance to employees pursuing Executive MPAs. Please contact the Executive MPA programs directly for specific tuition rates.
Where can I find an Executive MPA or similar program that fits
my needs?
Please consult the Find an Executive MPA Program section.
Is there something else you would like to know about Executive MPA programs that are not covered by the FAQs? For more information contact Maja Holmes at execmpa@naspaa.org or (202) 628-8965 ext. 109.
