Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Study at Keller on campus, online or a mix of both

We give you the flexibility to attend classes at any of our 90+ campus locations, take all of your graduate courses online or even do a combination of both.

Explore online learning

At Keller, we offer online graduate classes taught with the same focus on personal attention and academic rigor as classes taught on campus. And because courses are offered online, you can schedule working on your education around working on your career — not the other way around.

On campus and online

For those students who need the flexibility of studying online to balance work, school and life, but also want a classroom experience, we offer a mix of both on campus and online learning. Take some courses online and some at a location convenient for you, whichever best fits your schedule.

Tuition, fees and expenses^†
Master of Public Administration¹

See payment options

Note: Tuition for Canadian residents enrolled in U.S.-based programs delivered online is charged in Canadian dollars at rates shown.
† Effective beginning July 2012.
1 Availability varies by location.
2 At average estimated per-course expense for textbooks and materials of $175; average estimated per-course expense does not apply to exam-prep courses, the per-credit-hour cost for which includes textbook and materials expense.
3 At current tuition rates and credit hours shown; includes $40 application fee ($30 for applicants at locations in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee), and average estimated textbook and materials expense.

Experience the real value of a graduate education

Not only will you be learning skills that could help you rise to the top of your field, you'll also be gaining a valuable credential that may affect your entire career. A graduate education could change your earning potential, ability to be promoted and more.

Financing options

There are many scholarships and other financial aid options available for qualifying students that may help make your graduate education more affordable. Click one of the links below for more info.

If you're a DeVry graduate, you may be eligible for up to four course exemptions^* through the Keller Fast Track.

^*Course exemptions are not available in New York or New Jersey

MPA Graduation Requirements

Total program length varies based on the number of courses taken per 8-week session. That means that if you take 1 class per session, you could complete your degree program in as few as 30 months.

MPA Coursework

Our degree program requires you to choose one of three emphases, allowing you to focus on the public administration coursework that can help you reach your career goals. After completing the core requirements of your MPA, you can take courses within the emphasis of your choice.

Click on a course name below for its full description.

Required program courses (21 credit hours)

Legal, Political and Ethical Dimensions of Business (MGMT520) - 3 credit hours

This course introduces students to the legal, political and regulatory controls that define, promote and limit business practice opportunities. Fundamental interactions of law, politics, ethics and corporate social responsibility are emphasized. Topics include business and the legal system; foundations of business ethics; the constitution and business; regulatory and administrative agencies; regulation of private business conduct; the employer-employee relationship; formation and performance of contracts; ownership and control of business; antitrust, trade practices and consumer protection; land use and environmental protection; and the legal environment of international business. No prerequisite

Managerial Decision-Making (MGMT530) - 3 credit hours

This course explores decision-making from the perspective of managers who must decide how to allocate scarce resources under uncertainty. Combining qualitative and quantitative information is emphasized. Topics include framing decision problems, establishing evaluation criteria, determining trade-offs, constructing decision trees, estimating probabilities and risk, and taking responsibility for consequences. The roles of judgment, intuition and heuristics in decision-making are also explored. Students research a practical application of decision analysis. No prerequisite

- or -

Applied Managerial Statistics (MATH533) - 3 credit hours

Applied Managerial Statistics stresses practical use of statistics in collecting, organizing, analyzing, interpreting and presenting data. Both descriptive and inferential techniques are covered. No prerequisite

Business Economics (ECON545) - 3 credit hours

Business Economics provides a basic understanding of managerial economics and the impact of the economic environment on business decision-making. The course develops micro- and macroeconomic topics, with particular emphasis on marginal analysis, and supply and demand considerations. No prerequisite

Leadership and Organizational Behavior (MGMT591) - 3 credit hours

This course examines inter- and intrapersonal dynamics as they affect achievement of corporate goals. Topics include theories of organizational behavior concepts and applications, including motivation, group dynamics, organizational communication processes, leadership, power, authority, team building and organizational development. Managing change in a complex domestic and international environment is also emphasized. Students are provided with a solid foundation for examining organizational behavior in a systematic manner. No prerequisite

Managing Organizational Change (HRM587) - 3 credit hours

This course addresses concepts and techniques required to successfully implement change across an organization. Coursework focuses on identifying an organization's vision as well as opportunities that can align the vision with the organization's structures, processes, culture and orientation to the environment. Also addressed are opportunities for, and problems in, managing human dynamics in organizations, including intervention techniques, models, principles and values that indicate how to take charge of planned change efforts in order to achieve success. No prerequisite

Managerial Applications of Information Technology (MIS535) - 3 credit hours

This course introduces structures, applications and management of corporate information systems. Coursework investigates how technology is changing the way we conduct communication, make decisions, manage people and improve business processes, as well as how it adds value to business. Students access the Internet to gather and use information, and analyze business decisions using decision support tools. No prerequisite

Project Management Systems (PROJ586) - 3 credit hours

With an emphasis on planning, this course introduces project management fundamentals and principles from the standpoint of the manager who must organize, plan, implement and control nonroutine activities to achieve schedule, budget and performance objectives. Topics include project life cycles, organization and charters; work breakdown structures; responsibility matrixes; as well as planning, budgeting and scheduling systems. Planning and control methods such as PERT/CPM, Gantt charts, earned value systems, project management software applications and project audits are introduced. No prerequisite

Choose one of the three following emphases:

• Healthcare Management Emphasis

  • Emphasis courses (18 credit hours)

    Health Service Systems (HSM541) - 3 credit hours

    This course surveys the major components and organizational interrelationships of the U.S. health care delivery system across the continuum of care. Coursework emphasizes personnel, institutions, delivery systems, policy and payment mechanisms. Variables of access, cost and quality are introduced, and delivery of health care within those variables is outlined. No prerequisite

    Health Rights and Responsibilities (HSM542) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines the growing importance of legal and ethical matters in health care from the manager's perspective. Topics include legal aspects of the corporation, and physician/patient, institution/patient and institution/physician relationships. Ethical issues related to individual life-cycle stages, health services institutions, third-party payers and public policy initiatives are also discussed. No prerequisite

    Health Services Finance (HSM543) - 3 credit hours

    This course provides an understanding of the unique features of health care finance, including payment sources and reimbursement arrangements, as well as of emerging trends within the health care industry that impact the financial decision-making process of various health care industries. Covered are financial planning, operating revenue, working capital, resource allocation, financial analysis and the future of health care. Special emphasis is given to managing inpatient and outpatient costs and ratios, capitated payment systems, the resource-based relative value system (RBRVS), the prospective payment system (PPS) the impact of mergers, compliance issues and joint venture activities. No Prerequisite

    Health Policy and Economics (HSM544) - 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on the relationship between health care economics and public policy, and assists students in developing an understanding of the public policy formulation and implementation process, as well as awareness of critical issues in American health policy. Students are exposed to health care economics issues of supply and demand, technology, health care labor, equity and efficiency, and application of economic analysis to the public policy development process. No prerequisite

    Managed Care (HSM546) - 3 credit hours

    Managed Care examines evolution and development of managed care approaches to delivering and financing health services in the United States. Fundamental concepts of insurance and risk management are reviewed, as are forces that have driven growth of managed healthcare. Types of managed care organizations and operational models are outlined. Perspectives of consumers, providers, purchasers and insurers of healthcare are discussed. Recent trends and issues affecting evolution of health insurance and managed care are considered, as are relevant legislative and regulatory standards shaping these industries. No prerequisite

    Public Administration Capstone (PA600) - 3 credit hours

    Students in this culminating course, intended to be taken as the last course, integrate knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. Students develop a project related to their area of emphasis within the MPA program. Prerequisite: successful completion of all other program core and MPA emphasis-specific courses before registration

  • Capstone Course: Public Administration Capstone

    The Capstone Course is a culmination of your prior coursework and is often taken toward the end of your program. It gives you the opportunity to utilize the hard-earned knowledge and skills you've developed as a Keller student in a real-world setting, whether that's at your current workplace or by developing and implementing a business plan. Each year, the most outstanding and successful Capstone Project in its category is recognized with an achievement award.

  • Elective courses (6 credit hours)

    You can take your electives in a variety of career fields. Students may choose any electives for which they meet the prerequisites. Download the Academic Catalog and view "Course Offerings" for a complete list of courses that could satisfy your elective requirements.

  • RESOURCES
    & TOOLS

    Keller Graduate School of Management
    Academic Catalog (PDF)
    See all courses offered at Keller.

    Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader

• Government Management Emphasis

  • Emphasis courses (21 credit hours)

    Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis (ACCT504) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces core accounting and finance concepts and tools needed by managers. Topics are presented from a user perspective and include transaction analysis; financial statement analysis and interpretation; financial ratio analysis; job-order costing; cost-volume-profit analysis; and operational, cash and capital budgeting. No prerequisite

    Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting (ACCT567) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces core concepts and tools of accounting and financial reporting for managers of governmental and nonprofit organizations. Topics, presented from a user perspective, include transaction analysis; financial statement analysis and interpretation; and operational and cash budgeting. Functional areas of accounting such as financial reporting and management accounting are developed with reference to these concepts. In addition, the impact of standards such as those promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) are investigated and evaluated. No prerequisite

    Governmental Budgeting and Finance (PA581) - 3 credit hours

    This course provides thorough study and analysis of revenue and expenditure systems at all levels of government. Topics include alternative revenue sources, public budgeting processes, the appropriations process, capital budgeting and analysis, tax analysis and government debt financing. Tax expenditures, forecasting and budgeting, and finance software systems are addressed. Prerequisite: ECON545

    Public Policy Formulation and Implementation (PA582) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines principles, mechanisms and tools through which governments make resource allocation decisions on social and economic programs. Topics include the policy process; establishing appropriate efficiency and equity objectives; rational, political and bureaucratic models of government decision-making; voting mechanisms; public choice; log rolling; cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis; public-private partnerships; impact of special interest groups; ethics; and program implementation and evaluation. No prerequisite

    Intergovernmental Management (PA584) - 3 credit hours

    This course provides a comparative study of issues involved in formulating and implementing government programs that impact multiple jurisdictions. Students investigate ways in which various levels of government relate to each other in matters of legality and responsibility, including issues of intergovernmental externalities and their resolution. Methods of resolving intergovernmental conflicts are explored and evaluated. No prerequisite

    Contract and Procurement Management (PROJ598) - 3 credit hours

    This course examines processes through which goods and services are acquired in the project management environment. Topics include contract and procurement strategies; legal issues; contract pricing alternatives; technical, management and commercial requirements; RFP development; source selection; invitations to bid; bid evaluation; risk assessment; and contract negotiation and administration. No prerequisite

    Public Administration Capstone (PA600) - 3 credit hours

    Students in this culminating course, intended to be taken as the last course, integrate knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. Students develop a project related to their area of emphasis within the MPA program. Prerequisite: successful completion of all other program core and MPA emphasis-specific courses before registration

  • Capstone Course: Public Administration Capstone

    The Capstone Course is a culmination of your prior coursework and is often taken toward the end of your program. It gives you the opportunity to utilize the hard-earned knowledge and skills you've developed as a Keller student in a real-world setting, whether that's at your current workplace or by developing and implementing a business plan. Each year, the most outstanding and successful Capstone Project in its category is recognized with an achievement award.

  • Elective courses (3 credit hours)

    You can take your electives in a variety of career fields. Students may choose any electives for which they meet the prerequisites. Download the Academic Catalog and view "Course Offerings" for a complete list of courses that could satisfy your elective requirements.

  • RESOURCES
    & TOOLS

    Keller Graduate School of Management
    Academic Catalog (PDF)
    See all courses offered at Keller.

    Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader

• Nonprofit Management Emphasis

  • Emphasis courses (21 credit hours)

    Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis (ACCT504) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces core accounting and finance concepts and tools needed by managers. Topics are presented from a user perspective and include transaction analysis; financial statement analysis and interpretation; financial ratio analysis; job-order costing; cost-volume-profit analysis; and operational, cash and capital budgeting. No prerequisite

    Negotiation Skills (HRM595) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces general business negotiation techniques, strategies and tactics. Strategies focus on approaches to negotiation situations; tactics focus on moves effectuated during negotiations. In addition to developing and enhancing students' negotiating proficiency, the course emphasizes processes and methods of conflict resolution. Topics include preparing for negotiations; distributive and integrative bargaining; resolution of impasse; ethics; the roles of power, personality and dispute resolution processes; and communication processes. Students use developed skills in the classroom, electronically and through telephonic negotiation situations. No prerequisite

    Marketing Management (MKTG522) - 3 credit hours

    Marketing Management presents a structured approach to understanding and managing the marketing function. Each student chooses a product or service and develops a written marketing plan to learn how to determine and integrate elements of a marketing strategy. Topics include market segmentation, targeting, positioning and research; product decisions; pricing; channels of distribution; sales management; advertising; new product development; and marketing budgets. Special attention is given to applied business research and to the roles international and ethical considerations play in making marketing decisions. No prerequisite

    Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting (ACCT567) - 3 credit hours

    This course introduces core concepts and tools of accounting and financial reporting for managers of governmental and nonprofit organizations. Topics, presented from a user perspective, include transaction analysis; financial statement analysis and interpretation; and operational and cash budgeting. Functional areas of accounting such as financial reporting and management accounting are developed with reference to these concepts. In addition, the impact of standards such as those promulgated by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB) are investigated and evaluated. No prerequisite

    Nonprofit Organization Management (PA571) - 3 credit hours

    Students in this course study special skills and systems required to effectively plan and manage in a not-for-profit environment. Topics include personnel administration, governmental regulations and requirements, funding and human resources. Legal and tax basis of nonprofit organizations, funding options, budgeting, managing volunteers, working with a board, conflict resolution, marketing and public relations are addressed. No prerequisite

    Managing Nonprofit Development Programs (PA572) - 3 credit hours

    Students in this course investigate ways in which nonprofit organizations procure resources in an effort to finance organizational development objectives. Topics include strategic planning, fundraising options and processes, gathering community support, establishing business partnerships, negotiations, lobbying, team building and entrepreneurial skill development. Prerequisite: ACCT567

    Public Administration Capstone (PA600) - 3 credit hours

    Students in this culminating course, intended to be taken as the last course, integrate knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. Students develop a project related to their area of emphasis within the MPA program. Prerequisite: successful completion of all other program core and MPA emphasis-specific courses before registration

  • Capstone Course: Public Administration Capstone

    The Capstone Course is a culmination of your prior coursework and is often taken toward the end of your program. It gives you the opportunity to utilize the hard-earned knowledge and skills you've developed as a Keller student in a real-world setting, whether that's at your current workplace or by developing and implementing a business plan. Each year, the most outstanding and successful Capstone Project in its category is recognized with an achievement award.

  • Elective courses (3 credit hours)

    You can take your electives in a variety of career fields. Students may choose any electives for which they meet the prerequisites. Download the Academic Catalog and view "Course Offerings" for a complete list of courses that could satisfy your elective requirements.

  • RESOURCES
    & TOOLS

    Keller Graduate School of Management
    Academic Catalog (PDF)
    See all courses offered at Keller.

    Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader