Public Policy and Administration

Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Managers in high performing organizations today need to be able to analyze and interpret data and then use those insights as they implement policies and programs.

Combining academic rigor with a practical orientation toward management and policy analysis, the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills students need to become effective public and nonprofit managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs.

You will learn from faculty who hold excellent academic credentials and are practitioners, bringing a wealth of real-world, professional insights into the classroom. The program’s applied approach and unique position in a business school focuses on cultivating mastery of policy evaluation, analytics, and administrative best practices to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public and nonprofit organizations in a wide range of fields.

Through Illinois Tech’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program, you are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences throughout your graduate education, such as virtual and in-person internships, and personalized mentorship to guide your academic studies and career planning.

Students learn and network with classmates who are professionals from a broad range of backgrounds, positions, and organizations, and have local and global experience.

By choosing one of the program’s specializations, students can prepare to step into key roles in economic development, social entrepreneurship, public safety and emergency preparedness, and nonprofit and mission-driven enterprises. We also offer a STEM-designated M.P.A. in Analytics track, with additional emphasis on building your quantitative skills.

Your Choice—In Person or Online

With our program’s hybrid courses, you can choose to attend your class sessions in person at Illinois Tech’s downtown Chicago campus or go online to attend virtually.

Program Overview

Combining academic rigor with an applied approach, the Master of Public Administration program is designed to develop the managerial knowledge and analytical skills you need to become an effective public or nonprofit manager and leader.

Career Opportunities

Organizations, government agencies, and companies that have hired Master of Public Administration graduates include:

  • Accenture
  • American Cancer Society
  • City of Chicago
  • Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department
  • Chinese American Service League
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Chicago Transit Authority and Metra
  • State of Illinois
  • Lyons Township
Disclaimer for prospective students, please read.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast, and is provided here for informational and educational purposes only. Please be advised that the inclusion of the Lightcast resource on this website does not imply endorsement by Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), nor is it a guarantee of the accuracy of this information. Illinois Tech makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that the information presented herein is reflective of the outcomes you can expect if you enroll in or graduate from an Illinois Tech program. Illinois Tech expressly disclaims any liability regarding Lightcast, or in connection with any actual or potential employment opportunity stemming from information on this site and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim(s) against the Illinois Tech for the same. Your use of this web page is an acknowledgement of your understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth herein. You are encouraged to conduct your own thorough research into job opportunities and outcomes in your field of study.

The Master of Public Administration curriculum provides a mix of analytical and management focused courses to develop students’ skills in rigorous data and policy analysis, as well as the managerial knowledge needed to effectively implement programs and policies.

Students may select elective courses in public policy and administration or other fields such as architecture, business, city and regional planning, civil engineering, computer science, design, environmental engineering, humanities, psychology, social sciences, or law.

View Details

  • Completed Online Application
  • Official transcript submission with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • No GMAT or GRE scores required
  • A one-page statement of purpose, with goals and objectives
  • English proficiency exam, if required

Learn More about M.P.A.: Ask a Professor

Virtual info sessions on Thursdays at 8–8:30 a.m. CT
Discover how a Stuart M.P.A. degree can open doors for you to a meaningful career in the public or nonprofit sectors by talking with Program Director Roland Calia.

REGISTER NOW

Graduate Credit for Your Work Experience

Students in Stuart School of Business graduate programs who have sufficient work experience may obtain credit by proficiency for courses (up to nine credit hours total) through satisfactory performance on Stuart credit by proficiency examinations. Learn more.

Scholarships

Applicants to the Master of Public Administration program (except Chicago Police and Fire Department applicants, as noted below) are eligible for the Stuart M.P.A. Scholarship, which is a 35 percent tuition scholarship.

Chicago Police and Fire Department applicants: Contact Stuart School of Business for information regarding scholarships and tuition deferment.

Veteran applicants: Illinois Institute of Technology proudly processes Department of Veterans Affairs benefits for admitted veteran students. Click here for more information.

Read more about Stuart scholarship opportunities and tuition and fees:

Stuart Scholarships   Tuition and Fees

Program Specializations

One-Year Accelerated M.P.A. Program

The Stuart Master of Public Administration program offers a one-year, three-semester program option for international students. Students can choose among five concentrations to develop knowledge and skills in a specialized area. Classes are held in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. For more information, contact M.P.A. Program Director Roland Calia.

More M.P.A. Options

Dual-Degree Programs

Prepare for leadership positions by combining the M.P.A. with another graduate degree in business (M.B.A. or M.S. in Sustainability Analytics and Management), design (M.Des.), or law (J.D.).

Accelerated Master’s Program

Current Illinois Tech undergraduates can earn both a bachelor’s degree and an M.P.A. in as few as five years through the AMP co-terminal option.

“I think Stuart’s strengths lie in the experience of its professors. The faculty in the M.P.A. program not only understand academics, but their courses are approached from a practical, real-world standpoint.”

—Jeremiah Muhammad (M.P.A. ’19, with specialization in Security, Safety, and Risk Management)

Jeremiah Muhammad

“The courses broadened my vision of public administration. I expanded my understanding of research methodology, grasped analytic skills such as problem logic models and strategic planning, and learned how to evaluate the performance of policies with statistical analyses.”

—Yinman Zhong (M.P.A. ’16), Research Assistant, China Institute for Reform and Development

Yinman Zhong
Joanne E. Howard

Responding to Pandemic Challenges

How can government, health care, education, and community organizations and their leaders most effectively meet the continuing economic and social challenges and threats arising from the global COVID-19 pandemic? Industry Associate Professor of Public Administration Joanne E. Howard is editor of a book addressing this timely question.

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Myetie Hamilton

Passion, Passed Down

M.P.A. alumna Myetie Hamilton didn’t have to look far for inspiration as a child growing up: her grandfather, and his actions, instilled in her a passion to advocate for and help others succeed.

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Featured Faculty

Roland Calia
Associate Dean Director, Master of Public Administration Director, M.S. in Sustainability Analytics and Management Professor of Public Administration
Joanne Howard
Industry Associate Professor of Public Administration
Weslynne Ashton
Professor of Environmental Management and Sustainability Affiliate Professor to Armour College of Engineering
Alan Secor
Industry Assistant Professor of Public Administration
Mike Fagel
Adjunct Faculty
Smriti Anand
Assistant Director, Master of Business Administration Professor of Management
Xiaoyun "Aarn" Cao
Clinical Assistant Professor of Management

Stuart Stands Out

Chicago Skyline Ariel View 280x150

Only Business School in a Tech-Focused University in Chicago

98.4%

Career Placement Rate

—Stuart School of Business 2022 master’s and Ph.D. graduates reporting