Master of Public Administration in Dayton United States | University of Dayton

Established in 1967, the University of Dayton's Master of Public Administration Program develops ethical leaders committed to serving the public interest and enhancing government and nonprofit organizations at local, national, and international levels. Housed within the Political Science Department (College of Arts and Sciences), the program welcomes approximately 25 students each term, including those pursuing standalone MPA degrees and combined BA-MPA pathways.

The 39-credit curriculum includes 27 required core credits. While students not currently working in public or nonprofit sectors are advised to complete internships, employed professionals often undertake public service initiatives to broaden their career prospects. Many participants also choose to earn a complementary graduate certificate by concentrating their four electives in areas like Nonprofit and Community Leadership or Sustainability Studies, requiring no extra time or tuition. Most core and elective courses meet weekly in the evenings (6-8:40 p.m.) with class sizes averaging 12 students, though some daytime and online alternatives may be available.

Full-time students (taking three courses per semester plus one additional course) can finish in two years, while part-time students (enrolling in one or two courses per term) typically complete the program in three to four years. Summer sessions offer scheduling flexibility for both study tracks.