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College of Arts and Sciences

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

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With personalized attention from a dynamic faculty, the Master of Public Administration prepares you for career advancement and leadership. Students acquire in-depth knowledge and skills about how to address real world issues in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Our M.P.A. program is versatile degree with a social justice component, focusing on developing managerial and analytical skills alongside ethical and professional values. Designed for those seeking a public administration career, the program offers flexibility with part-time options and incorporates a capstone internship to enhance practical experience.

With four concentration options, the program is accredited by the NASPAA with our nonprofit management concentration ranked 24th in the nation. Course schedules are convenient for working students, and the program is offered year-round on our main South Orange, New Jersey campus, located 14-miles from Manhattan and New York City. Plus, there are several dual-degree options to pair with the M.P.A. for those looking to get ahead, early on.

Accreditation & Awards

NASPAA Accreditation
US News & Report – Public Affairs
US News & Report – Public Affairs (Nonprofit Management)
Matthew Hale, Ph.D.

"We take the theories of political science, public administration and economics and give them a practical focus."

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Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants are required to complete our online graduate application and submit the following materials:

  • Admissions Requirements
    Required application fee ($75, waivers available)
  • Personal statement (750-1000 words)
  • Resume
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation

Deadlines

  • Scholarship Priority

    April 30

Applications for the M.P.A. program are accepted on rolling basis. Students can start in the fall, spring or summer semesters.

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International Students Welcome!

Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.

Curriculum Overview

With a core based on ethical and professional values, the M.P.A. degree consists of 39 credits, starting with courses focused on managerial and analytical skills (18 credits). Then, students select a concentration area based on their career interests (12 credits) coupled with additional electives (6 credits) and a capstone project (3 credits).

Our M.P.A. starts with foundational courses in public service management, research and statistical analysis, financial management and managerial decision-making. Then, students select one of four concentration areas:

In each course, you’ll find small class sizes and a close-knit graduate student community. Our faculty are leaders who practice what they teach, including the current and previous presidents of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) and the former president of ARNOVA, a leading national authority on nonprofit management education research. And, they offer internationally recognized research and teaching programs and bring their diverse skills and experiences to every classroom.

  • 24

    National Ranking among Nonprofit Management Programs (U.S. News & World Report)

  • 9

    Average Class Size

  • 4

    Concentration Options

Career Opportunities

Earning a Master in Public Administration at Seton Hall University sets the stage for a dynamic career in public service. With a deep understanding of governance and management, our M.P.A. graduates are equipped to lead in diverse sectors.

The versatility of an M.P.A. degree allows graduates to pivot across many sectors, driving positive change in diverse contexts.

Graduates can excel as city managers, policy analysts, or program directors, shaping public policy and service delivery in fields such as healthcare, environmental policy, urban development, community service and more. Aspiring entrepreneurs can use their knowledge to establish impactful nonprofits, or those interested in international development can play vital roles in international development and diplomacy, fostering collaboration across borders.

No matter the public service setting you are interested in, our faculty are dedicated to helping each student find the career that fits him or her best. We pride ourselves on bringing academic theory into practice.

Aerial view of Trenton, New Jersey

$77,000

Average base salary for MPA holders in the U.S. (Payscale)

51%

Percent of public policy and social services workers hold an advanced degree (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

7%

Increase in jobs in public administration from 2021-31 (Economic Modeling Specialists International)

Our alumni work at the best businesses around the world.

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Joseph Riccardelli

"With a bachelor's degree in political science, I learned how to fix problems in the world and come up with solutions, with no knowledge of how to implement them. The M.P.A. was the perfect bridge to connect theory with pragmatic implementation."

Our Faculty and Students

Nonprofit Management Program Ranked Top 15 Percent in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report again ranked our Nonprofit Management Program among the best in the nation. Coming in at #24, Seton Hall’s program placed in the Top 15 percent in the nation.

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Scholarships & Financial Aid

Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.

Each academic year, the Department of Social Work also awards endowed scholarships open only to students specifically in our M.P.A. program.

  • 50%

    Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pre-requisites for the M.P.A. program?

There are no pre-requisites or work experience required for the M.P.A. Program. We do not require the GRE, GMAT, or any other standardized test for admission, either.

How long does it take to complete the program?

A part-time student can complete the program in 3 years. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 2 years. On the average, most full-time working people take 6 credits a semester (or two classes).

Where can I access additional FAQ's?

Additional Resources

Dual Degree (B.A. / M.P.A.)

M.P.A. / M.A. Diplomacy and International Relations

International Graduate Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions about the M.P.A.

Request More Information

Office of Graduate Affairs

(973) 275-2892

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About Seton Hall

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One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.

Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interpro­fessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.

  • 14

    Miles from New York City

  • 90+

    Career-Building Graduate Programs

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