Recent Employers
- Creative Education Opportunities, Inc.
- Human Resources, City of Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
- Economic Development Authority, City of York, PA
- American Friends Services
Graduate Program
MPA Degree: Master's in Public Administration
With an online master's degree in public administration, you'll take your career to the next level by honing effective leadership skills, policy awareness, and ethical judgments in the public and nonprofit sectors.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Master's
Format
100% Online
Credits
34
Avg. Time to Completion
2 Years
College/School
Explore the Public Administration Degree
Widener's master's in public administration is offered 100% online. With an MPA degree, you'll enhance professional competencies that you can put to work right away as you blend theory with practical application and experience.
Our curriculum emphasizes the institutional, political, and ethical environments of the public and nonprofit sectors—existing and emerging public service leaders alike are welcome. With a strong focus on community connection and advancing public service, you'll elevate your career by taking courses led by public administration insiders. As you grow your network, you'll build confidence in the workplace.
With options to start with a certificate, pursue a specialization or dual degree, and more, you'll feel supported as you customize your MPA degree around your unique interests and goals. Changing policy begins with elevating your public administration skills at Widener.
MPA Degree Options & Curriculum Requirements
Our MPA degree is offered in a synchronous online format and holds learning through discussion as the primary instructional philosophy. Courses feature small seminar-style settings and a diverse enrollment representing a variety of age groups, occupations, and educational backgrounds.
For more information regarding the master's in public administration, view our Loading....
Study the nature of crime, research methods, and organizational behavior as you prepare for or advance a career in public administration in the criminal justice system. All credits from the criminal justice certificate transfer into this specialization.
View the course catalog for curriculum requirements for the criminal justice specialization.
Open to all MPA students, especially those interested in pursuing the dual MPA/MEd in human sexuality studies, this specialization teaches core historical and ethical concepts in human sexuality. With electives in cross-cultural perspectives, sexuality and relationships across the lifespan, and biological foundations, this specialization well serves those working in LGBTQ+ advocacy.
View the course catalog for curriculum requirements for the human sexuality studies specialization.
For those dedicated to serving local governments, this specialization will enhance your knowledge of economic development, sustainability issues, promoting social change, and more. All credits from the local government & community change certificate transfer into this specialization.
View the course catalog for curriculum requirements for the local government specialization.
For those looking to advance a career in the nonprofit sector, this specialization is for you. Explore topics in financial management, legal issues, crisis communications, and promoting social change within nonprofit administration. All credits from the nonprofit leadership certificate transfer into this specialization.
View the course catalog for curriculum requirements for the nonprofit leadership specialization.
More MPA Program Options
Looking to move up in your career but aren't ready to commit to graduate study yet? Starting with a certificate is an excellent place to begin your graduate education. All credits from the online criminal justice, nonprofit leadership, and local government & community change certificates transition fully into their corresponding MPA specializations.
Because certificate courses are offered at a significantly reduced rate, starting with the certificate enables you to cut the cost of your graduate degree while you decide if a master's is right for you.
Get in touch to learn more about starting with a certificate or apply directly to the certificate program.
The MPA/MEd in human sexuality studies program gives you the opportunity to pursue a track in public policy or non-profit management by earning a master of education (MEd) in Human Sexuality Studies and a master of public administration (MPA). Here, you can build a degree around your interests in human sexuality education with an interdisciplinary approach to public administration.
This program also requires admission to the College of Health & Human Services. For more information, view the course catalog or speak to an advisor.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Public Administration Degree
Why Study Public Administration at Widener?
Build a Network of Industry Insiders
Your education will stretch beyond the classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and MPA faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Be Welcomed with Open Arms
Coming to Widener means joining a university culture rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB). We value the contributions of each member of our community, embracing the diverse identities, backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives that make us Widener. Especially for those entering leadership roles in public service and nonprofit industries, crafting spaces of mutual respect and empathy are essential to career success.
From support services including accessibility, interfaith beliefs and practices, LGBTQIA+ community, and beyond, we're here to provide the resources you need to thrive.
Student Stories
Our Faculty
"Our students care about furthering positive outcomes in society. My goal in the classroom is to help them do this by building managerial and leadership skills that improve work performance in the near term and aid career advancement."
Recent News
Breaking Down Silos to Protect the Environment
Widener is preparing students to live, work, and lead in the green economy through interdisciplinary academic programs that take a broader look at environmental health and sustainability.
An Economic Slump Is a Good Time for Grad School at Widener
In the current economic climate, many people are turning to graduate school as a way to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
From Campus to the Campaign Trail
Numerous Widener students and alumni have carved out successful careers in government and politics, working both behind the scenes and in elected positions.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- 3.0 GPA
- If not attained, evaluation of an applicant's ability to complete graduate work will be based on academic performance and a necessary 3.0 GPA within the first six credit hours.
- Online Application
- Nonrefundable application fee ($35)
- Two letters of recommendation
- One of these letters must be from someone who is familiar with the applicant's ability to undertake graduate-level academic work, such as a former professor. If no such person is available to make an evaluation, such as for students who completed their undergraduate work more than four years prior to the application date, the applicant must submit a third letter of recommendation.
- A one-page personal statement (see prompt below)
- GRE scores will be considered as part of an application but are not required
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Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
We review applications on a rolling basis. There is no deadline to apply.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Up to 6 transfer credits may be applied as electives towards a degree in public administration. To be eligible, the courses must've been completed within the last 5 years and the grade received must be a B or higher.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Save up to 50% on Your Master's by Stacking Certificates
Widener's stackable certificates enable you to achieve your master's or doctoral degree by saying yes to one affordable certificate at a time. Here, you'll follow a more relaxed timeline and course load while earning certificate credits at a significant cost saving. Most of our certificate courses cost 50% less than master's courses.
Learn more about stacking certificates
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Graduate Admissions Office
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Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Public Administration Graduate Program
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Kapelski Learning Center, Room 229
- 610-499-1120
- jevike@widener.edu
James E. Vike
Associate Dean of Social Science
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Kapelski Learning Center
Room 229 - (610) 499-1120
- jevike@widener.edu