Public Administration

Public Administration
Mission Statement & Student Learning Objectives
Faculty & Staff
Admission Process
MPA Professional Advisory Council (MPAPAC)
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program provides a wide variety of educational opportunities in public and not-for-profit management. Our program prepares students through an emphasis on policy, management, and leadership—key skills that employers look for. Graduate study opportunities are available for both current professionals and recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in public service. Students can choose between full-time and part-time study programs.

Students are encouraged to understand the public service environment, the values that shape public service, and the critical and analytical skills required to formulate, implement, and evaluate public service decisions. Our courses focus on state and local government (along with nonprofit organizations), as these sectors represent the largest portion of public sector employment.

Program faculty, all of whom hold doctoral degrees and have public service management experience, have been selected from several academic areas most pertinent to public sector applications. Adjunct faculty are highly trained, qualified, and experienced academics and practitioners.

NASPAA logoThe MPA Program is accredited by the NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards.

For further information or questions, please contact Courtney Jensen at 509.828.1317 or cejensen@ewu.edu.

EWU Master of Public Administration

Are you interested in public service? Want to earn a graduate degree and serve your community?

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a nationally accredited graduate degree for public-serving organizations, including governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, NGOs, policy centers, and philanthropic institutions.

The MPA program serves as an equivalent to an MBA but is specifically designed for the public sector. It focuses on enhancing students’ skills in policy, management, and leadership.

With our rolling admissions, students can enroll ASAP! We also accept the Washington State and Eastern Washington University tuition waiver for state employees.

What Can I Do With My Degree?

Our graduates pursue a diverse range of careers. A survey of alumni from 2021–2025 found that 84% are employed or continuing in their previous roles:

  • 44% work in state, provincial, or regional government (including state universities)
  • 4% in city, county, or other local government
  • 2% in federal government
  • 2% in tribal government
  • 10% in the nonprofit sector
  • 18% in the private sector or are self-employed

Only 14% have not obtained a job since graduating.

Students interested in the types of jobs that require an MPA should visit publicservicecareers.org.

Post Graduation Employment Statistics

Our graduates are currently putting their MPA degrees to work in their communities serving in positions such as: program planning and engagement manager, case manager, executive director, program coordinator, lobbyist, associate planner, network director, firefighter, special liaison to VP of business and finance, advocacy and immersion program manager, privacy officer, community programs manager, admissions representative, graduate student coordinator, administrative program specialist, licensed social work therapist, and lead data analyst.

Employment Type20212022202320242025
National or central government in the same country as program1-1--
State, provincial, or regional government in the same country as program671023
City, county, or other local government in the same country as program211-2
Government not in the same country as the program (all levels) or international quasi-governmental-----
Nonprofit domestic-oriented1--21
Nonprofit/NGOs internationally-oriented-----
Private sector - research/consulting---1-
Private sector - not research/consulting13--1
Obtaining further education-----
Military service-----
Unemployed, not seeking employment----1
Unemployed, seeking employment----1
Status Unknown241030
Total13152489

How Long Does It Take to Graduate?

This depends on whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. 20-25% of our students complete the program within 18 months and 50% graduate within 36 months. Some students require more time. You are allowed to take up to six years to complete the program.

Graduation Statistics

Initially EnrolledGraduated within 2 yearsGraduated within 3 yearsGraduated within 4 yearsTotal Students Graduated and Persisting to Graduation
Total Number of Students Entering in 2020-20211234512

Graduation Class Size

20252024202320222021
989915

How Much Will It Cost?

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Student Financial Services page.

Resident UndergaduateNon-Resident UndergraduateResident GraduateNon-Resident Graduate
Per Credit$259.16$832.06$426.00$938.75
10-18 Credits$2,591.59$8,320.55$4,260.03$9,387.50
Additional Fee Over 18 Credits (Per Credit)$230.06$803.62$398.54$911.55
Annual Rate 10-18 Credits$7,774.78$24,961.66$12,780.09$28,162.50

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Courtney Jensen, PhD

Associate Professor; MPA Director
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program
Patterson Hall 223K
509.828.1317