Students in discussion around a table.

WMU's Master of Public Administration Program

Students in Western's MPA program benefit from:

Upward mobility and increased earnings

With an MPA degree, professionals can advance within their current organization or move on to advanced roles elsewhere. This upward mobility also comes with the potential for higher earnings.

Individualized areas of emphasis

Western’s MPA program allows students to develop an individualized area of emphasis that supports their goals and career interests.

Flexibility

Students in the MPA program can take advantage of online courses or a mix of online and in-person courses, all of which occur in the evening. This flexibility is ideal for working professionals looking to advance their careers.

Credit hours for professional experience

Western’s MPA program rewards working employees with up to nine credit hours for professional experience, potentially reducing the total required credit hours from 39 to 30.

About Western’s MPA program

WMU’s master of public administration program aims to develop professionals and leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to flourish in the interdisciplinary field of public administration.

Graduates from the MPA program at Western go on to a diverse range of government, nonprofit or healthcare organizations and make positive impacts on the lives of citizens. Possible careers include:

  • city manager
  • college president
  • human resources director
  • public health director
  • nonprofit executive director
  • U.S. congressional representative 
  • work in the private sector

Western’s MPA program is aimed at professionals looking to advance and make a difference. With a master’s degree in public administration, professionals can:

  • enact meaningful change 
  • advance in their chosen career
  • increase earnings throughout their career