COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at DePaul University is a 52‑credit graduate program that combines core coursework, concentration study, and practical experiences to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in the public sector. The curriculum begins with nine core courses (36 credit hours) that provide a strong foundation in public service management, the historical and philosophical foundations of public administration, government financial administration, human resource management, applied statistics for public service, economic foundations of public service, research methods, ethical leadership, and an integrative seminar that synthesizes learning across the program. These core courses develop students’ skills in ethical decision‑making, data analysis, finance, and organizational leadership, which are essential for effective governance and public management. In addition to the core, students choose one of several concentrations—Cybersecurity, Emergency Management, International Public Management, Metropolitan Planning and Urban Affairs, Public Management, or a Standard concentration—through which they complete four additional courses (16 credit hours) tailored to their professional interests. Each concentration combines required courses such as policy design and analysis with electives that deepen expertise in specialized areas like local government administration, international public service, metropolitan planning, information security management, emergency management strategies, and more. Throughout the curriculum, students can also opt to complete an internship or professional development experience in a government setting for academic credit, further enhancing their applied learning. The program is offered in flexible formats, including evening classes on campus and an online option, and can be completed in about two years with a typical schedule of two classes per quarter. Overall, the MPA curriculum equips graduates with the theoretical knowledge, analytical tools, ethical framework, and practical experience needed to lead public organizations, implement effective public policy, and serve diverse communities with transparency, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social justice.