Graduate Program Descriptions

Master of Public Administration

Program Website

http://www.wright.edu/cupa/mpa/

Admission and Application Deadlines

Fall only

June 30 (Department)

March 30 (International Admissions Office, suggested)

Deadlines if Also Applying for Funding

April 3, for Graduate Assistantships

Students in degree status and not employed in public/nonprofit administrative positions are encouraged to apply for a GRA/GTA position. Applications are available from the Department.

Requirements

Requirements of School of Graduate Studies

A baccalaureate degree, preferably in the social or behavioral sciences, with an overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.

A GPA of at least 2.7 may be granted conditional admission status

Minimum TOEFL IBT - 79, Paper based - 550 or IELTS - 6.0 band.

Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with applicant's academic achievements and/or ability to meet the rigorous requirements of graduate studies a 400-word written essay outlining professional and personal goals and how the MPA degree will help applicant achieve these goals.

Program Information

The Department of Urban Affairs & Geography offers the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration accredited Wright State University's MPA program through 2008-09, and it is the only accredited MPA program in southwest Ohio.

The primary mission of the MPA degree program is to prepare students to be public and nonprofit administrators and managers in today's urban and global environment. The program is composed of both part-time and full-time students. Classes are offered by full-time faculty and distinguished practitioners from the greater Dayton region who serve as affiliated faculty.

Students may, in concert with their advisor, design their MPA curriculum to emphasize subfields, such as public and nonprofit management, community and economic development, or public planning. Other areas of emphasis may be developed with the careful selection of elective courses offered by other WSU departments. In addition, the MPA program offers a specialized concentration in communication, and offers a certificate in nonprofit administration sponsored by the American Humanics Association.

The majority of MPA students complete their program of study in two years. To accommodate the scheduling needs of all students, one-year and three-year programs of study are also available.

Contact Information

Email: jerri.killian@wright.edu