Master of Public Administration at Portland State University

Whether you are just entering the workforce or looking to take your career to the next step, the MPA will help you advance both personally and professionally. Our program focuses on integrating theory and practice to ensure that students emerge from this program with an education grounded in research and nourished through real-world experience. We prepare students beginning their careers to be competent and effective leaders in public affairs, and mid-career students to enhance their capacities as managers and leaders through the opportunities provided for reflection and integration of new knowledge. The core curriculum provides the skills and knowledge desired by employers today, while our specialization options allow you to hone your abilities in a 15-credit area focus of your choice.

Our students engage in community learning experiences throughout their degree. Many courses pair students with public organizations to complete program evaluations, provide technical assistance, and otherwise analyze public administration in action. These students devote significant hours as part of class teams, engage in short-term internships, and/or work in organizations or public agencies through their culminating field-based organizational experience.

For more information, please see our MPA Graduation and Employment Rates page.

• Complete the graduate application
• Send the Graduate School’s Admissions office your official academic transcripts
• Submit evidence of English language proficiency
• Provide financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
• Depending on the individual graduate program that you are applying for, additional department requirements may include:
  • Personal essay or statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Standardized test scores, e.g., GRE (not required by all programs)
  • Resume
  • Writing samples
  • Portfolio