Public Policy and Administration

Yes! Our program is structured to accommodate professionals who work full-time and want to enhance their professional credentials on a part-time basis. All classes are scheduled online or in the evening hours. Students employed full-time usually take one or two courses each semester (part-time student) and sometimes three (full-time student). The program is designed to allow a part-time student to earn the MPA degree in two to three years.

No! At least half of our students have already gained full-time professional work experience prior to entering the program and are currently working full-time.

While both degrees focus on developing an administrative skill set, the MPA is more oriented toward enhancing the practice of these skills within the field of public service. The MPA program is most suitable for those whose interests primarily lie with operating in the area of public service, organizational development and "people management."

Individuals who are currently in the private sector will also find the skills learned in the MPA program to be applicable and highly valuable, especially for those in the area of "people management."

Absolutely! While the MPA degree is intended to be a "terminal" degree for professionals desiring to enhance their administrative skills, a growing number of individuals have gone on to pursue their PhD/DPA after completing an MPA. We currently have some of our former West Chester University MPA graduates enrolled in our Doctorate of Public Administration program. If you would like additional information, please contact Dr. Jeremy Phillips at jphillips2@wcupa.edu.

No, the MPA degree is not meant for persons who want to earn a state recognized principal or superintendent's certificate. However, for a variety of other reasons, we do have a number of educators enrolled in our program who find the curriculum useful for their career development.

Individuals with graduate degrees in other areas have gone on to also attain an MPA degree and are required to fulfill our admissions criteria. Upon admittance to the program, the student will complete a minimum of twenty-four credits in order to earn the MPA degree. The specific number of credits required will vary depending on the student's background and intended concentration.

What are the application procedures for international students?

International students should follow the same application procedures on the Admissions page. Additionally, applicants whose native language is not English must submit evidence of satisfactory performance on either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS–academic version).

Satisfactory language scores are:

• 80 for TOEFL
• 6.5 for IELTS

An official transcript evaluation by World Educational Services (WES) or any other NACES participating organization is also required.

This is a critical part of the MPA application. This question must be answered in essay form (your goal statement) and explain your undergraduate area of study, relevant professional experiences since receiving the undergraduate degree, and motivation for pursuing graduate study at this time. In addition, the statement must cover short-term career objectives (the next 3-5 years) as well as long-term objectives (10-15 years out). Please be specific about career goals as this information will be used for advisement purposes. Further, the applicant must include a recent resume.

Besides the full MPA degree, we also offer a Certificate in Public Administration. Applicants must meet the same entrance requirements as for the MPA degree and complete the seven administrative core courses.

Absloutely! Students majoring in other graduate degree programs may, under advisement, enroll in MPA courses on a space available basis. Approval is needed both from the student's advisor and the MPA director. Class priority is given to MPA degree and certificate students.

Non-degree students may, with approval from the MPA director, take up to nine credits without formally applying to the MPA Program. To be considered, potential non-degree students must submit copies of their undergraduate transcripts from all colleges attended as well as a resume.

Your advisor will guide you in your area of concentration. Advisors are available during office hours and by phone, email and appointment.

MPA students often have their undergraduate degree in an area related to their concentration area; however, such is not a requirement for admission. Indeed, many applicants are routinely admitted whose academic credentials are in an area different than their intended MPA concentration. The career goal statement in the graduate application should address this change in direction (from an applicant's undergraduate major).

May I earn a second master's degree from West Chester University?

Many students in the program are already employed in the same field as their concentration, but this is not an admission requirement. The MPA Program is designed to serve those seeking a career change, as well as those hoping to enhance their present employment. Along with earning a formal degree, students are advised to also "build a resume" to support their intended career change and to plan to take an internship, or otherwise acquire appropriate experience, in the career area into which they intend to transition.

No. Even though the course titles may be similar, courses at the graduate level are qualitatively and quantitatively different from those offered at the undergraduate level. However, students with an especially strong background in a particular area are encouraged to discuss alternative concentration courses with their advisor. Students have been able to broaden their backgrounds by substituting alternative courses for those required in the concentration; approval to do so must be granted by a student's advisor.

For all inquiries regarding program plans, please refer to Curriculum and Program Plans on the MPA Page.

All Public Administration (PPA) core courses (PPA500 through PPA506 plus the capstone) are offered every semester and some in the summer. The schedule for concentration electives varies, but most are offered at least once a year. If you are seeking to graduate with a specific concentration degree or a certificate, it is suggested that you work with your advisor to map out your curriculum so that you meet your expected graduation date.

Possibly, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed with your advisor.

Yes, if approved by the department chair three to twelve credits may be transferred. The credits submitted for possible transfer must have been earned at an accredited institution and completed within the previous six years with a grade of "B" or better. Requests for transfer credits to substitute for PPA core courses will not be approved once a student starts the MPA program.

No, WCU policy does not permit the granting of graduate-level academic credit for life experience. However, students should confer with their concentration advisor regarding which courses to take that will enhance their background and not merely duplicate their previous experiences.

No, this program is not designed to grant credit by examination. However, students are encouraged to discuss their competencies with their advisor and, with approval, substitute alternative concentration courses for those which would merely duplicate past learning.

No, these courses do not focus heavily on "technical" matters but rather are designed to provide the future administrator the opportunity to become knowledgeable about these fields from a management perspective. No prerequisites are required.

The research requirements are all contained within the capstone project.

The Bursar's Office will send a tuition bill after the student has properly registered for classes. All deadlines stated in the registration materials must be observed or the student risks cancellation of all scheduled courses.

Yes, West Chester University does offer payment plans for full and part-time students. Students should contact the Bursar's Office and the Financial Aid Office directly for more information.

How much does the program cost?

Please refer to the Bursar's Tuition and Fees webpage for tuition rates and fee structures.