Become a Public Service Leader With Our MPA Degree

On its surface, public administration improves government policies, but its true goal is to positively impact society by advancing the common good.

If you’re interested in making a difference in your community and beyond, our Master of Public Administration may be a great option for you.

When you earn a master’s degree in public administration, you’ll be prepared to take on leadership roles in government, nonprofit, public, and private organizations. West Chester University’s Master of Public Administration provides cross-functional skills like budgeting, data analysis and evaluation, grant and policy writing, fundraising and social equity work.

In short, you’ll be prepared to take on any job in public administration, protecting the rights and well-being of communities.

WCU’s MPA program is designed for working professionals. You can attend full-time or part-time, in-person, hybrid, or fully online. Our online courses are completely asynchronous, meaning you can complete the work when it’s convenient for you instead of logging in at a specific time. Most students attend part-time and complete our MPA degree in 24 to 36 months.

Regardless of how you choose to attend West Chester University’s MPA program, you’ll graduate exceptionally well-prepared for any job in public administration.

 

Tracks in WCU's Master's in Public Administration Program

General

Our general track provides a high-quality educational foundation in public administration, including courses in human resource management, organization theory, and budgeting and finance to set you on the path to success.

Nonprofit Administration

If you’re interested in leading nonprofits, this concentration is for you. You’ll develop essential skills in strategic planning and management, grant writing, fundraising, and more.

Public Management

This track focuses on management at the local, county, and regional levels, and includes coursework in communications, law, policy, and social equity.

 

Benefits of Earning Your MPA Degree at West Chester University

Opportunities to Assist in Faculty-Led Research Projects

As an MPA student at WCU, you’ll be taught and mentored by accomplished scholars and practitioners who will train you to manage and lead across industries. You’ll learn how to serve professionally and ethically, and will have unequalled opportunities to engage in faculty research projects that address the public administration challenges of contemporary society.

Small Class Size and Convenience

Personalized attention is a hallmark of graduate work at WCU, and whether you take your courses in-person or online, you’ll have small classes, faculty experts, and engaging conversations with your classmates.

The MPA degree at WCU was designed for working professionals and is available for full-time or part-time study, with in-person, hybrid, and fully online options.

Internships and Graduate Assistantships

You’ll apply your classroom knowledge in a real world setting through an internship where you'll gain hands-on experience. Your internship will be based on your location. Past placements include the City of Philadelphia, the Chester County Historical Society, SAP America, the Office of the Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

To make earning your MPA degree more affordable, competitive graduate assistantships and scholarships are available through the College of Business and Public Management. For working professionals, assistantships can be completed remotely during evenings or weekends.

Accredited by NASPAA

West Chester University’s Master of Public Administration is fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA)—the gold standard in public service education. The MPA program is housed in our College of Business and Public Management, which is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

 

What Can You Do With a Public Administration Master's?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth for jobs in public administration through 2030.

If you are interested in shaping and protecting the future of your community, there are many rewarding jobs in public administration, including:

  • Nonprofit executive director - Inspires change and promotes growth for the organization.
  • Legislator - Analyzes proposed legislation and drafts specific bills for consideration into law.
  • City manager - Oversees day-to-day functions such as budgeting and ordinance enforcement.
  • Urban or regional planner - Assesses and reports the planning needs of local and state governments.
  • Policy analyst - Utilizes research to collaborate in creating regulations, policies, and laws.
  • Managing director of development - Manages the team responsible for organizational fundraising initiatives.
  • Social/community service manager - Coordinates and supervises programs and organizations that support public well-being.
  • Lobbyist - Works to influence legislation or regulations for a specific group or individual.
  • Grant writer - Works with nonprofits to win governmental and organizational funding for research and projects.
  • Election supervisor - Administers voter registration activities and safeguards voting equipment and procedures.
  • Court administrator - Manages the operations that provide effective, timely, and innovative support to judges and other court staff.

Our alumni work in many roles in public, private, and government agencies like:

  • Chester County Hospital
  • Federal Reserve
  • Human Achievement Project
  • Philabundance
  • Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health
  • Pennsylvania State Legislature
  • United States Department of Defense
  • United States Department of Education
  • United States Secret Service
 

What Will You Study as a Master of Public Administration Student?

West Chester University's MPA program prepares you for leadership positions in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Certificate in Public Administration

The Certificate in Public Administration is designed for persons who desire to enhance their management and supervisory skills. To earn the certificate, students must complete the 12-semester hour administration core with a minimum grade of B in each course. Those interested in the certificate option must follow and meet the same admissions criteria as master’s degree students.

Degree students also may apply for the certificate after completing the public administration core requirements with a minimum grade of B for each course.

Code Title Credits
Administration Core12
Students must complete 12 credits from courses offered in the Administration Core.
PPA 500
Foundations of Public Service
PPA 501
Analysis and Decision Making I
PPA 502
Analysis and Decision Making II
PPA 503
Public Budgeting & Finance
PPA 504
Public Human Resource Management
PPA 505
Public Sector Organization Theory
PPA 506
Foundations in Nonprofit Administration
Total Minimum Credits Required12

Graduate Certificate in Public Management

The Graduate Certificate in Public Management focuses on public-sector management at the local and regional levels. It is appropriate for managers and officials from local, county, and regional government bodies that desire to enhance their general management skills as well as gain insight into public policy issues of particular concern to these officials. To obtain the certificate, students must complete twelve credits from the approved MPA Administration Core and/or the MPA Public Management Concentration courses. Degree students that have completed the certificate requirements may also apply for the certificate via the Add Certificate Request in myWCU.

Code Title Credits
Select 12 credits from any of the approved courses listed below.12
Administration Core Courses
PPA 501
Analysis and Decision Making I
PPA 503
Public Budgeting & Finance
PPA 504
Public Human Resource Management
PPA 505
Public Sector Organization Theory
Public Management Concentration Courses
PPA 510
Topics in Public Administration
PPA 512
Communications for Public Administrators
PPA 513
Law for Public Administrators
PPA 514
American Public Policy
PPA 515
Social Equity and Public Administration
Total Minimum Credits Required12

Department of Nutrition

NTD

NTD 502. Plant-Based Nutrition. 3 Credits.

This course is an evidence-based, interactive approach to the health-promoting aspects of a plant-based diet and benefits to all stages of the life cycle. Students will critically evaluate a number of plant-based dietary approaches with case studies, presentations, and meal plan reviews. Students will participate in virtual plant-based recipe modifications and preparations.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 502 requires a prerequisite of C or better in an introductory nutrition course.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

NTD 503. Human Nutrition. 3 Credits.

This course is an advanced study of macronutrient and selected micronutrient and phytochemical metabolism in humans and their impact on nutritional health. A thorough understanding of the metabolism of key nutrients will allow the student to use current, evidence-based research in critically evaluating nutrition community health messages and recommendations.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 503 requires prerequisites of NTD 303, BIO 259, BIO 269, CHE 230, and CHE 310.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 504. Nutrition Education K-12. 3 Credits.

This 3-credit course provides an understanding of the optimal nutritional needs and nutrition education principles for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Topics include evidence based principles of healthy eating for children and adolescents, examination of food choices and barriers to healthy food, with an emphasis on behaviorally focused nutrition education relating to critical school nutrition issues. Course work completed in school settings requires that students provide documentation of active field clearances.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

NTD 515. Public Health Nutrition. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a practice based approach to public health nutrition processes through readings, discussions and active participation. Topics include public health nutrition concepts, guidelines and key nutrition issues for particular populations. Students will be introduced to the needs of diverse and vulnerable populations and evidence-based nutrition programs.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 517. Nutrition Research Techniques. 3 Credits.

The course examines the research process, research designs, and statistical procedures as applied to nutrition. Students will use campus resources for conducting reviews of the scientific literature such as Endnote and Illiad.Statistical software such as SPSS and NVivo will be used to analyze data. Students will apply both parametric and nonparametric statistical tests. They will learn how to conduct a systematic review of scientific literature. An evidence-based approach to community nutrition will be emphasized. This course is a preparatory course for the MSCN Capstone course.
Pre / Co requisites: Open to MSCN students or permission of the Instructor.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 520. Approaches for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity. 3 Credits.

This course is a rigorous, evidence-based exploration of the disease of obesity. Through process-oriented assignments and discussions students formulate their own perspectives on the origins, prevention, consequences, and treatment of obesity.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 520 requires students to be in the MS in Community Nutrition or by approval of the instructor.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 521. Dietetic Internship Supervised Practice Experience I. 3 Credits.

This course is the required community nutrition supervised practice experience for Dietetic Interns to learn through observation, practice, and research in community sites such as maternal and child health, school nutrition and nutrition education programs. There is a mandatory 60-minute online weekly session with an instructor and 300 hours of supervised practice over the 8 weeks of the dietetic internship rotation.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 521 requires prerequisites of NTD 503, NTD 515, NTD 517, NTD 600, NTD 610, NTD 612, NTD 616; and either admission to the Dietetic Internship Track or admission to the Post Masters Dietetic Internship Certificate program.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 522. Nutrition - Health, Fitness and Performance. 3 Credits.

Study of nutrition as it relates to health, fitness and performance. Attention will be given to nutritional guidelines for optional health and physical performance.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 522 requires a prerequisite of C or better in an introductory nutrition course.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.

NTD 523. Dietetic Internship Supervised Practice Experience II. 3 Credits.

This course is the first required clinical nutrition supervised practice experience for Dietetic Interns to learn through observation, practice, and research at in-patient clinical sites such as acute care, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities. There is a mandatory 60-minute online weekly session with an instructor and 264 hours of supervised practice over the 8 weeks of the dietetic internship rotation.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 523 requires prerequisites of NTD 503, NTD 515, NTD 517, NTD 600, NTD 610, NTD 612, NTD 616; and either admission to the Dietetic Internship Track or admission to the Post Masters Dietetic Internship Certificate program.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 524. Dietetic Internship Supervised Practice Experience III. 3 Credits.

This course is the required food service management supervised practice experience for Dietetic Interns to learn through observation, practice and research in facilities such as acute and long-term care, retirement communities, businesses, and school food service. There is a mandatory 60-minute online weekly session with an instructor and 300 hours of supervised practice over the 8 weeks of the dietetic internship rotation.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 524 requires prerequisites of NTD 503, NTD 515, NTD 517, NTD 600, NTD 610, NTD 612, NTD 616; and either admission to the Dietetic Internship Track or admission to the Post Masters Dietetic Internship Certificate program.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

NTD 525. Dietetic Internship Supervised Practice Experience IV. 3 Credits.

This is the second required clinical nutrition supervised practice experience for Dietetic Interns to learn through observation, practice and research in clinical sites such as outpatient clinical centers, acute care, private practice, and specialty centers. There is a mandatory 60-minute online weekly session with an instructor and 288 hours of supervised practice over the 8 weeks of the dietetic internship rotation.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 525 requires prerequisites of NTD 503, NTD 515, NTD 517, NTD 600, NTD 610, NTD 612, NTD 616; and either admission to the Dietetic Internship Track or admission to the Post Masters Dietetic Internship Certificate program.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

NTD 555. Nutrition Assessment, Education and Service in Honduras. 3 Credits.

This course offers an interprofessional approach to clinical screenings and assessments, client/community education, and health related service in communities in underdeveloped or developing countries. Students gain exposure to the cultures of communities in underdeveloped or developing countries, thus enhancing the students' cultural competence.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 555 requires a prerequisite of NTD 503.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

NTD 581. Nutrition Workshop. 3 Credits.

Special workshops on contemporary nutrition, foods and food service related problems and issues. Topics announced at time of offering.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 581 requires a prerequisite of acceptance into the M.S. in Community Nutrition program.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring & Summer.

NTD 592. Advanced Clinical Practice in Integrated Health: Behavior, Health, Nutrition, and Recovery. 3 Credits.

This course is an inter-professional, graduate-level elective for students in health and behavioral health sciences on the latest in integrated health or "whole health" approaches to working with individuals, families, and communities around issues of behavior, food security, health, and recovery. The US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the National Institute of Medicine, along with many other governmental and non-governmental health organizations and foundations have been calling for a more integrated (primary healthcare and behavioral healthcare) approach to services. Crucial to this approach is to understand the public health ramifications of food security and nutrition and the interconnectedness of these factors on a person's health and recovery. Also addressed will be the interplay of healthcare needs, culture, values, and barriers to access to care. Many integrated health organizations in the tristate area are looking for professionals trained in this whole health approach--able to work as part of an inter-professional team in collaborating with people toward improving health and supporting recovery. Health professionals and administrators from these organizations will be guest lecturers. Students will visit some of these organizations. Developing a hypothetical, integrated health program proposal (a team effort) is a key component of the course.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Summer and Winter.
Cross listed courses NTD 592, SWG 592.

NTD 600. Maternal & Child Nutrition. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to maternal and child nutrition with primarily a domestic focus. Emphasis on understanding the role of research, policies, and programmatic issues on nutritional health for pregnant, lactating, infant children and adolescents. Students will gain an understanding of key issues within the social, educational, political and environmental influences and their impact on nutrition status within vulnerable maternal/child populations.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 600 requires a prerequisite of NTD 503 or permission of instructor.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

NTD 601. Nutrition & Health in Aging. 3 Credits.

This course examines how good nutrition, physical activity, other lifestyle behaviors including mind/body medicine across the life span may reduce the risk for disease and promote healthy aging. Additional topics explore the barriers to good nutrition in later life and management of chronic conditions in the older years.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 610. Nutrition Assessment. 3 Credits.

The course provides students with practice and application of anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary methods for assessing nutritional status with a focus of public health application. Exercises include the measurement of body composition, use of food composition tables and classification of nutritional status.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 610 requires a prerequisite of NTD 503 or permission of instructor.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

NTD 612. Nutrition and Human Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course will examine theoretical perspectives on nutrition, food and health-related behavior change. Students will study the key constructs from a variety of nutrition and health behavior theories and frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory and the Transtheoretical Model. This course will provide the depth of knowledge for students to critically evaluate nutrition programs using the theories and frameworks. These theories and frameworks will be used to design and deliver community interventions and programs.
Pre / Co requisites: Open to MSCN students or permission of the Instructor.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

NTD 615. Nutrition and Disease an Evidence Based Approach. 3 Credits.

This course will provide the student with the skills to apply and combine the principles of nutrition, physiology, genetics, pathology, and pharmacology in the development of an evidence based approach to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for disease management. The lectures will expand the students understanding of disease risk, prevention, progression, management, epidemiology, and the role of MNT in such diseases, but not limited to, as gastrointestinal, endocrine, cardiovascular, cancer, and urological disorders, with a focus on current concepts and methods in clinical nutrition research.
Pre / Co requisites: Open to MSCN students or permission of the Instructor.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

NTD 616. Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy. 3 Credits.

This course will involve the study of the research and evidence-based guidelines behind Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) recommendations for the principal nutrition-related disease conditions through analysis of case histories. The relationship of food and nutrition to medicine; physiological and clinical basis of disease processes; and medical, surgical, and evidence-based nutrition therapies for acute and chronic disease conditions will be addressed through lectures, case discussions, simulation activities, assigned readings, programmed learning guides, and class presentations. This course includes an onsite orientation to the dietetic internship program. Course is restricted to Dietetic Interns.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 616 requires prerequisites of NTD 503, NTD 515, NTD 517, NTD 600, NTD 610, NTD 612; and either admission to the Dietetic Internship Track or admission to the Post Masters Dietetic Internship Certificate program.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer.

NTD 625. Nutrition Policy and Programs. 3 Credits.

Introduction to program and policy approaches for improving nutritional status of populations. Rationale for nutrition policy introduced. Topics include legislative advocacy and analysis of current nutrition programs at local, state and federal levels.
Pre / Co requisites: NTD 625 requires a prerequisite of NTD 515.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

NTD 630. Capstone Course. 3 Credits.

This culminating capstone course provides MS students with an opportunity to synthesize, integrate, and apply the knowledge they have acquired from core required and elective courses. This involves the development of a relevant research question and thorough review and critical evaluation of the literature. Students will write a peer-reviewed journal formatted paper and conduct a professional presentation.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring & Summer.

Sciences & Engineering Center and the Commons (SECC)
155 University Ave, 2nd Floor
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2125
Department of Nutrition
Dr. Karpinski, Chairperson
Dr. Sullivan, Graduate Coordinator

Program of Study

The M.S. in Community Nutrition is a research-focused program for those seeking an advanced degree in community nutrition. The M.S. promotes nutritional health and disease prevention in communities with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. The curriculum (33 credits) is offered in an online format and includes courses representing nutrition science, applied nutrition, and research techniques. The program culminates with a capstone paper.

Communication with the Department

All inquiries and other communications regarding the M.S. in Community Nutrition should be addressed to the graduate coordinator, Dr. Joanne Sullivan. Students also may call for information at 610-436-1038 or e-mail jsullivan2@wcupa.edu.

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

The Certificate in GIS is designed for students and professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in the application of geographic technologies. It is appropriate for professionals in a wide variety of fields, both public and private, who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the nature and use of geographic information and global positioning systems. It is also appropriate for people who wish to enter fields that use these technologies.

Code Title Credits
Required
GEO 534Geographic Information Systems3
GEO 584Applications of Geographic Information Systems3
GEO 577Geodatabases3
Elective Courses3
Select one of the following (or another course by advisement)
ENV 533
Water Quality and Health
ENV 570
Emergency Preparedness
GEO 507
Internet Applications of Geographic Information Systems
GEO 538
Environmental Modeling with Geographic Information Systems
GEO 556
Introduction to Business GIS
GEO 585
Geography Field Methods
GEO 615
Internship in Urban and Regional Planning
Topical application elective 1
Total Minimum Credits Required12
1

Chosen in consultation with the graduate coordinator to combine GIS application with the student's topical area of interest.

Certificate in Healthcare Ethics

The graduate Certificate in Healthcare Ethics, which requires no previous background in philosophy, offers training in moral reasoning within the medical setting for those with undergraduate degrees who meet The Graduate School’s and department’s entrance requirements. Students will develop skills in seeing, analyzing, and resolving problems in the healthcare field. The certificate, which can be completed in three semesters, consists of the following:

Code Title Credits
Required Courses
PHI 502History of Western Ethics3
PHI 570Bioethics3
Focused Electives
Select three of the following, with at least two different prefixes: 19
HEA 501
Integrative Health
HEA 512
Challenge of HIV/AIDS: ISS-IMP-PREV-CONT
HEA 514
Approaches to Health Care Delivery
HEA 537
Women's Health Issues A Transcultural Perspective
HEA 555
Women's Health Issues A Transcultural Perspective
PHI/WOS 405
Feminist Theory
PHI 522
Philosophy of Science
Total Credits Required15
1

  Selected with advisement.

 
 

Get Started on YourMaster's in Public Administration

You can be instrumental in leading change, ensuring equity, and preserving resources for generations to come. Are you ready to take the first step by earning your public administration master’s from WCU?

Apply Now

Programs Related to WCU's Master of Public Administration Program

West Chester University also offers each concentration of our public administration master’s program as stand-alone certificates:

  1. Public Administration (general)
  2. Nonprofit Administration
  3. Public Management

In addition, you can pair graduate certificates in other disciplines with your master’s in public administration:

Certificates increase your marketability and choice of jobs in public administration.

 

 

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