Master of Public Administration

A tradition of excellence.

Expand your knowledge base.
Increase your marketability.
Broaden your network.

The KU Public Management Center’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program represents a unique teaming of faculty/staff from KU's main campus and PMC faculty/staff to offer a curriculum that is both practical and ground in theory.

Beverly Vogel MPA Admissions and Support Most PMC MPA students are full-time, mid-career government or non-profit employees. They tend to be experienced, busy, highly-motivated and accomplished people. While some may graduate sooner, it generally takes four to five years to earn the MPA degree while working full time and meeting other obligations.

Why Choose the KU MPA Program?

The KU Public Management Program consistently ranks among the nation's top 10 graduate level public programs in the areas of city management and urban policy, public management, and public affairs. U.S. News and World Report

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Overview

In 1974, Kansas University established the Public Management Center (PMC) in Topeka and began offering a Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree tailored to fit the needs and interests of the workforce and citizens of our State Capitol.

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PMC's MPA graduates have found these benefits:

• An increased knowledge base, marketability and earning power.
• Our illustrious list of alumni demonstrates both the value of the KUPMC MPA degree and the quality of students enrolled in the program. KUPMC MPA graduates include Governor Kathleen Sebelius; KCC Chairman Brian Moline; CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority Michael Johnston; former Attorney General Carla Stovall; and many other notable leaders in public service.
• KUPMC values the experience, motivation and demonstrated success in the workplace our career-oriented students bring. We work hard to serve the needs of our working scholars.
• The opportunity to build networks with faculty, staff, other students and the organizations they represent is consistently cited as a major strength of the KUPMC MPA Program.
• KUPMC's location, two blocks west of the Capitol on 10th Street, is convenient for most students; has ample free parking adjacent to the building; maintains its own bookstore operation; and has three classrooms, a library and other meeting spaces.

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Study Options

Career Option

By far the most common choice for KUPMC students, KUPMC tailors its career option to students working in the fields of their choice, have some public administration experience, and believe their degree will enhance their careers. Career option students bring considerable experience into the classroom from state offices, police and fire departments, health and human services departments, budget offices, and nonprofit agencies. Course work entails:

• 25 required credits
• 12 credits of elective course work, or six credits of elective course work and six credits of field project report.

Internship Option

The Internship Option is a full-time program for students who have little or no public administration experience and plan to become city or county administrators. Course work entails:

• 25 required credits
• 6 elective credits
• 6 professional development credits earned during a year of internship

Students begin the option by taking two summer courses, four fall courses, and four spring courses. Students complete course work during one calendar year. In the second year, the student works full-time in a salaried position in state or local government.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

The GRE (or other examination) is frequently waived for applicants who have either completed another graduate degree, or have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and five years of work experience with increasing responsibilities. Those students who do not meet these qualifications may be required to take the GRE.

In either case, early contact should be made with Bev Vogel to ensure proper handling of the GRE and other admission details.

When are Topeka MPA courses offered?

The Topeka MPA Program is designed to accommodate those who work full-time. Classes are offered in the evening, usually beginning at 4:30 pm or 5:00 pm.

Can I obtain an MPA degree by attending classes only in Topeka?

Efforts are made to ensure that a student could graduate in 3 years by taking classes only in Topeka. However, students are welcome to take classes at all three campuses: the PMC in Topeka, the main KU campus in Lawrence, and the Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

How long will it take to obtain my degree?

The average time for career option students is three years. The graduate school allows seven years for degree completion.

Is financial aid available?

For information on financial aid, contact the KU Office of Student Financial Aid: e-mail osfa@ku.edu or call 785-286-4700.

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More Information

Contact: Beverly Vogel
KU Public Management Center
715 SW 10th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 296-2353
bvogel@ku.edu

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