College of Arts and Sciences
With personalized attention from a dynamic faculty, the Master of Public Administration prepares you for career advancement and leadership. Students acquire in-depth knowledge and skills about how to address real world issues in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Our M.P.A. program is versatile degree with a social justice component, focusing on developing managerial and analytical skills alongside ethical and professional values. Designed for those seeking a public administration career, the program offers flexibility with part-time options and incorporates a capstone internship to enhance practical experience.
With four concentration options, the program is accredited by the NASPAA with our nonprofit management concentration ranked 24th in the nation. Course schedules are convenient for working students, and the program is offered year-round on our main South Orange, New Jersey campus, located 14-miles from Manhattan and New York City. Plus, there are several dual-degree options to pair with the M.P.A. for those looking to get ahead, early on.
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Accreditation & Awards
Matthew Hale, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
"We take the theories of political science, public administration and economics and give them a practical focus."
Matthew Hale, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants are required to complete our online graduate application and submit the following materials:
- Admissions Requirements
Required application fee ($75, waivers available) - Personal statement (750-1000 words)
- Resume
- Official academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Applications for the M.P.A. program are accepted on rolling basis. Students can start in the fall, spring or summer semesters.
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Deadlines
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Scholarship Priority
April 30
International Students Welcome!
Seton Hall welcomes applications from international students for admission into full-time graduate degree programs.
Curriculum Overview
With a core based on ethical and professional values, the M.P.A. degree consists of 39 credits, starting with courses focused on managerial and analytical skills (18 credits). Then, students select a concentration area based on their career interests (12 credits) coupled with additional electives (6 credits) and a capstone project (3 credits).
Our M.P.A. start with foundational courses in public service management, research and statistical analysis, financial management and managerial decision-making. Then, students select one of four concentration areas:
- Health Policy and Management
- Nonprofit Organization Management
- Public Service: Leadership, Governance and Policy
- Data Visualization and Analytics
In each course, you’ll find small class sizes and a close-knit graduate student community. Our faculty are leaders who practice what they teach, including the current and previous presidents of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC) and the former president of ARNOVA, a leading national authority on nonprofit management education research. And, they offer internationally recognized research and teaching programs and bring their diverse skills and experiences to every classroom.
Concentrations:
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24
National Ranking among Nonprofit Management Programs (U.S. News & World Report)
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9
Average Class Size
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4
Degree Concentration Options
Experiential Learning
The Center for Community Research and Engagement provides hands-on experience with service-learning and community-based research opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Earning a Master in Public Administration at Seton Hall University sets the stage for a dynamic career in public service. With a deep understanding of governance and management, our MPA graduates are equipped to lead in diverse sectors.
The versatility of an MPA degree allows graduates to pivot across many sectors, driving positive change in diverse contexts.
Graduates can excel as city managers, policy analysts, or program directors, shaping public policy and service delivery in fields such as healthcare, environmental policy, urban development, community service and more. Aspiring entrepreneurs can use their knowledge to establish impactful nonprofits, or those interested in international development can play vital roles in international development and diplomacy, fostering collaboration across borders.
No matter the public service setting you are interested in, our faculty are dedicated to helping each student find the career that fits him or her best. We pride ourselves on bringing academic theory into practice.
$77,000
Average base salary for MPA holders in the U.S. (Payscale)
51%
Percent of public policy and social services workers hold an advanced degree (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
7%
Increase in jobs in public administration from 2021-31 (Economic Modeling Specialists International)
Our alumni work at the best businesses around the world.
"With a bachelor's degree in political science, I learned how to fix problems in the world and come up with solutions, with no knowledge of how to implement them. The M.P.A. was the perfect bridge to connect theory with pragmatic implementation."
Joseph Riccardelli
Student
Our Faculty and Students
Nonprofit Management Program Ranked Top 15 Percent in the U.S.
U.S. News & World Report again ranked our Nonprofit Management Program among the best in the nation. Coming in at #24, Seton Hall’s program placed in the Top 15 percent in the nation.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy Speaks to Political Science Class
Meeting the Moment: Event Highlights BIPOC Life Stories and Inspiration
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
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Each academic year, the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs also awards endowed scholarships open only to students specifically in our M.P.A. program.
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50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pre-requisites for the M.P.A. program?
How long does it take to complete the program?
Where can I access additional FAQ's?
Additional Resources
Dual Degree
M.P.A. / M.A. Diplomacy and International Relations
International Graduate Applicants
Request More Information
Graduate admissions
[emailprotected]
(973) 761-9262
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About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, NJ. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, NJ, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
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14
Miles from New York City
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95%
Of The Class Of 2022 Recieved Full-Time Offers Within Three Months Of Graduation
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