Master of Public Administration (MPA) |
2026-2027 DRAFT GRADUATE STUDIES CATALOG
Effective 1 June 2026 through 31 May 2027
Please see the Graduate Catalog Archives for PDF versions of past catalogs.
This program is offered by the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology. It is available online via both asynchronous and synchronous (Live Virtual) modalities but it is not available at the St. Louis main campus.
Program Description
The master of public administration (MPA) is designed to provide an inter-sectoral developmental framework for those interested in leadership and management in the public service. The program examines the public and non-profit sectors of society in relation to the private sector, with an analysis of management techniques and the leadership experience used in application to public policy decision-making globally. The curriculum seeks to examine in depth the nature of public servants, the tools at their disposal, and various roles in public service organizations.
The MPA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
(ACBSP).
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate the foundations of public administration globally.
- Compare the public sector to the nonprofit and private sectors.
- Integrate leadership and management practices to public service.
- Analyze ethical and legal underpinnings of public governance.
- Assess transparency and accountability of public entities.
- Debate sustainable, inclusive and civically engaged global societies.
Curriculum
The 36 credit hours required for the master of public administration (MPA) must include the following courses:
- BUSN 5000 Business* (3 hours)
- NPLR 5000 Nonprofit Organizations (3 hours)
- PADM 5000 Public Administration (3 hours)
- PADM 5800 Public Management and Leadership (3 hours)
- PADM 5820 Public Research Design and Analysis (3 hours)
- PADM 5830 Public Law and Ethics (3 hours)
- PADM 5840 Public Budget and Finance (3 hours)
- PADM 5850 Public Data Design and Analysis (3 hours)
- PADM 5870 Public Human Resource Management (3 hours)
- PADM 5890 Public Policy (3 hours)
- PADM 6000 Integrated Studies in Public Administration (3 hours)
or PADM 9950 Travel in Public Administration (3 hours)
Electives (3-6 hours)
*Students with a previous ACBSP (or equivalent) accredited degree or students who pass a waiver may substitute an elective for BUSN 5000.
It is recommended that "Pre-Service" students with less than one year of post-baccalaureate work experience enroll in PADM 6500 Public Service Internship (3 hours). Pre-Service or In-Service students may utilize PADM 6500 as an MPA elective after completing at least 12 credit hours and holding a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Admission
See the Admission section of this catalog for general admission requirements. Students interested in applying must submit their application online at www.webster.edu/apply. Transcripts should be sent from your institution electronically to transcripts@webster.edu. If this service is not available, send transcripts to:
Office of Admission
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
Advancement to Candidacy
Students are admitted to their graduate program upon completion of all admission requirements. Students are advanced to candidacy status after successfully completing 12 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. In specialized programs, courses required as prerequisites to the program do not count toward the 12 credit hours required for advancement.
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