Master of Public Administration MPA (Online)

Online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

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The Carsey School’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) online program will prepare you for strategic roles in a broad range of public and nonprofit institutions. Join your online cohort in the fall or spring and complete your degree in as little as 12 months. Widely recognized and sought after, the MPA will give you the edge you need in today's competitive public service sector.

Application Deadlines: December 15 (Spring term) & July 15 (Fall term)   |   View the UNH Online 2022-23 Academic Calendar

Executive MPA

The Executive MPA welcomes midcareer professionals with at least 5 years of relevant experience seeking opportunities to hone their leadership skills and advance their careers without leaving their current situation. Those who meet this criteria can reduce their credit load by 6 credits, or 2 elective courses, earning their degree in just 12 months while saving money on tuition.

  • Modality: 100% Online
  • Number of Courses & Credit Hours:
    10 courses/30 credits
  • Program Length: 12 Months
  • No GRE Required

MPA

Study with public service professionals and professors who bring strong analysis and best practices to your learning. You’ll also grow your professional network of public service professionals throughout the program and after graduation. All courses are delivered 100% online during 8-week eterms with two cohort starts per year (fall and spring).

  • Modality: 100% Online
  • Number of Courses & Credit Hours:
    12 courses/36 credits
  • Program Length: 12-16 Months
  • No GRE Required
     

 

WHY GET A MASTER’S DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION?

Our online Public Administration master’s degree (MPA) will provide you with a practical skill set and the theoretical foundation needed to be a successful, publicly minded professional. The encompassing MPA curriculum includes courses that bring together concepts from public policy, management, politics and law, providing you with a well-rounded understanding of what it means to run an organization in the public and nonprofit sectors. Public administration is where we see public policy affecting citizens on a personal level, and where public officials fulfill the promise of democracy.

WHY CHOOSE UNH’S ONLINE MPA GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM?

Ideal for working professionals and new graduates, our online MPA program will enable you to achieve your full potential, effect change within your organization, and prepare for the next step in your career. You’ll engage in hands-on opportunities during which you’ll apply knowledge and skills developed in the program to real issues within your community. Classes are offered 100 percent online. Professionals with 5 or more years of relevant work experience can complete the online Executive MPA option in one year. Grow your network of public service professionals throughout the program and after graduation. No GRE is required for this online degree program.

POTENTIAL CAREERS

  • Administrative director
  • City manager
  • County manager
  • Development and fundraising officer
  • Government administrator
  • Human resources coordinator
  • Law enforcement professional
  • Nonprofit coordinator
  • Public affairs coordinator
  • Research analyst

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Application Requirements & Deadlines

Curriculum & Requirements

The Online Master of Public Administration program (MPA) offers you the opportunity to learn the skills you need in all aspects of public and nonprofit management including leadership, program evaluation, budgeting, planning, personnel management, collective bargaining, and policy analysis. Professionals with five or more years of relevant work experience can enroll in the 12-month Executive MPA program with reduced degree requirements and lower tuition cost.

Our MPA graduates are prepared to engage with their communities, ensure accountability, and have the administrative skills to achieve their organization's mission in an effective and sustainable manner.

  • The MPA program is fully online and ideal for working professionals
  • Study with public service professionals and professors who bring strong analysis and best practices to your learning
  • Start in the fall or spring and graduate in as little as 12 months (Executive MPA) or 16 months (MPA)
  • UNH Undergraduates can earn their MPA degree in as little as 12 months when enrolled in the UNH Accelerated Master's program for the MPA degree (not applicable for the Executive MPA program)
  • No GRE is required

Program Delivery & Location:  Core academic courses for the MPA program are offered entirely online with choices for taking optional elective courses in person on the UNH campuses.

Accelerated Master's Progam Eligible: Yes-MPA Only (not applicable for the Executive MPA program)

FALL START (Typical)

EXECUTIVE MPA SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN (30 Credits)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
E-Term 1
PA 800 Foundations and Theories of Public Administration 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 2
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
Spring
E-Term 3
PA 809 Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 4
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
Summer
E-Term 5
PA 805 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 3
PA 908A Capstone in Public Administration 2 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits30

Notes:

1

A range of MPA Advanced Core and Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. Advanced Core courses can also be taken as Elective courses.

2

The Capstone for Public Administration course is the culminating experience in the MPA program. Students will be tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset, drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students will also be presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and presenting recommended solutions. The paper will entail drawing from the tools catalogued in the ePortfolio and performing additional research.

MPA Sample Degree Plan (36 Credits)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
E-Term 1
PA 800 Foundations and Theories of Public Administration 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 2
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
Spring
E-Term 3
PA 809 Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 4
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
Summer
E-Term 5
PA 805 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits6
Second Year
Fall
E-Term 1
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 2
PA 908A Capstone in Public Administration 2 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits36

Notes:

1

A range of MPA Advanced Core and Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. Advanced Core courses can also be taken as Elective courses.

2

The Capstone for Public Administration course is the culminating experience in the MPA program. Students will be tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset, drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students will also be presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and presenting recommended solutions. The paper will entail drawing from the tools catalogued in the ePortfolio and performing additional research.

MPA Accelerated masters SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN (36 CREDITS)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
E-Term 1
PA 800
or PA 700
 Foundations and Theories of Public Administration 1
or Foundations and Theories of Public Administration
 3
E-Term 2
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1,2 3
 Credits6
Spring
E-Term 3
PA 809
or PA 709
 Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors 1
or Organization and Management in Public and Nonprofit Sectors
 3
E-Term 4
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1,2 3
 Credits6
Summer
E-Term 5
PA 805 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
 Credits6
Second Year
Spring
E-Term 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
E-Term 4
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
 Credits12
Summer
E-Term 5
PA 908A Capstone in Public Administration 3 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits36

Notes:

1

Undergraduates enrolled as Accelerated Master's students will enroll in both the 700-level course (for credit in their undergraduate program) and the 800-level course (for graduate credit in the Master of Public Administration program).

2

A range of MPA Advanced Core and Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. Advanced Core courses can also be taken as Elective courses.

3

The Capstone for Public Administration course is the culminating experience in the MPA program. Students will be tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset, drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students will also be presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and presenting recommended solutions. The paper will entail drawing from the tools catalogued in the ePortfolio and performing additional research.

SPRING START

EXECUTIVE MPA SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN (30 credits)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
E-Term 3
PA 809 Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 4
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
Summer
E-Term 5
PA 805 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits6
Fall
E-Term 1
PA 800 Foundations and Theories of Public Administration 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 2
PA 908A Capstone in Public Administration 2 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits30

Notes:

1

A range of MPA Advanced Core and Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. Advanced Core courses can also be taken as Elective courses.

2

The Capstone for Public Administration course is the culminating experience in the MPA program. Students will be tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset, drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students will also be presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and presenting recommended solutions. The paper will entail drawing from the tools catalogued in the ePortfolio and performing additional research.

MPA Sample Degree Plan (36 Credits)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
E-Term 3
PA 809 Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 4
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
Summer
E-Term 5
PA 805 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits6
Fall
E-Term 1
PA 800 Foundations and Theories of Public Administration 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 2
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
 Credits12
Second Year
Spring
E-Term 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1 3
E-Term 4
PA 908A Capstone in Public Administration 2 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits36

Notes:

1

A range of MPA Advanced Core and Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. Advanced Core courses can also be taken as Elective courses.

2

The Capstone for Public Administration course is the culminating experience in the MPA program. Students will be tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset, drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students will also be presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and presenting recommended solutions. The paper will entail drawing from the tools catalogued in the ePortfolio and performing additional research.

MPA Accelerated Master's SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN (36 CREDITS)

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
SpringCredits
E-Term 3
PA 809
or PA 709
 Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors 1
or Organization and Management in Public and Nonprofit Sectors
 3
E-Term 4
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 1,2 3
 Credits6
Summer
E-Term 5
PA 805 Introduction to Statistical Analysis 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
 Credits6
Fall
E-Term 1
PA 800 Foundations and Theories of Public Administration 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
E-Term 2
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
 Credits12
Second Year
Fall
E-Term 1
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
E-Term 2
PA 908A Capstone in Public Administration 3 3
MPA Advanced Core or Elective Course 2 3
 Credits12
 Total Credits36

Notes:

1

Undergraduates enrolled as Accelerated Master's students will enroll in both the 700-level course (for credit in their undergraduate program) and the 800-level course (for graduate credit in the Master of Public Administration program).

2

A range of MPA Advanced Core and Elective courses are offered each term and vary each year. Advanced Core courses can also be taken as Elective courses.

3

The Capstone for Public Administration course is the culminating experience in the MPA program. Students will be tasked with reflecting upon the professional applicability of their MPA skillset, drawing from the ePortfolio that they built throughout the program. Students will also be presented with a real-world problem in public administration and asked to write a paper exploring the problem and presenting recommended solutions. The paper will entail drawing from the tools catalogued in the ePortfolio and performing additional research.

MPA Requirements

Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Master of Public Administration program (MPA degree) are required to complete a thirty-six (36) credit program, consisting of:

  • Four (4) BASIC Core Curriculum Courses
  • Three (3) ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses
  • Five (5) ELECTIVE Courses

These provide students with a strong foundation in theory and the applied skills necessary to foster democratic involvement, accountability and administrative competency in the provision and delivery of public services in towns, cities, state agencies, and a wide range of nonprofit and non-governmental organizations. Further opportunities for depth and specialization are provided through a broad range of elective courses which vary by semester. As a culminating graduate experience, students engage in a capstone project within their community, enabling students to directly apply what they've lerned throughout their MPA program.

MPA BASIC Core Curriculum Courses (4 Courses):
PA 800Foundations and Theories of Public Administration3
PA 805Introduction to Statistical Analysis3
PA 809Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors3
PA 908ACapstone in Public Administration3
MPA ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses: Choose Three (3)9
PA 802
Grant-writing for Public and Non-profit Sectors
PA #803
Performance Management in Public and Non-Profit Organizations
PA 804
Policy and Program Evaluation
PA 808
Administrative Law
PA 812
Leadership Theory and Practice
PA 813
Human Resource Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors
PA 814
Financial Management and Budgeting in the Public Sector
PA #815
Art of Negotiation
PA 816
Public Management Techniques
PA #817
Legal and Policy-Making Environment on Public and Non-Profit Sectors
PA 818
Non-Profit Management
MPA ELECTIVE Courses: Choose Five (5) 3-Credit Public Administration (PA) 800/900-level Elective Courses 115
Total Credits36

For more details on the MPA program, visit the MPA website.

NOTES:

1

ADVANCED Core courses may be taken as ELECTIVE Courses. Students may also propose additional elective courses if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with your MPA Graduate Academic Advisor should inform this choice.

Executive MPA Requirements

Students enrolled in the Carsey School's Executive Master of Public Administration program are required to complete a thirty (30) credit program, consisting of:

  • Four (4) BASIC Core Curriculum Courses
  • Three (3) ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses
  • Three (3) ELECTIVE Courses
MPA BASIC Core Curriculum Courses (4 Courses):
PA 800Foundations and Theories of Public Administration3
PA 805Introduction to Statistical Analysis3
PA 809Organization and Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors3
PA 908ACapstone in Public Administration3
MPA ADVANCED Core Curriculum Courses: Choose Three (3)9
PA 802
Grant-writing for Public and Non-profit Sectors
PA #803
Performance Management in Public and Non-Profit Organizations
PA 804
Policy and Program Evaluation
PA 808
Administrative Law
PA 812
Leadership Theory and Practice
PA 813
Human Resource Management in Public and Non-profit Sectors
PA 814
Financial Management and Budgeting in the Public Sector
PA #815
Art of Negotiation
PA 816
Public Management Techniques
PA #817
Legal and Policy-Making Environment on Public and Non-Profit Sectors
PA 818
Non-Profit Management
MPA ELECTIVE Courses: Choose Three (3) 3-Credit Public Administration (PA) 800/900-level Elective Courses 19
Total Credits30

 For more details on the MPA program, visit the MPA website.

NOTES:

1

ADVANCED Core courses may be taken as ELECTIVE Courses. Students may also propose additional elective courses if they make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan.  Discussion with your MPA Graduate Academic Advisor should inform this choice.

  • Develop in-depth understanding of the structure of public sector organizations and common issues faced by public and nonprofit managers
  • Communicate effectively with public managers, policymakers, and the general public
  • Manage organizations, processes, and people in the public and nonprofit sectors
  • Apply critical thinking skills to address public issues and solve problems
  • Collect and analyze data to inform public decision-making

Note:

The Public Administration M.P.A program will be converting to an online only version effective Fall 2021. If you have questions about this change please contact the department directly.

Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

  • Fall:  July 15 (preferred July 1)
  • Spring: December 15 (preferred December 1)
  • Summer: N/A
  • Special: N/A

Application fee: $65

Campus: Online

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters: Yes (for more details see the accelerated masters information page)

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

  • Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
  • Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Letters of recommendation: 3 required

Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding: 1) reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives, and 2) your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field. In addition, applicants seeking a graduate assistantship or tuition assistance also must note this request in their personal statement.

Statements must be included with your submitted application.

Resume

Resume is optional but recommended.

Additional Department Requirements

If you are requesting a graduate assistantship or tuition assistance from the department then they require that you also submit GRE test scores. Please send a photo-copy of your test scores directly to the department (they do not require an official copy). For further details please contact the department.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Due to program requirements and restrictions, the MPA Program is unable to admit international students who require F-1 visa sponsorship. The program will gladly accept applications for applicants who are working in the United States full-time on a different visa type and do not require F-1 visa support. 

Prospective international students are strongly encouraged to contact Carsey Admissions prior to starting their application. All international applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. Please note that English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

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MPA Capstone Projects

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Student-to-Faculty Ratio
 

600+ Alumni

and growing
 
Application Deadlines
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Visit Our Application Checklist webpage
 
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Funding Your Education

Explore Program Details

The New Online MPA and Executive MPA Degrees from Carsey

Dan Bromberg, Director of Academic Programs at the Carsey School, and Robin Husslage, Program Coordinator, discuss the new entirely online Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive MPA program available Fall 2021.

Application

» When can I start the Online Master of Public Administration program and what are the application deadlines?

Applicants can apply to start in the fall or spring terms, by the following deadlines:

» Fall Term Start:     July 1st (preferred); July 15th (final)
» Spring Term Start:     December 1th(preferred); December 15th (final)

Please contact Sanjeev Sharma, Carsey's Admissions Specialist, with any admissions questions. Submit your questions

» How do I apply to the Masters in Public Administration program?

All applications are submitted online through the University of New Hampshire Graduate School. Instructions, link to the online application, and list of required documents can be found on the Graduate School’s Application site. If you are unable to apply online, contact Sanjeev.Sharma@unh.edu. Apply Now!

» What is the difference between 30-Credit Executive MPA and the 36-Credit MPA?

Applicants with 5+ years of relevant professional experience in government, nonprofits, political science, or public administration should apply to the Executive MPA which reduces the standard (36-credit) MPA degree requirements by two elective courses (6 credits). Applicants without relevant work experience or students just completing their undergraduate degrees should apply to the standard 36-Credit MPA program.

» Can I get an MPA on a part-time basis? 

Our Online MPA program is designed so the full-time working professional can take classes on a part-time basis. Classes are conducted online and typically consist of an asynchronous curriculum combined with a small number of synchronous sessions over the term which, if offered, are held in the early evenings. Elective courses are also offered online in the same manner with the option to take alternative elective courses in person on the Durham or Manchester campuses. View Electives

» Is the GRE required?

The GRE is not required but can be submitted, if desired.

» Can I take a "test drive" before applying?

Yes. If you are unsure whether the Online MPA program is a good fit, you are welcome to sit in on a class or take an MPA course prior to matriculating into the program. Contact the Team

A Degree that Works for You

Matt Wilhelm '16G was considering ways he might be able to take the next step in his career. With a young family and a full-time job, pursuing a graduate degree posed a time management dilemma. Fortunately, the Carsey School of Public Policy’s Master of Public Administration is tailored for working professionals.

Financial Aid

» Does this program offer any Scholarships? 

The Carsey School of Public Policy offers a limited number of needs-based partial tuition scholarships to students who have submitted their online application and been accepted into the program. In order to be considered for a Carsey School Scholarship, please complete and submit your Online Scholarship Application Form. Applicants will be notified if they qualify for an award within two to three weeks after submitting a completed application. We also encourage students who are awarded a scholarship to leverage their award by seeking additional funding opportunities from other sources. Submit a Scholarship Application

» What happens to my Carsey Scholarship award if I need to defer? 

Carsey Scholarships based on financial need are considered and awarded to individuals for the program year of application. If an admitted student who has been awarded a Carsey Scholarship needs to defer their start date due to financial reasons, their scholarship application will also be deferred and given priority reconsideration for the new program start date.

» What alternative funding opportunities are available? 

We strongly encourage you to look into other outside scholarship opportunities. Domestic students are eligible for both private and federal loans. More detailed information can be found on the UNH Grad School’s Financial Aid webpage or at Tuition Management System.

Other

» What is the MPA Capstone Project? 

The Capstone project is the culmination of the student’s graduate work, applying academic insight to practical experience. It is designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the program to real-world situations. Students are paired with an organization in their field of interest and work with community partners to complete a substantial project with the goal of adding value to both the student and the partner organization.​ View Past MPA Capstones

» What kind of professional positions could I pursue with an MPA?

Managerial positions in areas such as the government (federal, state, and local); non-profit and non-governmental organizations; research institutes; foundations; and professional and trade associations; etc. Meet Some MPA Alumni!

Education Awards

The Carsey School is proud to partner with public service organizations nationwide, enabling students to build upon their valued experiences by furthering their public service education and expanding their impact. These graduate school partners offer funding to employees, members, and alumni of their own credentialing programs. Education awards are also available for specific groups. Learn more

Carsey Education Awards

Inclusiv logo
The Inclusiv Education Award
$5,000 Available to Employees & Board Members of Inclusiv & Inclusiv Members
Eligible employees and board members of Inclusiv and Inclusiv members can receive a $5,000 Education Award to pursue a master’s degree from Carsey. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
Read More
The Washington Center logo on the Carsey School Education Partnerships webpage
The Washington Center Education Award
$5,000 Available to Graduates of The Washington Center
University of New Hampshire students who have successfully completed The Washington Center (TWC) program are eligible to receive a $5,000 education award towards their degree at Carsey (applicable to the MPA, MPP or MCD). TWC graduates in the MPP program can waive the internship requirement.
Read More
A logo that says First Responders First to the Fight with the symbols for police, fire, and emergency responders
The First Responders Education Award
$5,000 Available to Active First Responders
Active first responder personnel, including sworn police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians, qualify for this $5,000 education award towards their degree at Carsey. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
Read More
Semester in the City program
The Semester in the City Education Award
$5,000 Available to Graduates of the CFSI Semester in the City
Students who have successfully completed the Semester in the City program through the College For Social Innovation are eligible to receive a $5,000 education award towards their degree at Carsey. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
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City Year spotlight logo
The City Year Education Award
$7,000 available to City members and alumni
City Year corps members and alumni are eligible to receive up to $7,000 in tuition through Carsey's City Year Alumni University Partnership program. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
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The Segal AmeriCorps Match Award
Up to 50% tuition match for AmeriCorps Alum
AmeriCorps Alumni are eligible to receive one full-time Segal AmeriCorps Education Award match – which when combined with the Segal Award can amount up to 50% in tuition to the Carsey School. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
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Coverdell Fellows Award
$8,000 available for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who enroll via the Coverdell Fellows program are eligible to receive an $8,000 education award. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
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City of Concord spotlight logo
City of Concord Education Award
Up to $5,000 Available to City of Concord Employees
City of Concord employees may be eligible for up to $5,000 in education awards in a matching scholarship available between the Carsey School and the City of Concord. Apply towards the MPA, MPP, or MCD degrees.
Read More

MPA Elective Courses at the Carsey School of Public Policy

Dan Bromberg, Director of Academic Programs at the Carsey School, discusses taking elective courses for the Carsey School’s Master in Public Policy program.

Electives are available in many substantive areas. Topics and courses are added on a continuing basis. In addition, independent studies with leading experts can be arranged to match specialized student interests.

Students may propose additional electives if those electives make sense in terms of the student’s interests and academic plan. Discussion with an academic advisor should inform this choice.

Elective Courses are offered in many Substantive Areas, including:

  • Administrative Law
  • Art of Negotiation
  • Courts and Public Policy
  • Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
  • Financial Management and Budgeting in Public and Non-Profit Sectors
  • Grant-writing for Public and Non-Profit Sectors
  • Human Resource Management in Public and Non-Profit Sectors
  • International Environmental Politics, Policy, and Law
  • International Organization
  • Leadership Theory and Practice­­
  • Legal and Policy-Making Environment on Public and Non-Profit Sectors
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Performance Management in Public and Non-Profit Organizations
  • Policy and Program Evaluation
  • Public Management Techniques
  • Public Opinion and Survey Research
  • Security Intelligence Study
  • State and Local Government

Departments throughout UNH offer Elective Courses, including:

  • Analytics
  • Business Administration
  • Education
  • Health Policy and Management
  • History
  • Human Development and Family Studies
  • Natural Resources
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • UNH School of Law
Application Fee is Waived for UNH Undergraduate Students Applying for Accelerated Master's Admission!

For current University of New Hampshire undergraduates, there is an exciting opportunity to accelerate the MPA program. Students can take up to 4 courses during their senior year and double count these credits for both undergraduate and graduate education. Students will then follow the standard 36-Credit MPA curriculum beginning the semester following completion of their undergraduate degrees. This enables students to complete their MPA degree with just one additional year of studies. For details, visit the our Accelerated Master’s Programs webpage.

Visit Our Accelerated Master's Degree Webpage

The Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs at the Carsey School

Carsey School Director of Academic Programs Dan Bromberg is joined by Candice Morey of the UNH Graduate School to discuss the Carsey School of Public Policy’s Accelerated Master’s degrees in Public Policy and Public Administration. Discover what makes these Accelerated programs truly unique and learn the many advantages of pursuing a master’s degree while a junior or senior at the University of New Hampshire.

MPA Faculty

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Meet Our Students

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    Desire To Help
    with MPA student Elizabeth Spaeth
    "Pursuing a graduate degree in public administration will help me in my shift from a clinical side and approach public service from a different perspective in a way I feel better suits my career current objectives and interests."       ~(MPA) Student Elizabeth Spaeth — Newton, NH
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    Desire To Help
    with MPA student Elizabeth Spaeth
    "Pursuing a graduate degree in public administration will help me in my shift from a clinical side and approach public service from a different perspective in a way I feel better suits my career current objectives and interests."       ~(MPA) Student Elizabeth Spaeth — Newton, NH
    Learn More
  • roll headshot
    Positive Influence
    with MPA student Cyndi Roll
    "My ability to identify goals for myself and achieve them will serve me well in my endeavor to utilize an MPA to make an impact in any organization I may work for."       ~(MPA) Student Cyndi Roll — Farmington, NH
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    Positive Influence
    with MPA student Cyndi Roll
    "My ability to identify goals for myself and achieve them will serve me well in my endeavor to utilize an MPA to make an impact in any organization I may work for."       ~(MPA) Student Cyndi Roll — Farmington, NH
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  • faithe headshot
    Networking Connections
    with MPA student Faithe Miller Lakowicz
    "I'm interested in supporting healthy communities through public service and nonprofit leadership."       ~(MPA) Student Faithe Miller Lakowicz — Concord, NH
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    Networking Connections
    with MPA student Faithe Miller Lakowicz
    "I'm interested in supporting healthy communities through public service and nonprofit leadership."       ~(MPA) Student Faithe Miller Lakowicz — Concord, NH
    Learn More
  • hacker headshot
    Initiative
    with MPA student Kyle Hacker
    "I envision myself as being a lifelone public servant to the state of New Hampshire and an MPA degree will supplement my work ethic, knowledge, and technical skills so that I can lead the organization into the future while upholding the mission statement."       ~(MPA) Student Kyle Hacker — NH
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    Initiative
    with MPA student Kyle Hacker
    "I envision myself as being a lifelone public servant to the state of New Hampshire and an MPA degree will supplement my work ethic, knowledge, and technical skills so that I can lead the organization into the future while upholding the mission statement."       ~(MPA) Student Kyle Hacker — NH
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  • devine headshot
    Leadership, Perseverance, and Strength
    with MPA student Joe Devine
    "I want to take the skills and knowledge back to the community I work for to help it become successful."       ~(MPA) Student Joe Devine — Rochester, NH
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    Leadership, Perseverance, and Strength
    with MPA student Joe Devine
    "I want to take the skills and knowledge back to the community I work for to help it become successful."       ~(MPA) Student Joe Devine — Rochester, NH
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View All Students, MPA Program Spotlights

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