Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPNA)
A completely online option is available. You can complete your master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration without ever setting foot on our campuses by taking online classes.Metro State University's Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (MPNA) program prepares you for the widest range of career opportunities in the public and nonprofit sectors. The state-of-the-art curriculum addresses the most critical challenges that public and nonprofit professionals face. The MPNA program will:deliver a broadly based professional degree that prepares you for the widest range of career opportunities in the public and nonprofit sectors;provide you with a practical education that equips you to solve the most pressing problems in new and creative ways;prepare you to provide ethical leadership within your organization and in the public arena;allow you to learn in an environment that is enriched by a highly diverse student body and outstanding practitioner-scholars;prepare you for work and careers that increasingly cross organizational and sector boundaries; andoffer you the choice to complete your degree completely on campus, completely online, or in a combination of online and on-campus courses.The MPNA degree offers maximum flexibility in designing your studies to match your interests in public administration, nonprofit management, or a mix of both. Students begin by studying program fundamentals, then select courses in the public or nonprofit focus areas, supported by a set of strategic skills courses, electives, and a capstone seminar that all students complete.Program Fundamentals: Fundamental concepts and skills that undergird the entire MPNA program.Strategic Skills and Knowledge: Core competencies for all public and nonprofit professionals.Focus Areas: Public Administration or Nonprofit Management track or a mix of the two tracks, plus electives in specific areas of practice.Capstone seminar: Final project and MPNA program integration.All MPNA students must complete 40 graduate credits.Program FacultyOur resident and community faculty in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management and Leadership are recognized experts in their respective fields and teaching areas. They have earned master’s or doctorate degrees in public administration, nonprofit management, public policy, business administration, and related fields.They have valuable leadership experience in the public sector, e.g., City Manager, County Administrator, Director of Community Planning and Development, Director of Finance and Policy Research, Chief Budget Officer, and Head Start Director.They have served as President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Administrator, Development and Communications Director, Associate Director, Board Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of nonprofit organizations, e.g., St. Croix Valley Foundation, House of Charity, Micah House, Ventura County Civic Alliance, Aspen Institute in Washington DC, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, A Place for You, Total Health Africa, and Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation.They have national and international consulting experience and are authors of applied and refereed publications.