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Flexible Program for Experienced Professionals

Executive Master of Public Administration Online

Online Student Experience


The online Executive MPA program offers a flexible platform for a seamless learning experience. Students benefit from live classes, a one-click dashboard and a variety of customizable features—such as dark mode and adjustable video speed. The overall online experience allows students to share unique perspectives and work together to solve public service issues that affect their own communities—all in real time.

Students also benefit from a variety of professional development resources, including one-on-one advising, career development and access to our Maxwell alumni community of over 30,000 public service professionals.

Admission Requirements


Applicants interested in the online Executive MPA program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or university. They must also have at least five years of work experience in a position with significant organizational responsibility. Common areas of experience include leading teams, financial management and strategic planning.

Admission Deadlines


Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students can begin taking classes in January, April, July or October.

The Maxwell School encourages all applicants to submit their application as soon as possible to join the next cohort.

30

credits

3

core courses

7

specialized courses

Online Executive MPA Curriculum

Students in the online Executive Master of Public Administration program learn the nuances of policy development and implementation; spearhead leadership initiatives in their organizations; and us evidence-based analysis to influence positive change.

Coursework and discussions examine challenges such as:

  • Integrating data analysis into management and policy making
  • Managing budgets within organizations and evaluating public expenditures
  • Upholding ethics and morality in sectors facing conflicting values
  • Leading teams and organizations collaboratively and engaging diverse stakeholders

Students learn to apply classroom learnings to real-world situations, and develop high-powered solutions to public service issues in their organizational roles. Upon graduation, students are fully ready to implement critical strategies and collaborate with other dedicated public servants in their field.

15

This program can be completed in as few as 15 months.

Core Courses

Executive MPA online courses focus on leadership, management and analytical skills.

Participant Campaign Plan Presentations and Program Summary


The participant campaign plan presentations and program summary will take place online from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.

On-Campus Immersion Sessions


On-campus immersion sessions will be held from 5 p.m., Wednesday, October 18 to 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20. Participants are highly encouraged to attend the program in person. Housing and meals will be provided by the program. However, participants should also feel free to choose to attend the program virtually. 

Weekly Online Sessions


Ten weekly online sessions will be held from 6  p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursdays from Sept. 14 to Nov. 30, except on Oct. 19 and Nov. 23. 

Courses in Specialized Subject Areas

Specialized subject area courses cover topics that are relevant to current public administration challenges, and as such, they are subject to change. Courses include:

Other elective course options may be available

Human Resources Management for the Public Sector

Data-Driven Government

Collaborative and Participatory Governance

Public Budgeting

Ethics and Morality in Public Affairs

Public Policy Process

Public Administration and Democracy

MBA, MPA and EMPA Online: What's the Difference?

Though an Executive MPA, and MPA and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) may offer their students and graduates similar benefits, the online Executive MPA program from Syracuse University gives experienced public service professionals robust skills to become well-rounded leaders in organizations across the nation. The Maxwell School prepares students to enhance their career, and pursue executive leadership positions in government, nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Students graduate from our Executive MPA program ready to:

  • Effectively manage employees and financial resources
  • Use analytical thinking to assess and implement policy
  • Make ethical decisions and resolve conflicts

Online Executive MPA Program from Syracuse University


Completion Time: About 15 months

Degree Earned: Master of Public Administration

Experience Level: Public service professionals with five-plus years of experience with progressively greater levels of responsibility

Skills Acquired: Public managerial leadership competencies, including managing human, financial and information resources; analyzing and evaluating social and political systems; and planning and coordinating executive actions 

MPA


Completion Time: About two years

Degree Earned: Master of Public Administration

Experience Level: Early to mid-career public servants (one to five years of experience)

Skills Acquired: Public managerial skills, including strategizing for public policy, sociology and law; writing grant requests and public policy documents; managing projects; and community development

MBA


Completion Time: About two years

Degree Earned: Master of Business Administration

Experience Level: Professionals in the private sector

Skills Acquired: Foundational business practices, such as analytical thinking; managing people, finances and projects; marketing; and business communications

Jonathan Leon

I am Maxwell.

The executive master’s in public administration at Maxwell has supported my professional and personal growth in the public sector. On top of growing and expanding my professional network, I have been promoted at my job, offered a seat on a nonprofit board, and accepted into three prestigious professional development opportunities.”

Jonathan Leon ’19 E.M.P.A. (ONLINE)

Senior Director, Georgia Regional Impact, Leadership for Educational Equity

Read more about Jonathan’s experience

Executive Master in Public Administration Careers

Graduates or our Executive MPA program occupy diverse EMPA careers in the following areas:

Nonprofit Sector


Meet the needs of diverse organizations. Oversee budgets, direct fundraising efforts to motivate teams.

EMPA graduates work in a variety of nonprofit areas, such as: 

  • Foundations and philanthropic organizations
  • Higher education institutions
  • Research institutions and think tanks
  • United Nations NGOs

Public Sector


Pursue leadership roles in the public sector and use your leadership skills to head government initiatives and analyze and implement effective policy. 

EMPA students can seek position across the public sector, including:

  • Federal government
  • Local and state organizations
  • Military organizations

Private Sector


Act as liaison between public and private organizations and ensure that their organization supports the public good.

EMPA students graduate from the program with a skill set geared toward the following areas:

  • Corporate social responsibility
  • International banks
  • Public finance
  • Public sector consulting
Public Administration and International Affairs Department
215 Eggers Hall