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
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.
credits
core courses
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
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
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
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