Master of Public Administration at Sacred Heart University

Why Earn Your Master of Public Administration at Sacred Heart?

You’ll become an innovative leader prepared to serve your community, now and in the future. Students have access to the SHU Policy Polling Center for conducting survey research on public policy issues, and you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in client-based projects with the non-profit community in Fairfield county via Sacred Heart’s own Center for Non-Profit Organizations.

First Responder Discount

Sacred Heart University offers a 50% tuition discount for first responders throughout the tri-state area who enroll in the program.

You’ll choose one of four concentrations:

Criminal Justice

With a focus on criminal justice, you’ll develop management skills necessary for a career in public service with government agencies, the justice system and federal, state and local law enforcement.

Emergency Management

When you focus on emergency management, you’ll increase your skills and capabilities in disaster management and preparedness at the federal, state, and local levels, and in private industry.

Non-profit Management

With a concentration in non-profit management, you’ll develop managerial skills such as financial administration, strategic planning, human resources, and fundraising to help nonprofits fulfill their core missions.

Self-Designed Concentration

If you have a specific career goal or set of interests, you can pursue a self-designed concentration tailored to your professional needs.

In this online program, you will complete your Master of Public Administration in as little as one year full time, or study at your own pace with our part time program.

In the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, you will also:

• Learn to strategically manage resources in public and non-profit organizations
• Develop an understanding of the public policy process and changing social demographics
• Harness information technology and apply analytical skills to make decisions informed by data
• Have the option to complete the program in one year (as a full-time student) or two years (as a part-time student)
• Apply ethical and legal principles to identify solutions and advance the common good
• Learn to foster transparency and accountability by communicating key public issues to diverse audiences
• Complete a capstone project where you will work with a client in a public service or non-profit agency to identify a problem and write a paper addressing the problem
• Have access to SHU’s Institute for Public Policy for conducting survey research on public policy issues
• Benefit from a cohort model that creates a strong student support system and future peer network
• Participate in projects with SHU’s Center for Nonprofit Organizations
• Complete your studies fully online.