Department of Political Science

To advance the common good by preparing responsible public-servant leaders who work to improve the quality of public service locally, nationally and globally.

In partnership with community, public and nonprofit organizations, the University of Dayton M.P.A. Program serves the common good by preparing responsible public-servant leaders who value, understand, and apply the ethics, theories and skills of public administration.

• Training and educating students for careers as public-servant leaders of public and nonprofit organizations.
• Building mutually respectful and reciprocal partnerships with organizations in local, regional and state communities.
• Addressing issues of concern for the public and nonprofit sectors across all levels of government by engaging in applied and academic research activities.

The University of Dayton M.P.A. Program espouses the Catholic and Marianist traditions of our university. As such, the program expresses a commitment to similar values to the University as a whole. The foundation of the University of Dayton curriculum is seven institutional learning goals—called the Habits of Inquiry and Reflection: Scholarship, Faith Traditions, Diversity, Community, Practical Wisdom, Critical Evaluation of Our Times and Vocation.

Our M.P.A. Program — that prepares responsible public-servant leaders who serve the common good — similarly pursues dimensions of these learning goals that we call our public service values.

We Value:

• Public Service as a Vocation
• Inclusive and Representative Community Engagement and Participation
• The Development and Demonstration of Practical Wisdom in Addressing Human Needs and Problems
• Transparency and Accountability of Public Institutions

You can complete the program in as little as two years with full-time study or approximately three-to-four years with part-time study. Full-time study, in this context, is defined as three courses per semester with one additional course added along the way, such as in the summer term. Part-time study is one-to-two courses per semester in the fall, spring or summer.

Students should work with the program director to design a course of study that is appropriate for their professional and personal schedules.

Of the student cohort beginning in AY 2018-19 (N=12), 50% (6) completed the MPA degree within two years, 83% (10) completed the program within three years, and 83% (10) graduated within four years.

Our graduates find employment in the U.S. government (especially at Wright Patterson Air Force Base); State of Ohio government (as well as other states); city, county or other local governments; and nonprofits or NGOs (including social services and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and foundations). Some pursue further education including Ph.D. degrees in public administration or related fields. Employment by sector for 2022-23 (most recent) and 2018-23 (past five) cohorts is below:

2022-23 Graduates (most recent cohort)

• City, County or other local government: 3
• U.S. Government: 1
• Domestic Nonprofit: 3
• Private Sector (non-consulting): 1
• Unemployed/unknown: 0

TOTAL: 8

2018-23 Graduates

• City, County or other local government: 11 (22%)
• U.S. Government: 5 (10%)
• State Government: 6 (12%)
• Domestic Nonprofit: 25 (50%)
• Continuing education: 2 (4%)
• Private Sector (non-consulting): 1 (2%)
• Unemployed/Unknown: 0

TOTAL: 50

Some of the recent internships in which our students have participated include:

• Arthritis Foundation (Washington, D.C.)
• Boy Scouts of America, National Capital Area Council
• City of Beavercreek
• City of Cedarville, Mayor's Office
• City of Centerville, Planning and Zoning
• City of Kettering, City Manager's Office
• City of Mason, Economic Development
• Dayton Children's Hospital
• Dayton Corps, Montgomery County Homeless Solutions
• Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management
• National Association of College and University Residence Halls
• Ohio Department of Youth Services
• Ohio Mayors Alliance
• Ohio Office of Budget and Management
• Saint Louis County Planning Department
• United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
• United Way of the Greater Dayton Area
• U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)