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Political Science

About the Master of Public Administration

The University of Dayton Master of Public Administration Program, offered since 1967, prepares responsible public-servant leaders who advance the common good by working to improve the quality of public service locally, nationally, and globally. Our program, which is housed in the Department of Political Science (College of Arts and Sciences), typically enrolls about two dozen students each semester, including MPA and BA-MPA students.

The program consists of 39 semester hours with 27 hours of core courses. Students without current employment in the public or nonprofit sectors are encouraged to participate in an internship program, while those students currently working in relevant jobs often engage in a public service project to expand their career options. Additionally, many students opt to graduate with a second credential, a graduate certificate, by taking their four elective courses in Nonprofit and Community Leadership or Sustainability Studies, among other fields, with no additional cost or time commitment. Core and most elective classes are offered during the evening, one night per week, from 6-8:40 p.m with an average of 12 students per class. Additional options may be offered online or earlier in the day.

Please contact the Program Director, Dr. Joshua Ambrosius, to make an inquiry or ask any questions.

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 2017-18 (N=11), 64% (7) completed the MPA degree within two years, 91% (10) completed the program within three years and 91% (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 2021-22 (most recent) and 2018-2022 (past four) cohorts is below:

2021-22 Graduates (most recent cohort)

  • City, County or other local government: 3
  • U.S. Government: 1
  • State Government: 2
  • Domestic Nonprofit: 3
  • Continuing education: 1
  • Unemployed/unknown: 0

TOTAL: 10

2018-22 Graduates (past four cohorts)

  • City, County or other local government: 8 (19%)
  • U.S. Government: 4 (10%)
  • State Government: 6 (14%)
  • Domestic Nonprofit: 22 (52%)
  • Continuing education: 2 (5%)
  • Unemployed/Unknown: 0

TOTAL: 42


CONTACT

Master of Public Administration

St. Joseph Hall
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 1425
937-229-3626
Email