Program Overview
The Master's (Master) in Public Administration at Northeastern University is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at Northeastern University. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in business & management, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in business & management.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Northeastern University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Business & Management.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Master of Public Administration Careers
MPA graduates are equipped with essential organizational skills, and they also understand the unique requirements of public-service work, which includes accountability, transparency, and efficiency. They are prepared for leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofits, international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), social enterprises, private businesses, and more.
An important goal of our MPA is to prepare students to be effective in a dynamic and increasingly diverse professional environment. This includes assisting students in every possible way to secure internships, post-graduate employment, and career advancement.
Learn more about salaries and careers with a master of public administration degree.
92% The job placement rate of the 2023–2024 graduates of Northeastern’s MPA program Interested in a role focused on the design and impact of policy? Northeastern also offers a Master of Public Policy (MPP) . For more information, view our article “ MPP vs. MPA: What’s the Difference? ”
Our students can go into these careers: Job Title Salary Budget Analysts $87,930 Fundraising Managers $132,870 Public Relations Specialists $69,780 Medical and Health Services Managers $117,960 Operations Research Analysts $91,290 Project Management Specialists $100,750 Social and Community Service Managers $78,240 Urban and Regional Planners $83,720 Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, our online courses are offered asynchronously, meaning you can view class lectures on your own time. Our on-campus courses start after 5 p.m. Students can finish the degree in as few as four semesters as a full-time student. We recommend a maximum of three courses per semester. Tuition is $1,056 per semester hour (SH). Total tuition is $42,240, based on 40 SH (10 courses). The university also charges some additional fees per semester and/or for specific on-campus amenities. See our tuition and financial aid page for more details. No, you do not need to provide GRE or GMAT scores in order to apply. Yes, you must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information, visit the Northeastern University MPA FAQ page.
Program Curriculum
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
The goal of the Northeastern MPA program is to equip students with skills in policy analysis, program evaluation, research methods, and written and verbal communications to become change agents in public administration.
Students also develop competencies in budgeting and human resources, organizational management and antiracist leadership, and the interplay between ethics and accountability in a diverse society. The program seeks to place students in management and leadership careers in a broad range of public and nonprofit settings, both domestic and international.
As a professionally oriented graduate program, Northeastern’s in-person and online MPA program develops leaders for a changing world through:
- Coursework that combines methodological rigor, diverse analytical tools, and real-world relevance through applied management and leadership projects
- Policy-relevant internships and opportunities to work with faculty on applied research with a social justice lens
- Team-based capstone projects that deliver actionable advice to a range of local and regional clients
Learning Outcomes
- Lead and manage in public governance
- Participate in and contribute to the policy process
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
- Articulate and apply a public service perspective
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry
Admission Requirements
Master of Public Administration Admission Requirements
- Completed online application
- Application fee ($100)
- Personal statement
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resumé
- Evidence of English proficiency for international applicants
Applicants to the MPA program are not required to submit GRE scores.
Visit our admissions page for more details about application requirements, tuition, and financial aid.
Program Curriculum
The Master of Public Administration at Northeastern consists of 40 credits and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years (4 semesters as a full-time student). Both our online and on-campus modalities include the same core courses, and are taught by exceptional faculty.
This degree combines MPA fundamentals with a unique focus on public sector and nonprofit needs. Students build core policy and leadership skills that can be applied to any position. The curriculum is centered on rigorous, applied training in organizational management, public and nonprofit finance, policy analysis, and ethics and accountability. MPA courses include:
- Statistical Analysis
- Techniques of Policy Analysis
- Economic Analysis for Policy and Planning
- Principles of Public Administration
- Public Budgeting and Financial Management
- Institutional Leadership
- Capstone in Public Policy and Urban Affairs
Visit our MPA curriculum page for more information, including a full course list with descriptions.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
Contact university
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
- Tuition: $1,056 per credit hour; $42,240 total plus fees Courses taken at Northeastern University outside of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities are subject to different tuition rates.
- Courses taken at Northeastern University outside of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities are subject to different tuition rates.
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed to be considered for all available federal funding.
- All eligible applicants admitted to the CSSH master’s programs are considered for tuition scholarships. Assistantships are not offered.
Learn more about program costs, financial aid , and available scholarships .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
- Tuition: $1,056 per credit hour; $42,240 total plus fees Courses taken at Northeastern University outside of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities are subject to different tuition rates.
- Courses taken at Northeastern University outside of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities are subject to different tuition rates.
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed to be considered for all available federal funding.
- All eligible applicants admitted to the CSSH master’s programs are considered for tuition scholarships. Assistantships are not offered.
Learn more about program costs, financial aid , and available scholarships .
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University
Boston, United States
Northeastern University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)