Overview

The Master of Public Administration at Villanova University is a comprehensive professional programme designed to develop ethical, creative, and inclusive leaders for the public service sector. This curriculum bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that graduates are equipped to handle the complex challenges of modern governance and community management.

Why Public Administration at Villanova University?

Choosing this programme means joining a community dedicated to excellence in public service. The university offers a vibrant alumni network and partnerships with local government agencies and nonprofit organisations, providing students with authentic professional connections. The faculty consists of dedicated teacher-scholars and experienced practitioners who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Students benefit from flexible learning options, including synchronous online sessions that maintain high levels of engagement and collaboration. Additionally, the programme offers the opportunity to specialise through integrated certificates in City Management or Nonprofit Management without requiring extra coursework beyond the standard degree requirements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 955 per credit
National fee: USD 955 per credit
Local fee: USD 955 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing practical skills such as financial health analysis, data interpretation, and professional communication. Modules may include:

Public Administration Theory
Organisation Theory
Financial Management
Human Capital Management
Leadership Ethics
Applied Data Analysis
City Management
Nonprofit Management

Careers with Public Administration

Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for diverse career paths across all levels of government and the broader public sector. Alumni frequently secure roles in city, county, and state government agencies, as well as federal departments. The degree also opens doors to leadership positions within domestic and international nonprofit organisations. Many graduates find success in the private sector, particularly in research and consulting industries where public policy expertise is highly valued. The university's strong internship programme further supports career readiness by placing students in townships, boroughs, and prominent organisations like the American Cancer Society and the City of Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Public Administration Theory

Leadership Ethics

Financial Management

Human Capital Management

Applied Data Analysis

Organization Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-08-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

ONLINE: Rolling with courses beginning every eight weeks.

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 593 other Masters in Public Administration in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A one-time, non-refundable $85 application fee, which will help cover the cost of transcripts

Signed authorization for Bisk to obtain official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended

Three professional or academic letters of recommendation. Letters from friends and family members will not be accepted.

Graduate Certificate candidates in Public Administration – Two letters of recommendation

A résumé or curriculum vitae detailing the applicant’s employment history, job responsibilities and professional accomplishments

Statement of Goals: Describe your interest in the field of public administration, any relevant work experience, as well as your interest in the program offered at Villanova University. You may discuss how an MPA would further your career goals. This statement should be 1-2 pages in length.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Out-of-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

800 - 1300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Philadelphia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners