Skip to main content

Return to Campus

A mask mandate is currently in place on campus. Learn more about the University’s health and safety protocols to help protect the campus community from COVID-19 and reduce the spread of the virus.

Public Administration (MPA)

With ongoing changes to health care, government and nonprofit fields, there is a constant demand for people who can play a direct role in creating effective public policies.

At Kean, we offer three different master's degrees in public administration that prepare graduates for managerial roles in government, health care and nonprofit sectors. 

Our students study fiscal policy, public law, strategic planning and other subjects that prepare them for middle- or senior-level positions as public administrators.

Our program is a mixture of students, some of whom are currently working in government, nonprofit or health care, while others are looking to get their careers started or even to change fields altogether. Whichever situation you're in, Kean will get you to your goal.

 
Request Info
 
MPA United Nations

Students of Kean's public administration programs often take advantage of the opportunities outside the classroom like this workshop at the United Nations.

What You Learn

You can improve your practical skill set and theoretical background in public administration by pursuing one of the following:

  • The Public Management option focuses on generalist skills with courses on budgeting, human resources and more
  • The Health Care Administration option prepares graduates for management positions in health care organizations
  • The Nonprofit Management option prepares graduates for administrative management positions in nonprofit organizations and other entities that regulate or fund nonprofit organizations

All three tracks provide a comprehensive MPA education that will be an asset in the job market.

Application Deadlines (for ALL three programs):

Fall: June 30
Spring: December 1

If you have admissions questions, contact Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@kean.edu or (908) 737-4723.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Kean University Master of Public Administration Program (MPA) is to prepare students to be managers and professionals in public, health care and nonprofit organizations who are committed to public service and are globally aware and engaged in their communities.

Program Coordinator:
Ruthann Russo, Ph.D., DAc, JD, MPH
Acting Interim Director, MPA Program
Email: rurusso@kean.edu
Phone: (908) 737-4256

Program Information

Public Administration (MPA)

Public Administration - Health Services Administration (MPA)

Public Administration - Nonprofit Management (MPA)

Also available

Other programs you might be interested in

Build lamps above students <img alt='School and Clinical Psychology'><img alt='LPC Qualification'>

Networking is the cornerstone of becoming a successful public-sector executive. The Kean MPA program instructors and fellow students offer the necessary contacts to build long-lasting professional relationships outside of the classroom."

Joseph R. Delorio '93
Chief Financial Officer for the Borough of Kenilworth
Public Administration Alumnus

Beyond the Classroom

At Kean we believe learning and professional growth extend far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities, internships and more that we offer to advance your career and set the stage for continued success.

Accounting (Marketing, Marketing Degree, Management, Management Degree)

Internships

The College of Business and Public Management Office of Internships oversees the placement of students at internships with Fortune 500 corporations as well as midsize and small companies around the region.
Research

Kean Research Days

Kean Research Days are a wonderful forum where MPA students get the opportunity to present research. Students also have the chance to present research at national conferences like the Society for Public Health Education.
Public Administration

Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society

The award-winning chapter of the global honor society in public administration fosters integrity, academic excellence and professionalism, while offering opportunities to network at professional events, seminars and workshops.
Build lamps above students <img alt='School and Clinical Psychology'><img alt='LPC Qualification'>

The MPA program, which continues to improve itself, allowed me to recognize my potential as an administrator. Through a strong mentorship program from professors like Dr. Moore and opportunities to get involved in the MPA community I felt really prepared once I graduated."

Alicia-Ann Caesar '16
Director of Training, Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey
http://cpnj.org/about-cpnj/senior-staff/
MPA Grad

After Kean

Jobs held by some MPA graduates include: 

Best Colleges 2020 badge
  • Pratt University -- VP for Institutional Advancement
  • City of Elizabeth -- Mayor
  • Borough of Roselle --   Borough Administrator
  • City of Asbury Park  --  City Manager
  • Township of Eavesham  --  Township Manager
  • Borough of Princeton  --  City Administrator
  • Borough of Kenilworth  --  Chief Municipal Financial Officer)
  • Brain Injury Alliance of NJ --   Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs
  • New Jersey Assembly  --  State Assemblyman
  • New Jersey Senate  --  State Senator
  • Barnabas Health NJ  --  Regional Director Radiation Oncology Services
  • Newark Housing Authority --   Chief Operating Officer 
  • Arch Service Agency  --  Managing Director
  • Kean University  --  Associate Budget Director
  • Township of Aberdeen --   Township Manager
  • Windsor Healthcare Communities --  Administrator
  • Orange Housing Authority --   Chief Executive Officer
  • North Carolina State University --  Associate Professor/Former Chair  for  Commission on Peer Review Accreditation
  • Montclair State University  --  Director of Student Services
  • Keansburg Township  --  City Administrator

18%

Projected job growth by 2026 for social and public service managers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Kean University Academics

Want to Know More?

Visit Us

The best way to see all that Kean University has to offer is to visit our vibrant urban campus.

Schedule a Visit

Request Info

Our admissions counselors are here to help you navigate the college application process. Learn more.

Request Info

Apply Now

So much awaits you at Kean University. Your Kean journey begins now. Apply today.

Apply to Kean