Masters in Public Administration

A PROGRAM FOR FUTURE LEADERS

Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Masters in Public Administration (MPA) program prepares current and aspiring public service professionals to lead organizations, develop policy, and solve complex community challenges in government, nonprofit, healthcare, military, and community-focused organizations. Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed in as little as one year through flexible online and in-person learning options. 

Because many of our students work full time, our in-person courses are all scheduled in the evenings. The MPA degree is both academically rigorous and practical for professionals across government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, military, public safety, and community organizations. All students join the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), for the year they are in the MPA program as an introduction to the oldest Public Administration professional organization and are invited to engage in the ASPA Hawaii Chapter.  

Learn by doing with Skills-Based Learning

The mission of HPU’s MPA program is to provide students, especially non-traditional students, with career options and occupation opportunities in federal, state, city, and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations. We focus on both formal and practical study of executive management and specific skill sets that are in high demand in the workforce. While we recognize the need for flexibility for the busy lifestyles of today’s students we safeguard academic integrity for student succes. Students will be prepared to serve as supervisors, managers, and leaders anywhere in the public service domain.

Skills You’ll Develop 

• Organizational leadership 

• Strategic planning 

• Budgeting and public finance 

• Program management 

• Stakeholder communication 

• Policy implementation 

• Ethical decision-making 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can I do with a Master's in Public Administration? 

A: A Master's in Public Administration prepares professionals to lead organizations, manage programs, develop policy, and improve services that impact communities. Graduates pursue leadership and management roles across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, public safety organizations, educational institutions, and community-focused programs. 

Q: Is an MPA only for people who work in government? 

A: No. While many students work in government, the MPA is designed for professionals across government, nonprofit, healthcare, education, military, public safety, and community organizations. The program focuses on leadership, management, and organizational effectiveness—skills that are valuable in any mission-driven environment. 

Q: Can I complete the MPA while working full-time? 

A: Yes. HPU's MPA is designed for working professionals and offers flexible online and in-person learning options. Many students successfully balance graduate school with full-time employment and personal commitments. 

Q: What leadership skills will I develop in the MPA program? 

A: Students develop practical leadership skills that help them manage teams, lead organizational change, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and make strategic decisions. Coursework emphasizes organizational leadership, ethical decision-making, budgeting, program management, and problem-solving within complex public service environments. 

Q: What careers can an MPA support? 

A: An MPA can support career advancement into leadership and management positions across the public and nonprofit sectors. Graduates may pursue roles such as Program Manager, Nonprofit Director, Public Administrator, Community Development Manager, Government Manager, Policy Analyst, Grants Manager, Healthcare Administrator, and Public Affairs Specialist. 

Q: How is an MPA different from an MBA? 

A: An MBA typically focuses on private-sector business management, profitability, and corporate leadership. An MPA focuses on public service leadership, organizational effectiveness, policy implementation, and managing mission-driven organizations. While both degrees develop management and leadership skills, the MPA is designed for professionals seeking to create impact within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and community-focused institutions. 

Q: Do I need a background in public administration or public policy to succeed? 

A: No. The program is designed for students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Whether your experience is in government, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, military service, education, business, or community leadership, the curriculum provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in public service leadership roles. 

Q: How long does it take to complete the MPA? 

A: Students can complete HPU's Master's in Public Administration in as little as 12 months. Flexible scheduling and multiple learning options allow students to choose a pace that aligns with their professional and personal responsibilities. 

Q: What makes HPU's MPA different from other public administration programs? 

A: HPU's MPA combines flexible online and in-person learning options with a practical, leadership-focused curriculum designed for working professionals. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized faculty engagement, applied learning experiences, and a unique perspective on leadership and public service informed by Hawaiʻi's location in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Q: Is the HPU MPA a good fit for military members, veterans, and public service professionals? 

A: Yes. The MPA is well suited for military members, veterans, and public service professionals seeking to transition into or advance within leadership roles. The program's focus on organizational leadership, strategic planning, public service, and community impact aligns closely with the skills and experiences many military and public sector professionals already possess.