Public Administration, MPA

The Department of Political Science offers a program leading to the degree of Master of Public Administration. The main goal of the master’s program in Public Administration is to provide professional education to students who wish to prepare themselves for administrative careers and leadership positions in government and the nonprofit sector. In accordance with recognized professional standards, the program prepares students for professional and leadership careers in public service; offers an opportunity to in- and mid- career personnel for additional training and career development; and provides foundations for careers in teaching, consultation, and other professions requiring advanced knowledge of public administration.

The mission of BGSU’s MPA program is to create an inclusive, collaborative learning environment that empowers students with the skills, applied theories, and community-based project experiences necessary to adapt to and succeed in an ever-changing public sphere.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the master’s degree, students in the Public Administration program are expected to be able to:

Public Governance

• Understand accountability/democratic theory.
• Understand the governance structures of government, nonprofits and for-profits.
• Identify and eventually manage public, private, non-profit collaboration/overcome conflicts.
• Understand and apply administrative authority (top down/bottom up/lateral).
• Apply knowledge of system dynamics and network structure in PA practice.

Policy Process

• Understand political theory and practice.
• Understand and apply policy streams, cycles, systems foci upon past, present and future policy issues.
• Understand how problem identification impacts public administration.
• Understand and carry out effective policy implementation.
• Directly or indirectly undertake policy analysis/evaluation.
• Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
• Directly or indirectly employ quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Directly or indirectly undertake program evaluation/action research.
• Engage in and eventually lead strategic planning.
• Understand and apply sound performance measurement and management practices.
• Understand and apply sound financial planning and fiscal management practices.
• Understand and apply organizational learning and development principles into practice.

Public Service Perspective 

• Understand the value of authentic citizen participation and engagement in PA practice.
• Understand the value of social and economic equity in PA practice.
• Understand the value of professional integrity/ethics in PA practice.
• Understand and eventually demonstrate the value of leadership to PA practice.
• Be or become a reflective practitioner.
• Communicate and interact with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
• Undertake high quality oral and written communication.
• Understand and appreciate the value of pluralism, multiculturalism and cultural diversity.
• Be or become an active listener and responsive practitioner.
• Understand the value of and carry out coalition and team building.
• Understand and carry out effective human resource management.
• Directly or indirectly utilize information systems/technology in PA practice. 
• Understand the role of media and public relations in PA practice.

Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines are November 1 for Spring and July 1 for Fall. Since application reviews may begin immediately after the deadline, we recommend submitting your application and providing all required documents before the deadline.

Recommended Funding Deadline for Fall is March 1.

Additional Documents required:

• Two Letters of Recommendation- preferably from your professors or employers who can discuss your potential for success in graduate school
• Statement of Purpose- Personal Statement of 250 - 500 words outlining your interest in graduate study and future goals
• Resume

Statement of Purpose instructions 

Please answer the following questions in your Statement of Purpose (250-500 words):  

1. Why are you interested in the BGSU MPA program specifically?  
2. How do you think our program can help you achieve your future career goals?  
3. What knowledge, background, professional and/or personal experiences do you have that make you a good fit for the program? 

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements