Program description
The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree program at Oakland University provides a challenging education for individuals seeking professional careers and for those already employed in governmental or other public agencies. The need for professionals holding M.P.A. degrees is recognized due to the complexity of agencies at the state and local levels and the continued concerns for responsive and effective public service at all levels. The M.P.A. program offers a generalist foundation through a set of core courses that is bolstered with opportunities for specialization through its electives and the directed capstone project/internship option.
Accreditation
The Oakland University M.P.A. program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Admission terms and application deadlines
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Oakland University Graduate School by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.
- February 15 (early) April 15 (regular) and July 15 (late) for fall semester
- October 1 (early) and November 15 (regular) for winter semester
- March 1 (regular) for summer semester
- International applicants
Application requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:
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- Additional department application requirements
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- MPA essay (Instructions are downloadable from http://www.oakland.edu/mpa.)
- Applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in their undergraduate degree.
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Admission review and assessment
Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.
- Undergraduate grade record that indicates above-average work (generally a GPA of 3.0 or greater)
- The program welcomes students with a wide variety of undergraduate preparations. Applicants must meet the university’s general requirements for admission to graduate studies. Limited standing admission status may be granted to students who need minor improvements to their records, subject to approval by Oakland University Graduate School. Detailed application information can be found at http://www.oakland.edu/mpa.
Undergraduate preparation for the M.P.A.
Degrees in a wide variety of majors will prepare the student for admission, providing that the record includes:
- Principles of financial accounting (or an alternative course approved by the director)
Students otherwise qualified for admission to the program but lacking in this area may be admitted with the requirement that the deficiency be corrected during the first year of the program by appropriate coursework. A departmental adviser will plan with the student an appropriate way of addressing the deficiency. Credits earned to meet these standards will not be counted toward the total credits needed for the degree.
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