Master of Public Administration Career Enhancement Option

A part-time option to advance your career!

• The Career Enhancement Option of the M.P.A. program is a fully accredited program aimed at those wanting to advance in their public or nonprofit sector careers, or change careers!
• The M.P.A. program at the University of Delaware is the only M.P.A. program in Delaware accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), assuring students and employers of high quality.
• Students pursuing the Career Enhancement Option complete the full M.P.A. program within three and one-half years on a part-time basis.
• They take courses in the evening year round, during the fall semester, winter session, spring semester, and summer session.
• Career Enhancement Option students take some courses with members of their cohort group and others with the entire student body.

  

Who chooses the Career Enhancement Option?

The Career Enhancement Option allows students with three to five years of professional experience to earn their MPA degree on a part-time basis.

Students from a wide range of undergraduate backgrounds have found the M.P.A. degree beneficial. Students from political science, business, social work, nursing, accounting, and even music and the fine arts have used the M.P.A. degree to prepare for career advancement or a career change. In addition, evening classes fit well with the work schedules of busy practitioners. Valuable support is readily available from the network of others in their cohort group, as well as from faculty in the School of Public Policy and Administration.

• Check out some frequently asked questions.
• Career Enhancement Option students typically start in the fall, but applications for spring admission are also accepted.
• Those interested in beginning early may get a head start by taking a limited number of courses through the University's Professional and Continuing Studies division.
• Check out a sample course sequence.
• Check out the the complete description of the MPA program for information on required courses and your choice of specializations*.
• You can also view a list of UAPP Courses to get an idea of this semester's offerings.
• You can search all offered UAPP courses at http://chico.nss.udel.edu/CourseDesc/. Just enter in the subject line Urban Affairs and Administration- UAPP (not URAF).
• Students considering the Career Enhancement Option should check out UD's Resources for Continuing Education and Returning Adult Students.

*Please note: It is possible to complete specializations in Community Development & Nonprofit Leadership, Organizational Leadership or State & Local Government during the evening. Specializations in Financial Management and Health Policy and Management may require some daytime coursework, or students with those interest areas may elect to have a specialization in State and Local Management with a focus in either Financial Management or Health Policy and Management.

To apply

The final deadline for fall semester applications is July 1. Please see our applications web page for a link to the online application and the required materials. While online applications are preferred, if you would like a paper copy, please contact our office. The deadline for spring semester is December 1.

For information, please contact:

School of Public Policy and Administration
University of Delaware
184 Graham Hall
Newark, DE 19716
Phone: (302) 831-1687
email: sppa@udel.edu