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Master of Public Administration

Drive meaningful change in government and nonprofit organizations with an online Master of Public Administration. This program blends policy, leadership, digital engagement, and social responsibility to help you improve society in more direct and tangible ways.

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At a Glance

8 days left to apply
Average 2 Years to Completion
Start date: May 11, 2026
Expert Faculty Mentorship
  • Format: Online
  • Tuition: $38,940
  • Term: Summer 2026
  • 10 Courses

Why Choose an MPA from Wake Forest

This Master of Public Administration program is built for professionals who want to lead with purpose and drive meaningful, measurable change in their communities.

The program prioritizes two of the most urgent challenges in public service today: sustainability and equity. Through coursework focused on environmental responsibility and social justice, you’ll develop the skills to create and implement policies that reflect the diverse needs of communities at the local, state, and federal levels. You’ll graduate prepared to lead with integrity—and to shape a more just and resilient future.

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Master of Public Administration Core Courses

You’ll complete 9 required online courses, including a capstone that brings everything together. Each course lasts 7.5 weeks. There’s no required order for these courses, so you are free to take courses in the sequence that works best for your schedule, depending on availability.

Public Administration Principles
Course ID: PAD 710
Examine management principles and practices for public institutions, including how public organizations operate, public personnel management, and budgeting and finance. This course will explore different methods that identify and assess available interventions to further stakeholder well-being in a cross-cultural context. It will help learners develop effective leadership and public engagement strategies.
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Financial Management and Budgeting
Course ID: PAD 712
Gain an understanding of financial management and budgeting in the public administration sector. This course examines areas of financial management including financial statements and reporting, cost analysis, financial forecast, cash flow management, and financial risk management from a leadership perspective.
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Research Methods for Public Administration
Course ID: PAD 714
Develop the tools to effectively collect, analyze, and interpret data research results. This course explores topics such as qualitative and quantitative research methods, experimental and non-experimental research, and secondary data analysis. A focus will be placed on learning how to evaluate and construct sustainable, environmentally aware, and equitable outcomes in research methods.
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Technology and Public Administration
Course ID: PAD 720
Examine the role of emerging technologies in setting and implementing public policy, the role of stakeholders and interest groups, and available tools to apply from a technology and innovation framework. This course will analyze how new technologies improve and impact policy efficacy by assessing key principles and defining opportunities regarding the role and application of technology in public administration.
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Public Law
Course ID: PAD 724
Learn how public law defines the relationship between individuals and the government. This course examines the structure of public law at the local, state, and federal levels alongside the historical context and framework governing these relationships. Learners will develop the skills to help them navigate the legal and regulatory environment where policies are made and applied.
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Equity and Public Policy
Course ID: PAD 732
Gain a deeper understanding of how equity and public policy intersect. This course uses a multidisciplinary approach to explore the ways public policy can impact social inequalities and promote a more equitable society, including examining real-world examples to illustrate the implementation and effectiveness of equity-focused policies.
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Leadership & Change Management
Course ID: LDR 722
Explore the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to successfully undertake change. This course delves into the leadership principles, styles, frameworks, and skills required to guide, motivate, and direct teams. Learners will develop the ability to prepare, support, and assist individuals, teams, and organizations in organizational change.
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Capstone in Public Administration
Course ID: PAD 799
Integrate and apply key skills and knowledge obtained throughout the program into a real-world challenge within the field of public administration. Each specific project will vary based on student interest and will exhibit demonstrated leadership, cultural awareness, and technical skills that produce effective strategies and change.
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Data Analytics and Public Administration
Course ID: PAD 730
Develop the skills to effectively analyze and explain complex data to stakeholders in clear, understandable language. The course will focus on analyzing and interpreting data to tell a clear and compelling “story,” manage the projects and programs, and implement policy. Learners will also be exposed to new tech-enabled methods of collecting and understanding data they relate to policy administration.
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Master of Public Administration Electives

You will choose 1 elective to take at any time during the program when your selection is available. Wake Forest SPS designs electives with flexibility and relevance in mind. You’ll have access to a wide range of courses across all programs, so you can tailor your learning and deepen your expertise to meet your goals.

Housing and Development
Course ID: PAD 750
Dive into the various public-private partnerships for housing and community development. This course explores affordable housing development strategies, commercial reuse and revitalization initiatives, and neighborhood development. Learners will evaluate how housing and development policies impact social, economic, and environmental equity.
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Sustainability and Environmental Systems
Course ID: PAD 751
Develop the skills and insights to effectively lead institutions as they respond to the impact of human activities on natural and environmental systems. This course examines the conflicting objectives that are often part of public administration by exploring environmental justice and the administrative forces that place environmental burdens on some groups and not others. Learners will gain knowledge in the available analytical tools and policies to support environment-focused policymaking.
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The people who develop & continually refine programs bring expertise from…
Wake Forest SPS understands that I’m a working individual and created this program for people like me to not only learn what I need to receive a degree but also apply it to what I’m doing now.
— Ellie Matthews, SPS alum

Ready to
start your tomorrow?

Your goals are within reach—and we’re here to help you get there.

Meet the Master of Public Administration Academic Director

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Meet the Experts Guiding Your Journey

Dr. Cardra Burns is the Academic Director for the online master's degree in Public Administration
Cardra E. Burns, DBA, MPA, CLC
Academic Director in Public Administration
Wake Forest University
Tanesha Morgan
Tanesha Morgan, Ph.D., MBA, MSHA, M.Ed.
Section Director, Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office, and Public Administration Faculty
Wake Forest University
Omar Aldabagh
Omar Aldabagh, Ph.D.
Staff Analyst, City of Houston Health Department, and Public Administration Faculty
Wake Forest University
Anita Archambeau
Anita Archambeau AICP, DPA
Public Administration Faculty
Wake Forest University
Angelo Mathay
Angelo Mathay
Public Administration Faculty
Wake Forest University
Sukeena Stephens
Sukeena Stephens, Ph.D.
Public Administration Faculty
Wake Forest University
John Sutherlin
John W. Sutherlin, Ph.D.
Chief Innovation & Research Officer, University of Louisiana Monroe and Public Administration Faculty
Wake Forest University
Sam Musa Headshot
Sam Musa, DPA
CIO and Director of Administrative Services, U.S. GPO, and Public Administration Faculty
Wake Forest University
Tia Robertson
Tia L. Robertson, MD, MS, FACOG
Medical Director
Gaston County Public Health
Christie Burris, GCIO
Chief Data Officer
NC Department of Information Technology
Kelly Little, PAB member for the online Master of Public Administration program
Kelly R. Little, MBA, MSL, MBA, CPC, ELI-MP, EQ-I 2.0, EQ-360, CHCE, CSSGB, CMMT, CSOTS
Founder/CEO
Urban Institute for Strengthening Families
Shannon Binns
Founder and Executive Director
Sustain Charlotte
Monica Allen
Monica Allen, Ph.D.
Assistant City Manager
City of Charlotte

Where Your MPA Can Take You

With a Master of Public Administration degree from Wake Forest SPS, you are prepared for high-impact leadership roles in government agencies, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. Your ability to analyze policy, manage complex programs, and lead diverse teams will transition to various roles such as:

  • City Manager
  • Policy Analyst
  • Program Director
  • Nonprofit Executive

Regardless of your title, the knowledge you develop and the network you build at Wake Forest sets you up lead efforts that improve lives, promote equity, and strengthen communities.

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