Public Administration Wright State University

Overview

The Public Administration degree from Wright State University is one of fewer than 300 programs in the nation accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). 

The graduates work in a wide variety of leadership positions across all levels of government, as well as diverse nonprofit and private organizations. The alumni are making a real difference throughout Ohio and beyond as city, county, and township administrators, planners, department and program managers, nonprofit executives, entrepreneurs, community developers, and fundraising professionals. 

If you are an experienced professional seeking career advancement or a student planning to begin your career in public service, the engaged faculty members will help you plan your program of study to best meet your professional needs, develop or enhance your management skills, and deepen your understanding of the dynamic context and operations of diverse organizations.

Key Features

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program prepares the graduates to be successful public service leaders and practitioners in the multicultural and diverse region. They achieve their mission by:

• exemplifying public service values through teaching, research, and community engagement

• emphasizing critical thinking, professional writing and communication, and analytical and technical skills

• balancing theory and practice

• promoting core values, including accountability, democratic participation, ethical behavior, fairness, transparency, diversity, equity, and inclusion

Careers

The M.P.A. graduates are leaders in local, state, and federal government, nonprofit corporations, universities and colleges, and private businesses throughout the Dayton region, Ohio, the United States, and internationally. NASPAA provides career placement information for graduates from all NASPAA-accredited programs. 

You can review national hiring trends, salary, and program specific placement data for graduates of NASPAA-accredited programs on the NASPAA website. 

Graduates of the M.P.A. program typically gain promotions or employment within six months of earning their degree. The following is a partial list of organizations where the graduates serve in top administrative positions:

• U.S. Federal Government and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

• Governments in Mongolia and Moldova

• State governments including, Ohio and Georgia

• Cities including Dayton, Piqua, Kettering, Bellbrook, Blue Ash, Vandalia, Moraine, Fairborn, Beavercreek, Troy, Trotwood, Englewood

• Ohio counties such as Montgomery, Greene, Clinton, and Miami

• Ohio townships such as Washington, Bethel, Miami

• Universities and colleges, including Duquesne, The Ohio State University, Sinclair Community College, California State University, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Ivy Tech Community College, Wright State University, Clark State Community College

• Nonprofits such as Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, American Red Cross, Dayton Development Corporation, Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority, Clothes that Work, Hannah's Treasure Chest, East End Community Services, Dayton Better Business Bureau, Western Ohio Epilepsy Foundation, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Athletes in Action, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

• Private sector corporations such as banking, consulting, housing, web marketing, as well as planning, law, and development firms