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Online Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)

Rutgers SPAA’s Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is an accelerated, online cohort program for mid-career professionals working in the public or nonprofit sectors.

Designed for practicing professionals and managers with public, nonprofit, or government sector experience, the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at Rutgers SPAA provides the cutting-edge knowledge and professional skills needed for successful executive-level leadership in government, the nonprofit sector, international organizations, and even the corporate world. Students become competent in leadership and management, the policy process, evidence-based decision-making, public service values, and interacting productively with a diverse workforce and society.

EMPA Quick Facts

  • Location: 100% online coursework, with summer in-person, two-day residency
  • Program: part-time
  • Format: cohort model
  • Start Term: fall
  • Courses: 10
  • Credits: 30
  • Priority Application Deadline: July 1
    (Applications are still encouraged after July 1 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.)
  • EMPA Program Coordinator: James Davy, PhD

> Discover Why Rutgers SPAA is the place for aspiring leaders to gain the knowledge and skills required for successful Careers in government or the nonprofit sector
> Read our Alumni Stories to see what some of our alumni do with their degrees from Rutgers SPAA

EMPA Curriculum

The Executive MPA program consists of 10 courses (30 credits) of online coursework that build public management and leadership skills for advancing your career in government and the nonprofit sector. Students accepted into the program receive 12 professional credits, reducing the total number of credits necessary to earn the MPA degree from 42 to 30 credits. Students join a cohort of people from diverse professional backgrounds who will complete all 10 courses together over a two-year period. An in-person residency at Rutgers University–Newark, held annually every summer, provides academic and networking opportunities.

(For EMPA curriculum requirements prior to Fall 2023, see Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) [Prior to Fall 2023].)

Courses

For course descriptions and prerequisites see Courses.

 

Capstone Project

The capstone provides students with an opportunity to integrate their learning from coursework with application to real-world issues and career ambitions. It serves as a culminating experience in the EMPA program.

 

In-person Residency

At the annual in-person residency, held over two days each summer, students participate in academic symposia, workshops, community-based events, and networking opportunities. 

Program Costs

For information on tuition rates and program fees see Tuition & Fees.

To Apply / Admission Requirements

For admission requirements and application information and deadlines see Apply Now(Applications are still encouraged after July 1 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.)

Academic Policies, Procedures & Forms

For program information such as the student handbook, mission statement, and advisement forms, see Academic Policies, Procedures & Forms.

For More Information

To learn more, Request Information or Join a SPAA Info SessionIf you have questions about a program or the application process, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.