CPM to SPAA Degree Pathway

Graduates of the State of New Jersey Certified Public Manager® Program are awarded 30.2 CEU’s and may apply up to 15 undergraduate credits toward a bachelor's degree in public and nonprofit administration or 9 graduate credits toward a traditional Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University–Newark. CPM graduates accepted into the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at SPAA are awarded advanced standing credits for work experience. (CPM credits do not transfer to the EMPA program.)

CPM to SPAA BA Program

The Major in Public and Nonprofit Administration – Bachelor of Arts (BA) program requires 35 credits (out of the 120 required for an undergraduate degree). All courses required to complete the 35 credits for the major are available online. CPM graduates accepted into the BA program at Rutgers SPAA can apply up to 15 credits toward the degree's elective requirements.

Students transferring from a NJ County College with an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) may have a MAXIMUM of 65 credits accepted toward the BA degree. Students transferring from a 4-year institution may have a MAXIMUM of 90 credits accepted toward the BA degree. Military and CLEP credits also accepted.

Application Deadlines: Fall: Dec. 1 | Spring: October 1

With the Accelerated Master of Public Administration Degree (BA/MPA or BS/MPA), students take 18 credits of graduate MPA courses during the fall and spring of their senior undergraduate year. MPA courses taken as an undergraduate are charged at the undergraduate tuition rate and count towards the undergraduate second concentration requirement.

CPM to SPAA MPA Program

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program consists of 42 credits and may be taken online or in person. Students can select full time or part time status. Accepted CPM students can receive up to 9 credits as electives toward the MPA program.

Priority Application Deadlines: Fall: July 1 | Spring: Dec. 1

CPM to SPAA Executive MPA (EMPA) Program

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is an accelerated, online cohort program for mid-career professionals working in the public or nonprofit sectors and consists of 10 courses (30 credits) that are fully online. Students take two courses (six credits) per semester and complete the degree in two years. CPM credits do not transfer to the EMPA program.

Priority Application Deadline: Fall: July 1

MPA Degree Completion / Individualized Dual-Degree Option

With the Degree Completion / Individualized Dual-Degree Option for the MPA, students can apply graduate credits from another program toward earning their Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Rutgers SPAA.

To Apply / Admission Requirements

For admission requirements and application information and deadlines for SPAA degree programs see Apply Now.

For More Information

If you have questions about a program, the application process, or acceptable credits, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.