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Program Type: Graduate

Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Public Administration Select the degree to view its requirements.

Department: Political Science, Criminal Justice & Organizational Leadership


Join NKU Master of Public Administration (MPA) students, alumni, and faculty in serving others, strengthening communities, and leading government and nonprofit organizations! The MPA is an applied 36 credit hour degree designed to prepare students for careers in public service and public management. Classes can be completed online or in a hybrid format and are small in size, permitting faculty to personalize instruction and allowing students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for competitive employment in the public and related sectors, including government agencies, hospitals, universities, and other nonprofit organizations. We are the only MPA program in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), which is the quality benchmark for graduate programs around the world. Also, we are ranked #3 for Best Public Affairs Graduate Programs in the state of Kentucky by U.S. News and World Report.

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Program Contacts

Missy Gish
Program Coordinator
(859)572-5326
gishm@nku.edu



Our Program & Our People

Student Spotlight

Students in PAD 622 presenting to NKADD
The NKU MPA program is all about experiential learning! In Spring 2025, our Volunteer & Community Engagement class (PAD 622) partnered with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District (NKADD) on service learning and student philanthropy.
More student spotlights

Alum Spotlight

Stacie Strotman headshot
Stacie Strotman (2015) has been named as the first President & CEO of Partners for Change, formerly known as Covington Partners. Partners for Change is a nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive support services such as mentoring, family engagement, and out-of-school time programming to NKY students.
More alum spotlights

Faculty Spotlight

Julie Olberding headshot
The International Journal of Event and Festival Management published a long-term study of event volunteers by Dr. Julie Olberding (NKU) and Dr. Douglas Olberding (XU) using data from the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon Weekend in 2012 and 2022. 
More faculty spotlights

Award Recipients

Collage of Trevor Bonar holding his award and recieving his award and a screenshot of his bio on the IACP website
Trevor Bonar (2025) was selected for a 40 Under 40 award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The IACP awards program recognizes "the top rising leaders from around the globe, exemplifying leadership, dedication, and service to their communities and the law enforcement profession." 
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Find Your Passions & Build Your Future

students hanging out
  • Career Exploration & Active Learning: MPA students enhance their knowledge and skills through engaged and experiential learning including capstone projects, service learning, student philanthropy, internships, study abroad, and research with faculty members.
  • Our network: MPA students build valuable relationships with government and nonprofit leaders through our mentoring program, guest lecturers, special events and service activities. Our diverse network of students and alumni develop strong connections and make positive impacts in our region. 
  • Certificate & Microcredentials: MPA students can readily earn a specialized graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management & Leadership and microcredentials in areas such as: Arts Administration, Community and Economic Development, Leadership in the Public Sector, and GIS and Mapping. 

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Students walking down steps

Experience NKU

Our campus is more than classrooms. It’s a hive of activity and connections that instantly feel familiar. Come walk it, take it in, check it out.

Students walking down steps

Financial Aid

A variety of financial assistance is available, from grants to scholarships, loans to veteran benefits.