Public Administration (MPA)
With ongoing changes to health care, government and nonprofit fields, there is a constant demand for people who can play a direct role in creating effective public policies.
At Kean, we offer three different master's degrees in public administration and our MPA students have direct access to collaborate with the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research.
Our students study fiscal policy, public law, information management, strategic planning and other subjects that prepare them for leadership positions as public administrators.
Our program is a mixture of students, some of whom are currently working in government, nonprofit or health care, while others are looking to get their careers started or even to change fields altogether. Whichever situation you're in, Kean will get you to your goal.
Students of Kean's public administration programs often take advantage of the opportunities outside the classroom like this workshop at the United Nations.
Other programs you might be interested in
Networking is the cornerstone of becoming a successful public-sector executive. The Kean MPA program instructors and fellow students offer the necessary contacts to build long-lasting professional relationships outside of the classroom."
Cougars Climb Higher
At Kean, we believe learning and professional growth extend far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities, internships and more that we offer to advance your career and set the stage for continued success.
Kean Research Days
Kean Research Days are a wonderful forum where MPA students get the opportunity to present research. Students also have the chance to present research at national conferences like the Society for Public Health Education.
Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society
The award-winning chapter of the global honor society in public administration fosters integrity, academic excellence and professionalism, while offering opportunities to network at professional events, seminars and workshops.
Internships and Jobs
At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships and jobs that support their career goals. Career services staff provide professional services and offer job fairs and networking events year-round.
The MPA program allowed me to recognize my potential as an administrator. Through a strong mentorship program and opportunities to get involved in the community, I felt really prepared once I graduated."
Careers
Some of our MPA graduates have had the following career opportunities:
- Pratt University -- VP for Institutional Advancement
- City of Elizabeth -- Mayor
- Borough of Roselle -- Borough Administrator
- City of Asbury Park -- City Manager
- Township of Eavesham -- Township Manager
- Borough of Princeton -- City Administrator
- Borough of Kenilworth -- Chief Municipal Financial Officer)
- Brain Injury Alliance of NJ -- Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs
- New Jersey Assembly -- State Assemblyman
- New Jersey Senate -- State Senator
- Barnabas Health NJ -- Regional Director Radiation Oncology Services
- Newark Housing Authority -- Chief Operating Officer
- Arch Service Agency -- Managing Director
- Kean University -- Associate Budget Director
- Township of Aberdeen -- Township Manager
- Windsor Healthcare Communities -- Administrator
- Orange Housing Authority -- Chief Executive Officer
- North Carolina State University -- Associate Professor/Former Chair for Commission on Peer Review Accreditation
- Montclair State University -- Director of Student Services
- Keansburg Township -- City Administrator
18%
Projected job growth by 2026 for social and public service managers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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