The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University is consistently recognized as one of the best public affairs colleges in the nation according to US News & World Report.

Our Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares students to lead in diverse and dynamic urban environments. Our MPA is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).

The MPA program is committed to leadership development, to finding solutions to community problems, and to an enhanced understanding of public policy and management in a diverse society. By applying engaged and interactive learning, faculty and students work together to discover, generate, share, and extend intellectual resources for the benefit of the community.

Coursework provides a foundation in public service, administration, and management with curriculum in the following areas:

• Organizational and managerial skills and practices
• Political and legal institutions and processes
• Economic and social systems
• Concepts and techniques of financial administration
• Nonprofit management
• Techniques of analysis, including quantitative, economic, and statistical methods and computer systems
• Human resources management
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

The program is comprised of 42 credit hours, including core courses, an area of specialization, electives, and a capstone. Learn more about this program. »

Our mentoring program and internships enhance professional development, augment the student experience, and help advance careers.

We also offer a dual degree program, combining a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctor from the College of Law. Full-time students may earn both degrees in four years, rather than the five years required to earn the degrees separately.

Careers in Public Administration

According to a 2020 Brookings report, nearly 24 million people across the US, or a little over 15% of the workforce, work for government at either the federal, state, or local levels—the majority for state and local governments. Nonprofit organizations employ another 12.3 million people.

Graduates of the MPA program are well-prepared for leadership and management roles. Our graduates find successful careers in:

• Local government
• Nonprofit and philanthropic organizations
• Federal and state agencies
• Private sector research and consulting firms
• Economic and community development organizations
• Health and human service agencies
• Criminal justice agencies

Streamlined Application Process and Courses that Fit Your Schedule

The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs' graduate programs are designed to accommodate part-time, mid-career students, as well as full-time students. Courses are offered primarily during the evenings. Full-time students can complete their graduate degree in two academic years.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

The School offers graduate assistantship opportunities and over thirty dedicated scholarships for Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs students. Graduate assistantships are competitive, providing a stipend and potential tuition support to qualified students.