Program Overview
The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) is a graduate professional degree program that shapes future policymakers, public administrators, and community-based professionals seeking to impact systemic social change.
In the MPPA program, Adler University uniquely infuses its long-standing tradition of a social justice focus with core knowledge and skills in policy development and analysis, program evaluation, management, and politics necessary for work in the public arena, including national, state, and local governments, policy research centers, consulting firms, community-action groups, and direct-service providers in the U.S. and around the world.
The program requires 36 hours of coursework with a minimum of 27 hours of public policy and administration core coursework and 9 hours of concentration coursework. Over a two-year period, courses are offered with a schedule of classes designed to allow both traditional students and working professionals to complete the degree.
The MPPA program offers two incredible opportunities for students to participate in real-life situations. First, through Adler’s Social Justice Practicum (SJP). The SJP begins in the first year and allows students to apply their knowledge during 200 hours of work with local partners. This practicum gives our students their first experiential learning experience in the program. Our students finish their program with more real-world practice through their Collaborative Policy Internship and Capstone courses.
At the end of two years, MPPA students leave with the tools they need to become effective policymakers and administrators and build on leadership and management skills to participate in and contribute to creating healthy local and global communities.
Concentration in Health and Human Rights
Students learn how to lead policy and advocacy efforts that foster community health, human rights, and social justice domestically and internationally in the Health and Human Rights concentration. This concentration trains policy professionals to work in governmental, nonprofit, or private sectors, applying established human rights standards, laws, and treaties within community health. Students focus on broader social, economic, political, and environmental issues in a theoretical and historical context within our practice-based curriculum.
Student Outcomes
The MPPA program delivers the core knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary for effective policy implementation, organizational leadership, management, and finance in the public arena at the local, state, national, and international levels. Additionally, students are prepared to pursue opportunities at nonprofits, research centers, consulting firms, community action groups, direct-service providers, and other private-sector entities.
Students will also learn the critical skills of communicating and collaborating with diverse groups within a rapidly changing society and how to articulate and solicit new perspectives that develop community-driven solutions to social, economic, and environmental problems.
Admissions Requirements
At Adler University, we take great pride in our diverse student body. Students represent a wide range of professional interests, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and academic and work histories. We admit individuals with a strong record of academic achievement and a commitment to social responsibility.
Admissions requirements:
- A baccalaureate degree earned from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from an international college or university.
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and graduate coursework is recommended. Exceptions may be made for applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic performance or academic ability in other ways.
- Approved applicants will be invited for an interview with faculty.
- International students must have a minimum score in one of the following English proficiency tests:
- 92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22.
- 7.0 IELTS overall with no bands below 6.5.
- PTE must have a minimum score of 66.
Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:
- Application and application fee.
- Statement of Intent answering the following questions:
- Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
- Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
- What are your career goals and interests?
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S. and Canada)
- Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
- Unofficial transcripts are accepted for schools where a degree was not received.
- Applicants with international (outside the U.S. or Canada) post-secondary education should send a scan of their official transcript to the admissions office, as this program is exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation. Please speak to your admissions advisor if you require more details.
All applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be required to interview with a program representative. Applicants will be assessed on their academic background, work and/or volunteer experience, and fit with the University’s mission and the program of interest. Based on the interview, the decision will be (a) direct admission to the graduate program of interest (MPPA) or (b) denied admission.
Applicants submitting admission documents (transcripts, bank documents, English proficiency scores, etc.) that are found to have been altered or fabricated will be denied admission. Denials based on fraudulent documents cannot be appealed.
Curriculum
The MPPA program is 36 credit hours. Successful completion of this program includes the courses listed below.
Social Justice Practicum
The Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that gives students real-world experience.
A unique and proven program at Adler University, the practicum spans two terms. Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. Based on their submitted desired areas of interest, students are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8-10 hours per week.
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