The Master in Public Administration (MPA) is a two-year graduate program designed to equip students with administrative and management concepts and theories useful in formulating solutions to problems associated with public and nonprofit administration. It also aims to enhance the students’ research capability in the areas of public administration, policy formulation and analysis, development management, budgeting, and financial resource management, human resource development and contemporary issues in public affairs management. The program also exposes them to current issues in public administration as well as to the practical application of various skills and techniques in the field.

Recommended Undergraduate Program

Students who wish to pursue a Master of Public Administration should have an undergraduate degree in the administration field. However, students who do not hold an undergraduate program in those fields but still wish to pursue the program are encouraged to take at least 18 units of courses in the relevant fields.  Some universities and colleges do consider relevant work experience in lieu of relevant academic background.

Subjects and Curriculum

• Philosophy and Science of Public Administration

• Public Administration Theory

• Processes and Practices

• Statistics in Public Administration

• Human Behavior and Ethics in Public Service

• Local Government and Regional Administration

• Research Methods and Statistics

• Organization Theory and Management in the Public Sector

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

• The student must have an undergraduate degree relevant to the program

• An applicant with a degree not in line with the administration field may still be admitted to the program as long as they take the pre-requisite courses. However, some colleges and universities admit any bachelor’s degree holders. 

• The student must pass the Graduate Admissions Test of the university

Basic Requirements

• Undergraduate Transcript of records (Original and Photocopy)

• Recommendation letters from former professors, deans, or colleagues

• Letter of intent

• Research plan (for PhD programs only)

• Most recent medical and dental health record

• Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate

• Copy of undergraduate diploma

• (1) Latest 2”x2”ID Picture

Areas of Specialization

• Fiscal Administration

• Organizational Studies

• Public Policy and Program Administration

• Local Government and Regional Administration

• Public Enterprise Management

• Voluntary Sector Management

• Spatial Information Management

Program Outcome

Graduates of Master of Public Administration are expected to be able to:

• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex strategic decisions

• Analyze issues through the collection and use of qualitative and quantitative data

• Interact with respect and fairness with diverse and changing internal and external stakeholders

• Manage public finance resources responsibly

• Analyze the implementation and effects of public policies and laws

Board Exam

The Master of Public Administration does not have a board examination. However, graduates may opt to take the Civil Service Examination (CSE) conducted by the Philippine Civil Service Commission (PCSC) to qualify in working in government offices. Some graduates opt to take a Master’s degree followed by a Doctorate degree to gain expertise in the industry. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Master of Public Administration may pursue a career path in government organizations, municipalities, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or private companies. They may apply as academic researchers, administrative heads, an executive in national and local government units, research analysts, policy experts, financial manager, or a public administration professor.