Maxine Goodman School of Urban Affairs
https://levin.csuohio.edu/mpa/mpa
Areas of Study
Public & City Management
Economic Development
Nonprofit Management
Public Financial Management
Accreditation
The Master of Public Administration program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Additionally, the School of Urban Affairs, which houses the MPA program, has been designated a Center of Excellence in Public Administration by Cleveland State University. The MPA program is ranked third in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in the specialization of Urban Policy, and twelfth in Local Government Management.
Mission
The Master of Public Administration program’s mission is to advance intellectual and administrative leadership in public administration by preparing students to assume the challenges of public service. Coursework gives a diverse student body a foundation in general public administration and specialized skills grounded in one of the program’s areas of expertise. It also helps students to discover, construct, interpret, and disseminate knowledge and understanding about the practice of public affairs. The MPA program also serves the Northeast Ohio region, including the professional community, by extending intellectual resources and applying knowledge.
The MPA program has built this mission on a commitment to nationally recognized excellence in public administration education and research, to the development of leadership in government, to public service for solutions to urban problems, and to an enhanced understanding of public policy and management in a global and diverse society. Through its activities, the Master of Public Administration program supports the educational, research, and public-service missions of the School of Urban Affairs and Cleveland State University.
The Master of Public Administration program is multidisciplinary, drawing on the faculties of the Monte Ahuja College of Business, the School of Urban Affairs, and the Cleveland State University College of Law. The principal objective of the program is to prepare its graduates for administrative positions in government, nonprofit, and public-service organizations. The program provides a broad educational base, as well as specific administrative techniques as preparation for positions carrying administrative responsibility. The program is designed both for in-service students and recent college graduates seeking careers in government and public-service organizations. Most courses are offered in the evening and a few on weekends, allowing students to take classes after work hours.
Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.
For updated MPA program information, visit https://levin.csuohio.edu/mpa/mpa.
Research Units
Students have the opportunity to work with the faculty and staff in the research, public-service, and training centers of the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education. See https://levin.csuohio.edu/research/research for information on the facilities.
Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.
Career Information
The School of Urban Affairs, through the Public Affairs Student Services Center and the faculty, provides a variety of services related to career planning to help students and graduates find employment related to their program of study. Current job postings are maintained in the on the Levin College website. Cleveland State’s Office of Career Development and Exploration also provides graduate students and alumni with career advice and career-development assistance, including resume review.
Financial Assistance
For fullest consideration, GA applicants should submit the School of Urban Affairs GA application and be admitted with degree-seeking status by February 15.
Student employment opportunities are available to eligible degree-seeking students. Internship information is available through the Public Affairs Student Services Center and student employment information is available through the Office of Career Development and Exploration.
Admission Information
Applicants to the Master of Public Administration Program must meet the minimum requirements established by the College of Graduate Studies and the MPA program faculty:
- A minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, with an average Verbal and Quantitative score at the 40th percentile or above, and an Analytical Writing score of at least 4.0. Students with a graduate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university are exempted from this requirement. The LSAT may be substituted for the GRE only by JD/MPA applicants. Other standardized admission examinations may be substituted at the discretion of the Program Director. For information about applying for waiver of the GRE requirement please visit https://levin.csuohio.edu/.
- Two letters of recommendation, using the Recommendation Form for Graduate Admission.
- Applicants are asked to describe their motivation to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at CSU and describe what prepares them to be successful in the program and their careers moving forward. The essay should be no more than two single-spaced pages and no less than one single-spaced page.
- Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English-language proficiency as indicated under “Admission Requirements for International Students and Permanent Residents” in the Admissions section of this catalog.
Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/graduate-admissions/how-apply
Types of Admission
The academic status of a graduate degree-seeking applicant is determined after a review of admission credentials. Graduate Program Committees, in concurrence with the Office of Graduate Admissions, may recommend admission of applicants as regular or conditional graduate students. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog for information on admission categories.
Admission for CSU Honors College Graduates
The School of Urban Affairs offers expedited admissions for students graduating through Cleveland State University’s Honors College. Interested students should contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator (urbanprograms@csuohio.edu) for details.