MPA Program Tracks
We've Got Your Track
Choose the one tailored to your needs.
Three tracks in our program – traditional, accelerated and executive – mean you can match your degree to your current experience or intended career. Each track shares the same core group of classes for all students. Plus, two different concentrations to choose from (public management or nonprofit management) give your further expertise in your career.
Traditional
Get the opportunity to advance your career in the nonprofit/public sector, no matter your undergraduate degree.
Accelerated
Earn your undergraduate and graduate degree in public administration in five and a half years with our accelerated track.
Executive
Already have 10+ years of experience as a leader in the field? The executive track has unique coursework that connects this experience with learning.
Plot Your Course
Each track requires the same core courses to help you build a strong foundation. Then, based on which track you choose, you'll dive into specialized expertise to develop skills in your career niche. The degree will consist of 30-36 credits.
Traditional Track
You need to complete 36 credit hours of approved coursework consisting of an 18-credit hour core, with an additional 12 credit hours of elective classes (in either public or nonprofit management), a 3 credit-hour internship or applied practicum project and a 3-credit capstone.
Accelerated Track
If you are completing an undergraduate degree in public administration at UW-Green Bay, you are eligible to apply for the accelerated degree that requires 30 additional credits after your bachelor’s degree. This includes an 18-credit core and 6 credits of electives, as well as a 3 credit-hour internship or practicum project and a 3 credit-hour capstone course.
Students applying to the accelerated degree must complete either Pub Adm 215 (Introduction to Public Administration) or Pub Adm 225 (Introduction to Nonprofits) as well as four upper-level courses from the list below and have received a B or better in each course to be eligible:
- PU EN AF 345 Human Resource and Risk Management
- PU EN AF 428 Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation
- PU EN AF 350 Geographic Information Systems
- PU EN AF 453 Cost-Benefit Analysis
- PU EN AF 301 Environmental Politics and Policy
- PU EN AF 306 Regulatory Policy and Administration
- PU EN AF 326 Philanthropy
- PU EN AF/POL SCI 406 State and Local Government
- POL SCI 305 Urban Politics and Policy
- PU EN AF 425 Fundraising and Marketing for Nonprofits
Executive Track
This track is targeted to senior-level professionals in the nonprofit and public sectors. You need to complete 30 credit hours that includes 27 credits (an 18-credit core and 9 credits of electives), as well as a 3-credit capstone course. The executive track requires 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in the public or nonprofit sector.
Need more Details?
Professor Kerry Kuenzi, associate professor and chair of our graduate program, has recently published about career trajectories of nonprofit executives and nonprofit management education, which makes her well-versed in professional opportunities.