Major Requirements

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is open to individuals with substantial experience and managerial responsibility in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors (including NGOs). The typical candidate has seven or more years of management experience and holds a position beyond that of basic supervisor. The program is designed for mid-career managers who require updated information and skills, who anticipate promotion to a leadership position, or who plan to transition to the public or nonprofit sectors. Current students are drawn from international government ministries and NGOs; federal, regional, state, and local domestic agencies; and a variety of nonprofit and private organizations. The 30-credit program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study or in a variety of part-time formats.

The program encourages students to form a concentration in a policy or administrative area tailored to their professional needs. The degree consists of 10 courses, including three required courses: PAI 895 - Mid-career Training Group  Executive Education Seminar, PAI 897 - Fundamentals of Policy Analysis , and PAI 996 - Master’s Project Paper . Four of the additional seven elective courses may be selected from another department of the Maxwell School or, with permission, from another college or school of the University.

The Executive Education Program also administers several certificate programs, which can be pursued concurrently with the EMPA. A dual degree of EMPA and the Executive Master of International Relations (EMIR) is also possible.