The MPA Program at ECU
Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and international organizations actively seek skilled policy and management professionals. The Master of Public Administration Program (MPA) at East Carolina University prepares students for work in the public and nonprofit sector through a curriculum designed to enhance and develop public management and public policy skills. Faculty work with students to develop the necessary skills and techniques to implement policies, programs, and projects to resolve problems in society and within their own organizations. Students learn the needs and challenges of public service through in-class activities, guided research projects, and engagement with community partners and organizations.
The MPA program is designed for both current professionals and pre-service students. The curriculum requires students to complete classes in-person during weekday evenings and online. Current professionals returning to the classroom are enabled to continue their career trajectory, while pre-service students will have the capability to engage in professional activities while completing their degree. Students can expect to complete the degree in 24-months if enrolling full-time or 36-months if enrolling part-time.
Ms. Kimberly Mack MPA Class of 2018, Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees for Halifax Community College
"The education I received was second to none. The professors at ECU prepared me for the rigor of doctoral-level classes by giving me a strong educational foundation to build upon. The critical thinking abilities, in conjunction with the public speaking, professional presentations, statistics, and writing skills I have developed have aided me tremendously in my doctoral program."
What can I do with an MPA?
A common question is ‘what can I do with an MPA?’ To us, the better question is what can’t you do? Our MPA program is geared for those individuals interested in starting or advancing a professional career in government or nonprofit management and policy.
Common Careers Our Graduates Seek:
* Budget & Finance Analyst
* County Manager
* Management Analyst
* City/Town Manager
* Policy Analyst
* Human Resources Manager
* Economic Development Specialist
* Public Affairs Officer
Where Our MPA Graduates Have Worked:
Federal Government:
* NASA
* Department of Transportation
* Department of the Navy
* CIA
State Government:
* NC State Bureau of Investigation
* NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources
* NC & VA Departments of Transportation
* NC Community College System
* East Carolina University
Local Government:
* City of Fayetteville
* Town of Kenansville
* Cumberland County
* Town of Tarboro
* City of High Point
* City of Wilson
* Town of Washington
* Nash County
* City of Rocky Mount
* Edgecombe County
Non-Profits:
* RTI International
* American Red Cross
* Chowan & Lenoir County Hospitals
* Pamlico Tar River Foundation
"Learning about public administration from ECU's MPA program has been a rewarding experience. My career goal is to be a city manager and this program has given me the tools needed to pursue that career. The program curriculum does a really great job at touching every facet of public administration. I am confident that this program has provided an all-encompassing understanding of what a public administrator may do in any position, which will help me in achieving my professional goals."
Chris Rudkowski, current MPA student Second Lieutenant, United States Army Reserve
Why ECU?
East Carolina University’s MPA program has served the eastern North Carolina region and beyond for over 40 years. Students in our program are taught by skilled and professional faculty that are able to balance theory and application. Most of our faculty members either currently or have previously served in public and non-profit sectors and are able to bring their experiences into the classroom for enhanced learning. Students should expect to find classroom experiences engaging. Class sizes are small (average of 15 students) and contain a diverse student body.
The curriculum of the program is reflective of national standards for public affairs education programs. The program is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and has maintained this accreditation since 1994. As a result, the MPA program at ECU offers a high-quality degree that is also affordable.
For More Information:
Dr. Casey Fleming, MPA Program Director
Department of Political Science, Brewster A-134
East Carolina University
Greenville NC 27858-4353
Phone: 252-328-1063
FAX: 252-328-4134
Email: flemingc17@ecu.edu
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