"To provide a high quality generalist and practitioner-oriented professional degree program that welcomes a diverse student body and prepares students for public and not-for-profit service."

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Oakland University provides a challenging education for recent graduates seeking professional careers and for those already employed in governmental and other public agencies. The need for such programs is recognized, given the growth in the number and complexity of agencies at the state and local level and the concerns for both responsive and effective public service at all levels. The MPA program seeks a generalist focus through a set of core courses and provides an opportunity for specialization through the electives and the directed project/internship option. Persons with significant experience in public service will be advised to undertake a directed project; those seeking a transition to a public service career will be encouraged to find a public administration internship in one of the area agencies. All courses in the program will be offered weekday evenings, or in some cases, on Saturdays.

Accreditation 

Oakland University's Master of Public Administration is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, the national accrediting body for MPA programs. You can also view the NASPAA Code of Good Practice, the established criteria to become a member school.

In addition, Oakland University has an active chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society of public affairs and administration.