School of Public Affairs and Administration
Where Service Meets Leadership
The School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University–Newark prepares students to lead and manage in public and nonprofit administration positions, understand policy, make critical analyses and decisions, and communicate and interact proactively with a diverse community and workforce.
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Designed for pre-career and in-career students, the master's degree program in public administration provides professional competencies in public administration and nonprofit management and gives students a broad understanding of the field and its relevant issues. Students become competent at defining public problems, analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, developing and communicating creative solutions, and implementing ethical and practical courses of action.
MPA Core Curriculum Areas of Study
- Foundational: Provides understanding of public administration contexts and key professional competencies for public and nonprofit sectors
- Analytical: Examines quantitative and qualitative data methods and research design
- Managerial: Provides foundations in organization and human resources management
- Financial: Examines financial contexts and budgeting skills
- Applications: Provides students with the opportunity to utilize what they have learned in the program via a real world capstone project
Top-Ranked Public and Nonprofit Management Programs
The School of Public Affairs and Administration educates and motivates students through its innovative, comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs and professional and graduate certificate programs. Students from across the region and around the globe come to the School of Public Affairs and Administration to experience a world-class education from renowned faculty, to learn cutting-edge knowledge and skills, to advance their careers, and to help create a better world.
Alumnus Perspective
"I also significantly benefitted from the environment at SPAA where students are encouraged to lead their own progress. Students can study whatever they feel like or reach out to whoever they want without being pressured or judged, which should be the case. I also met faculty and friends who cared about me and gave me support whenever I needed it."
Inkyu Kang (PhD '22)
Why SPAA?
A World-Class Education
Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) is consistently ranked as a top school for public management and leadership, as well as nonprofit management and urban policy, by U.S. News & World Report.
Renowned and Engaged Faculty
The school’s award-winning faculty generates knowledge and best practices in public and nonprofit administration, and collaborates with organizations and professional networks in the region as well across the country and around the globe.
Cutting-Edge Research
SPAA is a hub of cutting-edge research in the field of public affairs and administration. SPAA's centers and institutes further its mission to generate and diffuse knowledge and best practices.
Diversity and Opportunity
Rutgers University–Newark is known for the extraordinary racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of its student body. And the campus is actively engaged with the Newark community, the State of New Jersey, and the nation.
Academic Programs
Discover the School of Public Affairs and Administration
With an emphasis on public service values and competencies for effective performance, the School of Public Affairs and Administration promotes accountability, transparency, and performance in the public and nonprofit sectors.
