For proven leaders ready to do more.
The Clark MPA for Senior Leadership program is specifically designed for experienced public sector and non-profit professionals who want to advance their careers and grow their capacity to drive change.
Program Mission
Clark University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is dedicated to cultivating ethical, innovative, and effective leaders and problem-solvers to address complex public challenges and advance the public interest. Rooted in a commitment to public service “to pursue the public interest with accountability and transparency” (NASPAA), our program prepares students to examine their roles and responsibilities as global citizens to tackle pressing issues facing communities at all levels with integrity. In this program, students will engage in rigorous academic coursework, research, and experiential learning opportunities, and gain insights from diverse perspectives to enable them to make meaningful and sustainable contributions to the public sector and nonprofit organizations.
Program Outcomes
To accomplish the program’s mission, Clark University commits to providing an education that prepares students to achieve the following program outcomes:
- Ethical Leadership: Graduates will demonstrate ethical leadership skills, applying principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency to address complex public challenges and promote social equity.
- Innovative Problem-Solving: Graduates will develop innovative problem-solving skills, using evidence-based strategies to propose solutions to pressing public issues.
- Public Service Values: Graduates will embody public service values, advocating for inclusive and equitable policies and practices with integrity and compassion.
- Global Citizenship and Responsibility: Graduates will recognize their roles and responsibilities as global citizens, critically examining challenges with integrity and empathy, and advocating for inclusive solutions to promote the common good.
- Applied Learning: Graduates will apply theoretical knowledge and gain practical skills through experiential learning opportunities, e.g., internships, fieldwork, and community service.
- Effective Communication and Collaboration: Graduates will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to achieve common goals and promote positive change.
- Lifelong Learning: Graduates will engage in continuous professional development to enhance their skills and leadership in public administration and service.
The Right Master’s Degree for the Right Time
Our field of public administration is constantly changing, presenting new challenges as well as opportunities to serve our communities. Clark’s MPA Senior Leadership program will provide emerging and seasoned public leaders with new tools and skills to meet these challenges and advance in their careers.
alumni spotlight“Our classes are led by accomplished academic leaders and former public managers who will work collaboratively with you to solve real world problems. It is an exceptional opportunity for career development that is flexible and rewarding.
—Joseph O’Brien
Former Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts
Clark’s Master of Public Administration Senior Leadership (MPA-SL) equips public sector professionals with expertise in policy and program formulation, implementation, and evaluation, decision-making and problem-solving techniques, human resources, and conflict resolution skills.
The MPA-SL is a cohort-based program that starts in August and takes 18 months to complete. Students will complete the six low-residency courses (online and in-person) together in a sequential order. Two Capstone units are completed by participants with guidance from their program adviser. Coursework will be completed online, with the exception of onsite two-day sessions held throughout New England. Students are required to attend all onsite sessions.
10 course units
- 2 Assessment of Prior Learning credits – Foundations of Public Service and Administration and Change Management
- 6 online courses (plus in-person residency workshops)
- Capstone project (2 units)
The job market for public administrators and civil servants in the United States is expanding, creating many opportunities for a new generation of skilled leaders. Through Clark’s MPA-SL program, you learn strategies to address the complex issues in public administration and successfully implement solutions at your current job and your future career plans. Public policy leadership is one of the largest job growth areas in the non-profit sector. The MPA-SL will position you academically and professionally to tap into this dynamic and growing field.
Program tuition is based on 8 courses (with 2-course Prior Learning Credit).
Generous scholarships available. Please see more tuition and scholarship information here.
- Municipal Department Leadership Positions
- City or Town Managers
- Police/Fire Chiefs
- State Government Departmental Leadership Positions
- Planning Director
- Finance Director
- Public Works Director
- Economic Development Director
- Parks and Recreation Director
- Disaster Response Coordinator
- Nonprofit Program Director
- Executive Director, Human Services
- Educational Administrators
- Human Services Director
- Advocacy Director
- Support Services Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be working in the field of public administration to qualify for the program?
The MPA-Senior Leadership Program (MPA-SLP) is for ambitious individuals who have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of program or managerial experience in the public or non-profit sector. Ourstudents/alumni include local, state, and federal government employees, elected officials, and nonprofit professionals. Essentially if you are interested in elevating your career and learning how the public and non-profit sectors operate and interact with other stakeholders, our program would bevaluable to you.
Is there financial aid available?
Clark University does award scholarships for all students enrolled in our MPA Senior LeadershipProgram. To learn about scholarship awards, please contact the Senior Leadership Director MaryPiecewicz at mpiecewicz@clarku.edu. In addition, Clark offers access to several loan programs and tuition payment plans to help manage the cost of graduate education.
Are residency sessions mandatory?
Residency sessions are an integral part of the program and are mandatory. Keynote speakers and subject matter experts meet with students providing a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about emerging public policy issues. Professional development workshops are also a hallmark of the 2-day residency. Residencies are also an excellent way to engage with fellow students, faculty, and thought leaders for building your professional network.
How long is the program?
The program is two academic years long.
(There are no summer classes in the MPA Senior Leadership Program).
How many courses are in the program?
The program consists of 8 graduate courses and 2 applied learning portfolio credits based on your work experience. Courses are Organizational Behavior & Leadership, Ethics and Governance, Policy Analysis, Nonprofit Management, Public Budgeting, and Labor Relations & Collective Bargaining. The first year of the program students focus on researching a chosen policy challenge relevant to their
community or career. During the second year, students apply that research to address and solve that challenge head-on through a capstone project.
How do I qualify for the 2 prior learning experience credits?
The two prior learning credits waive two courses in the program and are based on previous work experience. The MPA SLP academic adviser assists with the prior learning credit portfolio process during the graduate program.
Is this an online or in-person program?
MPA-SLP is a hybrid program. Each of the 8 core courses begins with a residency, and the remainder of the course is online. The research and capstone courses are independently instructor-led.
I have never taken an online class before. What support is available to help new online learners?
Clark students use Canvas as their online platform. At the first residency session, we will have training from one of Clark’s online training specialists to help students prepare for taking online classes. Clark offers both online and phone support for all online learners through its IT help desk. The IT help desk can be reached at 508-793-7745. In addition, Clark has an online learning portal to assist you. Most importantly, all our faculty are experienced in teaching online courses and will work with you as you become familiar with online learning.
I have never done a Capstone project and have heard they are pretty intensive – What can I expect?
The Capstone project is the culmination of this premier graduate degree program. The capstone project topic will be your choice – perhaps something related to your current job or addressing an issue that you are passionate about. You will work one-on-one with the Capstone advisor all through the Research and Capstone Modules. There is a Capstone standard process that you follow and your advisor will be there every step of the way with you. Many graduate students find the Capstone project is the most rewarding learning experience of the program.
How flexible is the structure of the program?
Due to the unique design of the program, participants are expected to attend residencies and take classes in order with the rest of the cohort.
Will there be credit for previous graduate courses?
As the program is only 8 courses and you receive 2 credits for the prior learning experience, we are not able to waive credit for previous graduate courses
“This program did a great job of allowing me to balance work and school.
—Che Anderson, Clark MPA ’21
Assistant Vice Chancellor for City & Community Relations
“Going to school with colleagues from different types of organizations gave me a more well-rounded view of everything I’m working on.
—effy larkin, Clark MPA ’21
Hiring Manager
“My advice? Don’t wait. The relationships you build through this program are huge.
—Nathan Boudreau, MPA for Senior leadership ’22
Hubbardston Town Administrator
“I earned my master’s on my schedule.
—Dan Donahue, MPA for Senior Leadership ’23
Massachusetts State Representative
“The idea of going back to school again was overwhelming, but the professors made sure we felt comfortable.
—Laura Paladino, MPA for senior leadership ’21
Chief of Staff, Worcester City Manager
“As a senior leadership professional working during the pandemic, the flexibility of this program was key.
—sue sleigh, lpn, MPA for senior leadership ’22
Chief Operating Officer
“The connections I’ve made with colleagues from different political philosophies than mine have helped me become a better public servant.
—drew russo, MPA for senior leadership ’23
Personnel Director
Academic Excellence. Global Reach. Career Success.
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