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.
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 $37,480, 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
What skills will I learn in public administration senior leadership?
- Policy and program formulation, implementation, and evaluation
- Human resources, diversity, and labor relations
- Decision-making skills and problem-solving techniques
- Conflict management and conflict resolution skills
Will I get prior learning credit?
We recognize the valuable experience and perspectives that working professionals bring to the classroom. The MPA-SL is a cohort-based, low-residency program consisting of a select group of public sector professionals who learn and interact as a group throughout the program. Accepted students will have three to five years of experience in the public sector.
Prior learning credit will be applied for two courses (Foundations of Public Service and Administration and Change Management) upon completion and approval of Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) portfolio. We will provide guidance to help you with your APL portfolios.
What are courses and residency workshops are available?
Courses
- Policy Analysis
- Leading Teams
- Labor Relations
- Crisis Management
- Program Development Evaluation
- Public Budgeting
Residency Workshop Examples
- Opioid Response Best Practices – Worcester, MA
- Disaster Response – Portland, ME
- Union Management Relations – Concord, NH
- Cannabis: New Industry, New Challenges – New Haven, CT
- Change, Challenges, and Complexities – Providence, RI
- Public Budgeting – Burlington, VT
Academic Excellence. Global Reach. Career Success.
Join our supportive community of scholars. Ready to take the next step?