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.
Connect with professional peers
Students in the program are accomplished public service professionals with at least five years of experience. Network with senior practitioners from all over New England who share your professional goals and challenges.
Online / low-residency design
The 18 months, low-residency format includes eight online classes and six residency sessions focused on pressing policy challenges.
Course credit for work experience
Students receive two applied learning credits for prior work experience.
Keep your job while you earn your MPA
The program’s flexible, affordable format allows you to keep your career on track while you earn your degree quickly and expand your professional network. Learn from your fellow cohort students and expert faculty who are experienced practitioners in their field and apply what you learn to your daily challenges in real time.
Program facts:
- Length: 18 months
- Two Course credits for your professional experience
- Generous scholarships are available for experience public service and non-profit professionals. View Details
- Low Residency Format: Online study with in-person workshops
Interested in learning more?
Reach out for more information about the MPA Senior Leadership program.
Contact Information:
Mary M. Piecewicz, MBA, MSPC, PMP
Professor of Practice
Program Director, Senior Leadership
mpiecewicz@clarku.edu
1-508-259-0172
School of Professional Studies
All Public Administration Senior Leadership CoursesInquire
Immigration: Current impacts on state and local governments
FREE In-Person Workshop
Marriott Providence, Providence, RI
Friday, May 9th
2:30 – 4 p.m.
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 $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
“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.
Join our supportive community of scholars. Ready to take the next step?