Executive MPA (MPA)
Program Description
As a driven, experienced professional, you’re always seeking new opportunities to grow. You want to expand your skills, build valuable connections, and leverage your leadership experience to create greater impact. Our Executive MPA (EMPA) program is designed to merge your expertise with a targeted, practical education—advancing your career while empowering you to drive social change at a higher level.
Program graduates lead initiatives that enhance public service, shape policy, and drive organizational success. They excel in senior leadership roles across government, nonprofit, and global sectors, making decisions that have a lasting impact on communities. Here are some of the impactful roles that Executive MPA graduates step into as they advance their careers: Executive Director, Chief Operations Officer, Senior Director of Development, VP of Customer Experience, VP for Program Strategy
Program Highlights
- Flexible and Customizable Curriculum. Students work with their advisors to develop a customized curriculum that aligns with their personal and professional goals. Approximately 70% of the program consists of elective courses, allowing students to focus on specific topics or skill sets. Students can complete the program in one year as full-time students, or take longer as needed if studying part-time.
- Cohort-Based Program. You'll move through the program alongside a group of peers, building strong professional relationships and a support network that lasts well beyond graduation. Additionally, the program offers access to an extensive alumni network and an exclusive LinkedIn group, providing valuable connections and resources to help you advance your career and expand your impact.
- Strong Network of NYU Alumni. As an Executive MPA (EMPA) student, you'll gain access to a powerful network of NYU alumni. Wagner’s alumni network, combined with the broader NYU community, spans across New York and the globe, offering invaluable connections in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
- One-On-One Leadership Coaching. Personalized coaching and leadership development are key components of the year-one EMPA experience. We empower students through executive coaching, targeted leadership development courses, and a co-curricular series that includes skill-building workshops and insights from accomplished leaders in the field.
Program Tracks
Public Service Leaders
EMPA students learn to lead organizations and address public service challenges at the highest level in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
Global Public Service Leaders
EMPA students interested in international development policy and management can focus their curriculum on leading organizations in a global context.
Admissions
Our streamlined application process allows you to highlight your professional experience and leadership potential. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in management and leadership and at least seven years of full-time work experience, ideally with supervisory duties. We seek individuals who have a passion for leadership and a proven ability to inspire and drive meaningful change. Applicants must submit:
- Two essays to introduce yourself and to inform the admissions committee about your goals, background, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits.
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended in which you earned grades and/or academic credits at the post-secondary level, including undergraduate, transfer credits, continuing education, etc.
- An up-to-date resume that includes your education and employment history.
- Two letters of recommendation, from academic or professional sources.
- An application fee of $85.
Refer to the EMPA Application Checklist for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.
International Applicants should review the International Applicant Checklist for a complete and comprehensive list of application requirements and instructions.
Dual-Degree Option
With NYU's Silver School of Social Work, NYU Wagner offers a dual-degree EMPA-MSW program. This program helps seasoned professionals become strategic leaders by complementing a rigorous course of study in social work with additional expertise in management, finance, and policy. This multi-disciplinary approach means you’ll walk away with the tools to take your compassion and amplify it through strong, sustainable organizations and relevant, life-changing programs. Please note that entry to this program requires separate application and admission to each participating school.