Executive MPA (MPA)
Program Description
Designed to prepare seasoned professionals for the next step in their careers, this flexible program trains you to lead organizations and address public service challenges at the highest level in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
As a passionate, experienced professional, you’re looking for new skills, expanded networks, and ways to apply your leadership experience to maximize impact. Our Executive MPA (EMPA) program integrates your experience with a professionally-focused education to advance your career and help you deliver social impact at an even higher level.
Program Highlights
- An inspiring, cohort-based community. EMPA students take part in orientation, core courses, and co-curricular programming within a cohort of service-minded professionals. You'll create powerful connections with fellow students and alumni that will expand your network and inspire your professional journey.
- Individualized coaching and leadership development. We support EMPA students’ professional development through executive coaching, leadership development courses, and a co-curricular series featuring organizational leaders and skill-building workshops.
- A customizable curriculum. You'll work closely with a faculty advisor to develop an individual learning plan based on your unique career goals. About two-thirds of the curriculum consists of elective coursework you can cluster around specific topic areas or skill sets.
- Full- or Part-Time Study. You can complete the program within a year of full-time study, or two or more years of part-time study, with the option to alternate between the two.
- Flexible Scheduling. You may take elective courses as your schedule permits: on Saturdays (mornings/afternoons), during the week (days/evenings), or a combination of the two.
Program Tracks
Public Service Leaders
Public Service Leaders are trained in rigorous methods of management and leadership to develop skills and tools to affect positive change in their field. The program is designed for professionals who have a minimum of seven years of work experience, with increasingly progressive management and leadership responsibility.
Global Public Service Leaders
EMPA students interested in international development management and policy can focus their curriculum on leading organizations in a global context. Students on this track learn rigorous methods of management and leadership while also developing a comparative perspective, skills, and tools to affect positive change internationally.
In addition to having a minimum of seven years of work experience, with increasingly progressive management and leadership responsibility, EMPA Global Public Service Leaders have a background or strong interest in international development management and policy and a vision of leaving the world a better place by working across sectors.
Admissions
Admission to the EMPA program requires the following:
- Online Application
- Essays
- Resume
- Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- Application Fee
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.