Executive MPA

The Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is offered by the School of Public Affairs. It is designed for the manager who seeks career advancement and who requires state-of-the-art education, especially in the management of public and nonprofit agencies. (Candidates normally will have had at least three to five years of work experience, including responsibility for managing people and projects). Considered applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a Master’s degree or significant work towards a Master’s Degree. The Executive MPA program examines current issues and problems confronting public and nonprofit leaders. Participants develop sophisticated skills in analysis, communication, administration, and leadership. This is an accelerated two-year cohort program designed especially for those interested in earning a Master of Public Administration degree at the same time as they pursue their professional careers. Courses are frequently team-taught by leading public or nonprofit executives along with Baruch’s distinguished faculty. Students use their work experience as a learning resource. Classes meet for 35 Saturdays during each year from September to June. While most courses are given over a ten-week period, a few are taught on an intensive five-week schedule. The fee includes books, a laptop, pre-registration, meals on class days, staff support, computer training, career seminars, guest lecturers, and special orientation and graduation activities. Resident tuition and program fees for the 2007-2008 academic year are $15,500 and for out-of-state/international students, tuition and program fees cost $20,370.

This year (2007-2008) marks the entrance of the twenty-fourth cohort. Each cohort is comprised of approximately 25 students with two cohorts attending simultaneously (one in the first year of the program, one in the second). It is rare that a student does not graduate. For the past few years, women have outnumbered men in the program and each cohort represents a wide variety of ethnic and racial diversity.

There are fifteen Required Courses and six additional Elective Courses as selected by program administration, totaling 42 credits.

Admissions Procedures and Criteria
Basic criteria for admissions to the executive graduate programs of the School of Public Affairs include:

1.  Satisfactory completion of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university, as indicated.
2.  Submissions of transcripts of any undergraduate or graduate course work, if applicable.
3.  Submission of transcripts of any graduate course work, if applicable
4.  Submission of a student portfolio composed of a resume, two pesonal essays to be evaluated on the quality of analytical      thinking and presentation of ideas, and two or more letters of recommendation.
5.  Completion of the graduate application form.
6.  Payment of a nonrefundable $125 mail-in application fee or $135 online application fee payable to "Baruch College".
7.  Submission of a sponsor's letter, if the program fee is to be paid by the student's employer.

Students educated abroad and/or whose first language is not English should contact the School of Public Affairs'  Office of Student Affairs & Graduate Admissions (SAGA) to learn about procedures and requirements for admission.

Candidates for the Executive MPA are expected to have management experience, including a minimum of three years supervising personnel, projects, or programs. Selection will be based on the applicant's academic and employment history, professional experience, and future promise. The Exective MPA Program only accepts students for Fall admission. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis; candidates are advised to apply as early as possible since enrollment may have to be deferred if the class is full.