The University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, recognized for its dedication to the public good and academic excellence, has unveiled a new Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program for mid-career policy professionals. The flexible program enables students to continue in their careers and position themselves to take on new leadership roles. With this new program offering, the Ford School continues its tradition of excellence in public policy education, reaching a wider audience and equipping them with the necessary tools to tackle today's critical issues and foster meaningful change.
Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes highlighted the program's significance: “I am delighted about the launch of the Ford School’s Online MPA program, which leverages the school’s strengths in cutting-edge research, impactful policy engagement, and an exceptional student experience. The online curriculum gives more public policy professionals access to our high-quality education and helps them advance their policy and leadership skills to make a lasting impact in their communities and on a global scale.”
Like the Ford School’s residential programs, the Online MPA combines rigorous academic training and access to world-renowned faculty with practical, hands-on experiences. The flexible online curriculum covers core topics such as policy analysis, public management, strategic communication, and leadership. Beyond the online coursework, students can apply their new skills in real-world scenarios, build strong cohort relationships, and engage with Ford School faculty, staff, and peers. One standout element of the program is the inclusion of immersive multi-day onsite residencies at the school’s vibrant Ann Arbor campus. Designed to accommodate busy schedules, the program can be completed by earning 30 credits within a structured timeframe.
Dr. Elisabeth Gerber, the Jack L. Walker, Jr. Collegiate Professor of Public Policy, will serve as the inaugural director of the Online MPA program. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise, having consistently utilized interdisciplinary approaches to produce policy-relevant research and analysis while enhancing organizational practices in the field of public policy. Dr. Gerber is the visionary behind ViewPoint, an award-winning software platform designed for creating, facilitating, and participating in educational role-play simulations. Her leadership and innovative contributions make her ideally suited to guide the Online MPA program toward success.
“Our objective is to offer a top-tier public policy education that is both accessible and flexible for mid-career professionals,” said Gerber. “We are excited about the opportunities this new program creates. We have designed it to provide high-quality professional development for emerging public policy leaders, enabling them to advance their skills and careers without interruption.”
The application cycle for the inaugural cohort will take place in fall 2025, with the program set to begin in January 2026. To learn more and stay updated on the Ford School’s Online MPA program, please visit our website.
