Drive change and transform your leadership
Online Master of Public Affairs
The Ford School online MPA
In today's fast-paced world, leaders are needed to tackle challenges across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Are you ready to influence policy and advance your career?
The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy's Online Master of Public Affairs (MPA) offers a flexible and high-impact learning experience. Designed for professionals with at least five years of policy experience, this program aligns with your schedule, empowering you to enhance your leadership and policymaking skills. Connect with a diverse network of peers and benefit from direct access to esteemed faculty, all while driving tangible change in your field.
“As a mid-career professional, I was keen to avoid a prolonged gap in my professional journey and sought a concise program that would equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to chart a new course in my career.
— Sandy Su (MPA '21)
of MPA graduates said their degree was crucial to career success.
Source: NASPAA Survey, 2018.
Discover the Ford School advantage
At the Ford School, we nurture leaders dedicated to the public good. Gain the insights and skills you need to lead effectively and make a meaningful impact, guided by expert faculty at one of the world's top policy schools.
Legacy of leadership
Prepare to lead with the Ford School's distinguished history of excellence in public policy education, now available online.
Curriculum designed for real-world impact
Develop critical skills in policy analysis, leadership, and communication through interactive learning and practical applications.
Renowned faculty and U-M connections
Learn from renowned faculty and tap into the expansive Michigan network to enrich your professional journey.
Top-ranked policy school. World-class institution.
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What you will learn
A Master of Public Affairs degree will enable you to:
- Strengthen leadership and management skills for effective decision-making across diverse sectors.
- Enhance your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Conduct thorough policy analysis to effectively tackle domestic and international challenges.
- Integrate ethics and applied moral reasoning into sound policy design.
- Apply knowledge in specific policy areas for practical, real-world impact.
- Broaden your understanding of global policy dynamics to enrich your public affairs expertise.
Ready to get started?
Complete our registration form and we'll send you more information.