How will you shape your impact in public service in five or ten years? It's almost impossible to say. The boundaries between roles and sectors are blurring, and to be effective, you'll need a broad education and a firm grasp of how skills and ideas translate across varying real-world contexts. With NYU Wagner's interdisciplinary MPA-PNP coursework in finance, policy, and management, you'll be prepared to address the most pressing issues of our time in the many fields, sectors, and policy arenas that your career will span.
Your chosen MPA program sets the foundation for a successful career in public and nonprofit management and policy. Our interdisciplinary approach, expert faculty, and prime New York City location offer unparalleled learning, growth, and professional development opportunities. Here’s what sets us apart:
Our 45-credit program includes a blend of foundational courses, specializations, electives, and a capstone project. This comprehensive curriculum provides you with the critical skills and knowledge needed for leadership in public and nonprofit management and policy.
Students must complete the following core courses:
CORE-GP.1011 , Statistical Methods CORE-GP.1018 , Microeconomics CORE-GP.1020 , Management and Leadership CORE-GP.1021 , Financial Management CORE-GP.1022 , Introduction to Public Policy
Ready to take the next step? Explore the application process, requirements, and deadlines for our MPA-PNP program.
Submit your online application along with two essays (with an optional video essay), a resume or curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources, transcripts from all institutions attended, and standardized test scores if applicable. You will also need to submit the $85 application fee and review any additional requirements specific to international applicants .
To make sure you have everything you need, we created a complete application checklist .
We invite students from all majors and backgrounds who demonstrate aptitude in both quantitative and qualitative coursework, along with strong written and verbal communication skills. We value a deep commitment to public service, whether shown through coursework, work experience, or volunteer efforts, and we encourage career changers to apply. Our admissions process is focused on identifying candidates who have the potential to make a significant impact, regardless of the scope, and appreciates professional experience from all sectors to enhance the learning environment.
While we prefer applicants to have at least two years of relevant professional experience, such as full-time, part-time, internship, or volunteer work, it is not a requirement for admission. Students without two years of full-time, degree-relevant experience will participate in the Professional Experience Requirement (PER) to gain practical experience and enhance their understanding of the public service field.
Yes, we offer a number of merit-based scholarships at NYU Wagner. All part-time and full-time students are considered.