Master of Public Policy
and Administration (MPPA)
Renewing American Public Life
About the Program
Called to Serve the Common Good
A spirit of renewal is calling Americans back to our deepest roots to restore American civic life with a special focus on the levels of government closest to the people. The University of St. Thomas is forming leaders for that effort. The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) forms students to be thoughtful, ethical leaders who contribute to the common good through careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and civic leadership.
Grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, the MPPA program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to restore American civic life. Whether your goal is to advance your current career, transition into public service, or deepen your impact in your community, the MPPA offers an affordable, flexible path to professional growth and meaningful leadership.
Our Program
The Wisdom of Tocqueville & Burke Applied to Today’s Problems
The MPPA curriculum offers two concentrations:
- State, county, and city policy, and administration, and
- Ethical leadership
Harking back to the wisdom of Alexis de Tocqueville and Edmund Burke, this unique program emphasizes the world of policy and civil society beyond Washington, D.C. and equips leaders to make a big impact on the places they call home. The combination of a Catholic approach to understanding the American political order with demonstrated expertise in getting policy done at all levels of government makes UST’s MPPA distinctive.
Our Courses
Discover the Impact of American Order
Courses are designed and taught by experienced practitioners and scholars who bring decades of expertise in policy research, public administration, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Students draw upon the foundations of the American order and principles that shape effective public institutions to examine the successes and limitations of policy initiatives. They gain a deeper understanding of how incentives, structures, and unintended consequences influence outcomes.
Throughout the program, students engage with the deepest questions of politics and policy:
- What is the proper role of government in a free society?
- How can public institutions better serve the common good?
- What responsibilities do citizens and civil society have?
- How can ethical leadership renew society and culture?
By integrating theory, practice, and ethical reflection, the courses form graduates to lead with virtue and integrity.
Student Experience
Skills, Wisdom, and Trusted Colleagues
Community of Motivated Citizens
The MPPA experience allows students to join a vibrant community of citizens, professionals, and emerging leaders who share a commitment to serving their community and strengthening civic life.
Small Class Sizes, Personal Attention
Small class sizes foster deep engagement, allowing students to learn from faculty and build a network of trusted colleagues. The program is designed to accommodate working professionals and can be completed in as little as one year, making it possible to advance your education while continuing your career.
Join Our Community
Leaders Renewing Communities
The work of renewing communities belongs to citizens, neighbors, leaders, and servants willing to engage where they are. Through the MPPA program, students gain the tools to make a lasting difference—one community, one organization, and one act of service at a time.