Master of Public Policy
and Administration
Renewing America Through Virtuous Policy
About the Program
Effective Leaders, Affective Community Change
Public life offers countless opportunities to serve others and strengthen the communities we call home. The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) at the University of St. Thomas prepares students to become thoughtful, ethical leaders who contribute to the common good through careers in government, nonprofit organizations, public service, advocacy, and community leadership.
At the University of St. Thomas, we believe that meaningful change often begins close to home—in neighborhoods, schools, cities, and states where citizens work together to address challenges and create opportunities for future generations. Grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the dialogue between faith and reason, the MPPA program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation necessary to engage constructively in public life.
Consistent with the University’s mission, the program emphasizes the unity of knowledge and the formation of leaders who think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally, and lead ethically. Students explore the purpose of government, the importance of civic institutions, the role of nonprofit organizations, and the principles that contribute to flourishing communities. Through this lens, they develop a deeper understanding of how public policy can serve human dignity and promote the common good.
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 Courses
Engage in Civic Renewal
The MPPA curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in public policy, administration, ethics, and civic leadership.
Courses are designed and taught by experienced practitioners and scholars who bring decades of expertise in policy research, public administration, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. Students examine the principles that shape effective public institutions, explore the successes and limitations of policy initiatives, and gain a deeper understanding of how incentives, governance structures, and unintended consequences influence public outcomes.
Throughout the program, students engage with questions that have animated public life for generations:
- What is the proper role of government in a free society?
- How can public institutions better serve their communities?
- What responsibilities do citizens have in sustaining civic life?
- How can ethical leadership strengthen trust and promote the common good?
- What role do nonprofit organizations, local communities, and civil society play in addressing society’s challenges?
By integrating theory, practice, and ethical reflection, the curriculum prepares graduates to make informed decisions and lead with wisdom, integrity, and virtue.
Student Experience
Policy Discernment Beyond the Classroom
The MPPA experience allow students to join a vibrant community of professionals, emerging leaders, and public servants who share a commitment to serving others and strengthening civic life.
Small class sizes foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration, allowing students to learn from faculty and peers with diverse professional backgrounds and perspectives. Faculty members serve as mentors, helping students connect their studies to their professional aspirations and vocational calling.
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.
Most importantly, students are invited to view public service as a service to society. By engaging thoughtfully in the public square and contributing to the life of their communities, graduates are prepared to bring light, hope, and principled leadership to the institutions and organizations they serve. 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.