Ranked #5 in Nonprofit Management by U.S. News and World Report

The Executive program in Wagner's Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree helps mid-career professionals prepare for the highest levels of public service leadership. Featuring a powerful professional network and a flexible curriculum, the Executive track teaches advanced competency in leading organizations through change. Students work closely with a faculty advisor to develop individual learning plans based on their unique leadership ambitions and skill-development goals.

Commonly referred to as the "EMPA" program, students come from diverse backgrounds in the public, nonprofit and private sectors and have a minimum of five to seven years of professional management and direct supervisory experience. Graduates of the program benefit from NYU Wagner's deep connections throughout New York City and around the world.

Exploring ...

Beyond the Classroom

The EMPA program fosters a strong community and provides learning opportunities that are not available in the traditional classroom through highly individualized advisement with faculty, a private lecture series with inspiring leaders in public service and a strong alumni network.

Cross-Professional Series (XPS)

Open Society Institute's president, Aryeh Neier, introduced by Dean Ellen Schall

This speaker series offers students in Wagner's Executive and Professional Dual-Degree programs a unique opportunity to hear from leaders in many different fields and with a wide array of career experiences. The series is in intimate seminar style with an accompanying reception where students are able to engage with colleagues across disciplines, fostering important connections.

Careers

Wagner EMPA students play significant roles in redeveloping neighborhoods, advocating for social justice and providing  vital human and social services in nonprofits, consulting firms, private organizations and government agencies.

Degree Requirements

Credits required for graduation: 36

Videos

Paul C. Light: What is a governme...
Paul C. Light: What is a government ill-executed?
Paulette Goddard Professor of Public Service
What is a government ill-executed?
Bethany Godsoe
Bethany Godsoe
Executive Director, Research Center for Leadership in Action
How does RCLA develop both leaders and leadership?
Rogan Kersh
Rogan Kersh
Associate Professor of Public Service and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
How does the food lobby influence obesity?
David Elcott
David Elcott
The Henry and Marilyn Taub Professor of Practice in Public Service and Leadership, NYU Wagner
A conversation with David Elcott, The Henry and Marilyn Taub Professor of Practice in Public Service at NYU Wagner
Sonia Ospina
Sonia Ospina
Associate Professor of Public Management and Policy
How does leadership happen?
"The EMPA program is designed to train students for shifts in careers and for advancement into new roles or whole new fields. Our focus on leadership, wide-ranging reflection and honed skills is matched by the highly personalized learning journey we offer each student."

–Professor David Elcott, Director of the EMPA Program.

Connect Online: Join us for the EMPA Webinar Series

Spend 30 minutes with us each week learning more about the EMPA at NYU Wagner. In a series of three webinars offered Wednesday's at 12:30pm (EDT) on March 28, April 4, and April 11 we will give an overview of the program, discuss the admissions criteria, plus examine how to fit graduate school into your life! Attend all 3 or just choose the ones that interest you. Register today!

Faculty Director

David Elcott
Principal Faculty Advisor

For More Information

Kara Mitchell, Assistant Director, EMPA and Dual-Degree Programs

Click here for more information about admissions and to apply

Global Perspective

Students in the Executive MPA program may concentrate in international public service organizations, preparing them to confront the challenges of implementing complex public service policies and programs in different contexts.

Read more about the international specialization and faculty.

Read more about the global perspective at Wagner.

Alumni Profile

“The diversity of experience and opinion broadened my global perspective...”

Graham MacMillan
MS International, ‘02

read more