MPA in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy

Gain practical experience in public service with NYC as your urban laboratory. Ranked No. 9 on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Public Affairs Programs.

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Program Overview

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.

What is an MPA Degree?

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is earned with graduate-level training that prepares students for meaningful work in public service, government, nonprofit organizations, and related fields.

Programs typically cover wide-ranging subjects, including public policy, management, finance, economics, ethics, and organizational behavior.

NYU Wagner's MPA-PNP creates leaders through an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines finance, policy, and management in the vibrant backdrop of New York City.

Alumni Achievement

Meet Sean Thomas-Breitfield, MPA-PNP alumnus and co-director of the Building Movement Project. Frustrated with policy gridlock during his time as an analyst and activist in Washington, D.C., Sean pursued further education to drive meaningful change. Today, at the Building Movement Project, he is at the forefront of exploring how nonprofits can lead progressive social movements. Sean is not only leading groundbreaking research on the impacts of race and identity on leadership within the sector but shaping important conversations across the country as well.

Meet Other MPA-PNP Alumni

Skills You'll Learn with an MPA-PNP

Gain a comprehensive skill set that empowers you to lead, innovate, and create a lasting impact. Our graduates are equipped to address real-world challenges with these essential abilities and more:

Advocacy and Change Implementation

Rally support and mobilize resources to drive systemic changes that align with social and political goals.

Community Organizing

Empower others to address issues and improve conditions within their communities through grassroots efforts.

Public Economics

Examine how government policies impact efficiency and distribution, shaping decisions on taxation, public spending, and resource allocation.

Governance and International Development

Explore frameworks and strategies that enhance political stability, economic growth, and social progress in developing nations.

Social Entrepreneurship

Combine business acumen with a drive to improve societal challenges.

Impact Investing

Solicit meaningful financial contributions to measurable social and environmental impact organizations.

Specialized Competencies

Develop expertise in areas such as climate change, criminal justice, education, health, immigration, international development, and urban development.

Why Choose NYU Wagner?

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:

Convenience & Flexibility

Our program offers flexible scheduling options for both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students typically finish in three to four years.

Real-World Experience

A year-long capstone project is the pinnacle of your graduate experience, offering an opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to real-world challenges. Collaborating with peers and expert faculty mentors, you'll approach pressing issues facing communities locally and globally.

Distinguished Faculty

Learn from premier scholars in a variety of disciplines, including economics, finance, management, political science, law, planning, and healthcare. These highly-accomplished industry leaders will prepare you to effectively address issues across sectors and policy arenas.

Tangible Career Outcomes

MPA graduates work in government agencies, non-profits, international organizations, corporate social responsibility departments, and a multitude of other sectors. That includes organizations ranging from the American Red Cross, APCO Worldwide, Ernst & Young, Everytown for Gun Safety, NY Green Bank, United Nations, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

What Our Graduates Say

Our 2023 employment report shows that 94.8% of NYU Wagner graduates are employed within 10 months of graduating, highlighting how effective our programs are in preparing students for successful careers in public service and beyond.

"The MPA-PNP program broadened my knowledge of international policy and pathways to create change, especially in combatting climate change. My capstone project with the World Bank was an invaluable experience that laid the groundwork for my current role at New York's Green Bank, focusing on financing renewable energy projects to curb emissions."

—Katherine Dunn (MPA 2023), Communications Associate at NY Green Bank

What Can You Achieve With an MPA-PNP?

With an MPA-PNP, you can transform your passion for public service into a successful career. Our graduates utilize their NYU Wagner education to drive meaningful change and address critical issues across the world. 

Areas our alumni are making an impact:

  • Local, state, and government agencies
  • Nonprofit and non-governmental organizations
  • International organizations—UN, international financial institutions, and bilateral agencies
  • Private corporations
  • Public service delivery agencies
  • Foundations
  • Think tanks
  • Public finance
  • Consulting firms

Notable job titles held by NYU MPA-PNP degree holders:

  • Policy Director
  • Program Analyst
  • Program Management Specialist
  • Finance Manager
  • Grant Writer
  • Fiscal Management Specialist
  • Program Coordinator
  • Chief Strategy Officer
  • Budget Examiner
  • Infrastructure Management Specialist
  • Lobbying Associate

See Where Our Graduates Are Working

Curriculum Overview

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.

Learn More About the Curriculum

student writing

How to Apply

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 optional 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.

What do we look for in an applicant?

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.

Is work experience required for admission?

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.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, we offer a number of merit-based scholarships at NYU Wagner. All part-time and full-time students are considered.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Find out detailed information about the cost of attendance, and access resources to finance your education—including federal loan programs and merit-based fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships.

 

 

Tuition is calculated on a per-credit basis. Your tuition costs are customized based on the total number of credits you enroll in each term.

Per-Credit Tuition Costs (2024-2025)

  FALL 2024 Spring 2025 Summer 2025

Tuition per point/credit

$2,395

$2,395

$2,395

 

PER-SEMESTER TUITION COSTS (2024-2025)

Credits Tuition

6 credits

$14,370

9 credits

$21,555

12 credits

$28,740


View the tuition and fee calculator at the NYU Bursar's website.

*For Executive Masters students, fees also include a one-time $1,758 EMPA program fee. The program fee will be split across two semesters:

  • EXEC-GP 100 = $879 (Fall 2024)
  • EXEC-GP 101 = $879 (Spring 2025)

**A typical part-time student enrolls in 6 credits per fall and spring semester each academic year. A typical full-time student enrolls in 12 credits per fall and spring semester each academic year.

 

 

          Expense type*
Estimated cost

Housing

$23,588

Food

$6,450

Books

$1,510

Transportation

$2,342

Personal Expenses

$3,000

Student Basic Health Insurance**

$4,346

ESTIMATED TOTAL

$41,236

 

*Please note that these expenses, based on 2024-2025 rates, are discretionary for students and are included here to assist you in planning your budget.  

**Based on Basic Plan. For more information on student health insurance options, including premiums, enrollment, and waivers, please visit the NYU Student Health Insurance website.

Most NYU Wagner students fund their studies through a variety of means—private or federal student loans, college work-study, or student employment. You can seek out supplementary funding by applying to external merit-based or need-based scholarship programs that award students pursuing a degree program in public service.

Federal Student Loans

Federal student loan programs offer low-interest student loan options for US Citizens and Permanent Residents. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Graduate financial aid programs available to students who study in New York State include:

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
  • Federal Grad/Professional Plus Loans
  • Federal Work Study

Compare the different types of federal loan programs.

How to Apply

If you are a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and you wish to be considered for need-based federal financial aid, you must complete the current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). List "New York University" as a recipient and include our federal school code number 002785. Deadline: You should submit the FAFSA no later than October 1 for spring-start students or February 1 for fall-start students. While the FAFSA is accepted after these deadlines, late submission will cause a delay in the determination (and notification) of your aid eligibility (but it does not impact the amount of funding for which you are eligibile). 

Private Loan Programs

A variety of additional, private (non-federal) alternative loans are also available from individual lending institutions. Please think carefully about your obligations as a borrower before pursuing any educational loan. Consider your educational investment at NYU, as well as your long-term financial commitments when borrowing.

See a reference list of private lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can I pursue with an MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy?

An MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy opens doors to a variety of rewarding careers, including public service, government, nonprofit organizations, and related fields. Graduates are equipped to tackle complex challenges, drive meaningful change, and lead initiatives that make a tangible impact in their communities and beyond.

How does an MPA-PNP differ from a general MPA degree?

While a general MPA provides a broad overview of public administration, an MPA-PNP concentrates specifically on the management, policy, and operational challenges unique to nonprofit organizations and the public sector. Coursework helps form a deeper understanding of areas such as nonprofit governance, fundraising, community engagement, and policy analysis related to public and nonprofit sectors. 

What skills will I gain from an MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy?

An MPA in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy provides essential skills in strategic planning, financial management, and program evaluation, specifically tailored for the nonprofit and public sectors. Expertise is also gained in policy analysis, fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy, empowering you to lead meaningful change.

What are the admission requirements for the MPA-PNP program?

We invite applicants from all disciplines and experiences who excel in both quantitative and qualitative analysis and have strong communication skills. We highly value a sincere dedication to public service, whether through academic achievements, professional roles, or volunteer work. We require an online application, two essays (with optional video essay), resume or curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation from academic or professional settings, transcripts from colleges or universities, and optional standardized test scores to be considered for admission.