Find out more about Master of Public Administration / Criminal Justice

Program Details

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Northcentral University provides leadership and management skills for those seeking work to help develop, establish and implement public programs. While many in this field work for federal, state or local government entities, public administrators may also work for private organizations and within the nonprofit sector. 

This program provides students with a deep understanding of how government agencies and programs function and the role public administrators play within these organizations. Students will learn about public policy processes, including the benefits and challenges of using technology to deliver government services and programs. Additional areas of focus include budgeting, organizational behavior, quality management and public program evaluation as well as budgeting and finance.

The Criminal Justice specialization can help students develop the advanced competencies and analytical skills needed to prepare for a career in correctional institutions, law enforcement agencies and the court system. Students will explore legal traditions and their connection to criminal activity, law enforcement response, ethics and the legal system. Students will also demonstrate their knowledge with a final research project that includes identifying a workplace problem and an area for intervention along with creating a recommended plan of action.