Find out more about West Chester University of Pennsylvania

WCU offers the online DPA. This degree prepares individuals to advance in the practice of public affairs and administration at the highest levels. Courses focus on the development of core competencies in the areas of strategic management, public sector economic and financial decision-making, and policy advocacy and leadership. 

Students will be prepared to engage in the highest levels of program and policy evaluation. Concentration courses will be selected from among the departments of Public Policy & Administration, Criminal Justice, Geography and Planning, and Graduate Social Work.

WCU offers the online Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. This certificate is designed for persons who desire to enhance their management and supervisory skills in public administration.

The following courses are offered in the program:

• Public Sector Organization Theory and Behavior 
• Research Methods in Public Administration 
• Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation 
• Public Human Resource Management
• Foundations of Public Service 
• Public Budgeting and Finance

A Master of Business Administration degree is available online at West Chester University of Pennsylvania.  Students will gain critical skills through this program, empowering them to handle any prospective leadership or management situation.  Courses span over:

• Entrepreneurship
• Analytics
• Project management

The 100% online MBA uses an asynchronous course model, keeping scheduling flexible for working professionals.  Students are enabled with real-world business issues to expand problem solving skills and gain a competitive edge for in their prospective market.

WCU offers the online MPA. This degree is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to enhance the field of public service through positions both inside and outside of government in the nonprofit and even private sector. This program plan is designed for individuals with professional work experience who desire to enhance their administrative and public management skills as well as pre-service students who do not have professional experience. 

The following represent the core courses for the MPA program:

• Public Sector Organization Theory and Behavior 
• Research Methods in Public Administration 
• Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation 
• Public Human Resource Management
• Foundations of Public Service 
• Public Budgeting and Finance

WCU offers the online MS in HR Management. This degree prepares individuals to advance within the human resource profession at the highest levels. It trains students in all facets of human resource management across industries and organizational types. 

The curriculum focuses on the development of core competencies in the following areas:

• leadership and change management
• employee and labor relations
• compensation and benefits
• global human resources
• human resource metrics
• workforce planning
• ethics

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems from West Chester University of Pennsylvania is an online GIS degree.  Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is important in both public and private sectors as a way to improve maps and gather improved data in this field.  GIS and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies are often combined to help improve our knowledge of geography.  This curriculum helps students learn to use these valuable workplace tools in such courses as:

• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 
• Applications of Geographic Information Systems 
• Geodatabases

You can also choose from a number of electives in this online geography degree so the program can better meet your interests and goals.  

These courses count toward a master’s degree program in geography.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers an online Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology. The program is for professional educators seeking further experience in using technology in instruction. In the 21st century, technology integration into education is very common, and programs such as this help capitalize on the demand.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers an online Graduate Certificate in Universal Design for Learning & Assistive Technologies. The curriculum was designed for professionals, parents, or anyone seeking more pedagogy with using technology for education. The program teaches on integrating technology into instruction practices.

Prepare for a career helping the youngest children succeed, both now and in the future through this online early childhood education degree. This degree helps develop leadership skills for working with young children and their families. Students can pursue one of two tracks that are best suited for their career goals: Accomplished Teachers and Program Administrators.

The curriculum consists of such courses as:

• Advanced Child Development: Prebirth Through Eight Years
• Foundations of Early Childhood Education
• Play-Based Teaching and Learning
• Partnerships in Early Childhood Education

Help to ensure all students receive a quality education with this online special education degree. This program is ideal for those current or aspiring teachers who wish to gain more experience working with special education students. The curriculum provides foundations and explains how to deliver content and effective classroom assessment to students with disabilities. There are a variety of concentrations available, two of which are online:

• Autism
• Universal design for learning and assistive technology

This special education degree is flexible, allowing you to earn your degree without leaving your home.

The online DNP degree program from West Chester University of Pennsylvania builds on the traditional masters degree competencies by providing extended education in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, systems leadership, and other key areas. The curriculum is comprised of three components: 

• The Science of Nursing
• ​Leadership
• ​Practice