MPA Public Affairs

Become part of a small cohort of accomplished policy professionals from around the world. The Ford School's MPA combines training in rigorous applied policy analysis with the development of high-level public and nonprofit management, leadership, and communication skills, focusing on complex domestic and international policy issues. The program is designed for seasoned professionals with at least five years of policy-relevant experience in government, military, government affairs in the private sector, or the nonprofit sector—in the U.S. or abroad.

The 30-credit MPA offers two semesters of carefully designed, challenging coursework in economics, statistics, values and ethics, politics, policy writing, and management and leadership, with room for electives from across the University of Michigan tailored to students’ individual interests in public affairs. In the past, students have found elective courses in the Ross School of Business, School for Environment and Sustainability, Marsal Family School of Education, School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Additionally, a new professional seminar in leadership and professional development is paired with the opportunity to receive executive coaching from a certified coach.