A Top Midwest Regional University
Dordt University is ranked number six on the “Regional Universities (Midwest)” ranking released by the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and is the top-ranked school in Iowa in the category.
50% Off Your First Course
As a leader in your community, you’ve dedicated yourself to making life better for the people you serve. But what if you had the tools and knowledge to take things one step further?
With a Master of Public Administration from Dordt University, you’ll be equipped to:
- Expand your career path options
- Move from management to executive level leadership
- Confidently solve high-level problems
- Lead your community with Christian values
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Program Options
REQUIRED COURSES FOR ALL EMPHASES
- MPA 501 Introduction to Public Administration
- MPA 511 Organizational Theory
- MPA 512 Leadership
- MPA 513 HR Management
- MPA 522 Budgeting and Public Finance
- MPA 531 Quantitative Analysis and Program Evaluation
- MPA 532 Policy Analysis
- MPA 580 Jurisprudence and Lawmaking
- Ideal if you are looking to work in government administration at the local, state, or federal level.
- Providing flexibility, this emphasis will allow you to choose a combination of four specialized coursework of either the General Administration, Police Administration or Nonprofit Administration emphases.
COURSES
- MPA 541 Public Relations
- MPA 515 Project Management
- MPA 516 Crisis Intervention
- MPA 521 Government and Bureaucracy
- Will prepare you for a management role in law enforcement.
- Unlike a master’s degree in criminal justice, which typically focuses on theoretical knowledge, Dordt’s MPA program focuses on practical skills such as hiring employees, managing budgets, evaluating programs, and shaping institutional culture.
COURSES
- MPA 542 Contemporary Policing
- MPA 543 Advanced Criminal Procedure
*choose two additional courses from the general administration or nonprofit administration emphases.
- Will prepare you for management roles in nonprofit organizations of all sizes.
- Through this program, you will gain vital skills for nonprofit work, such as grant writing and nonprofit law.
COURSES
- MPA 552 Grant Writing and Fundraising
- MPA 553 Nonprofit Law
*choose two additional courses from either of the general administration, police administration, or nonprofit administration emphases.
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“With Dordt’s Reformed perspective, students will identify and analyze current structures and trends in light of God’s Word.”
–Dr. Abby Foreman, co-director of the program
Lock in Your Discount
Submit your information to request more information about Dordt and this program.
Must enroll within 12 months of completing this form. Applies to the tuition of one course for new students only, non-transferable.
About Dordt University
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt University is a Christian university committed to helping you serve in the real world—right now, today.
Dordt University is ranked number six on the “Regional Universities (Midwest)” ranking by 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges and is the top-ranked school in Iowa in the category. The mission of Dordt's Christian community is to equip students to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all areas of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
To learn more, visit our admissions requirement page.
The MPA program requires 36 credits. The courses are a combination of general public administration courses, emphasis-specific courses, and electives that deal with relevant, challenging issues.
A typical plan of study takes about two years to complete, with students taking one 6-week course at a time. Some opt for a slower pace, completing the program in four years.
No. All of the courses are completed online.
The MPA program is approved by the Higher Learning Commission.