Master of Public Administration
Ignite your future with an MPA from St. Thomas Aquinas College and build the knowledge and leadership capabilities essential to advance in many rewarding careers—in all levels of government and nonprofit organizations and in planning, policy analysis, program development, administration, and more.
Our multidisciplinary community of scholars and working professionals will challenge you in a unique graduate school experience that emphasizes public and nonprofit administration with a focus on criminal justice. You will be personally mentored throughout your academic journey as you plan for the next chapter of your career. Expand your network in small classes where you will connect with professionals in the field and a close-knit cohort of students with diverse interests and backgrounds. Whether you are just starting out or moving in a new direction, our program will empower you to achieve your full potential and make a meaningful contribution to society.
At a glance
- 36 Credit Graduate Program
- Flexible Schedule Options
- Tracks in: Nonprofit Leadership and Criminal Justice Leadership
CONTACT
- Dana Caponong | Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions | dcaponon@stac.edu | 845-398-4220
YOUR way to an MPA in Criminal Justice
Designed With The Working Professional In Mind
Fulfilling goals. Stepping forward to lead. At St. Thomas Aquinas College, you will find an academic community that energizes you for success, you’ll discover new possibilities to advance your career and ignite the passion within to propel you forward.
Our 36-credit MPA program offers students and busy working professionals the flexibility and convenience of achieving their degree in a way that works best for them: full-time or part-time. Classes are scheduled on campus, with hybrid and remote options available for many classes. Plan a schedule that balances your education and professional life and fulfills your personal goals.
Get A Head Start With Our Combined Degree Programs
In addition to tuition incentives, you will be able to enter the workforce sooner through these accelerated programs. The MPA program prepares you for a variety of professional careers, including those found in government, public service, and the non-profit sector both in criminal justice agencies and more broadly.
St. Thomas Aquinas College students have the opportunity to combine a B.S. and MPA (4+1) to earn their MPA within one year of earning their B.S. degree. While RCC Transfer students can take our accelerated 2+2+1 Combined Degree (5-year) and earn their master’s degree in public administration in as little as three years after transferring to St. Thomas Aquinas.
Learn about our Combined Degree Programs here.
Keep Exploring
Featured Courses
Discover how organizational culture drives success in mission-driven nonprofits. This course covers strategies for fostering innovation, collaboration, and impact through DEIB initiatives, effective partnerships, and funder relations. With a focus on global nonprofits, explore how culture shapes mission, performance, and organizational effectiveness, equipping you with the tools to lead a thriving, values-driven organization.
Develop the skills to drive meaningful change locally and nationally through community organizing and advocacy. This course explores key organizing principles, effective strategies, and tools for marketing, evaluation, and engagement. You’ll also examine how shifts in civic involvement influence how Americans mobilize for social impact, equipping you to champion the causes you care about.
Master the communication skills essential for leading government and nonprofit organizations. This course focuses on crafting strategic messages for diverse stakeholders, promoting policies and initiatives, and navigating media and special interest groups. Emphasizing ethical and socially responsible communication, you’ll explore branding, messaging, and best practices in today’s dynamic media landscape. Through applied learning and case studies, you’ll develop impactful, results-driven communication strategies tailored to the public sector.
What Success Looks Like
Career Options
The MPA at St. Thomas Aquinas equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills to propel your career forward or pivot into a new one. Our graduates work in a diverse range of settings, including:
- Federal Agencies
- Law Offices
- Local Government
- Nonprofit Agencies
- Social Services Organizations