– Customized Tracks in Nonprofit and Criminal Justice Leadership –
– New $10,000 Scholarship Announced For Initial Cohort –
St. Thomas Aquinas College proudly launches its newly redesigned Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, featuring specialized tracks in Nonprofit and Criminal Justice Leadership. This 36-credit program is designed for students seeking to develop the skills needed to lead, implement policy, solve problems, and improve efficiency in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public service institutions. It offers flexible in-person and online course options and is led by distinguished faculty who emphasize critical inquiry, hands-on learning, effective communication, and professional development.
“At St. Thomas Aquinas College, we empower our students to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond. The newly redesigned Master of Public Administration program exemplifies this mission by equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience needed to lead with purpose in today’s nonprofit, criminal justice, and public service organizations,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “This program, and all of our graduate and certificate programs, reflect our dedication to lifelong learning and our commitment to making graduate education accessible and affordable for students who aspire to serve and lead,” he added.
Students can complete an internship and a required capstone project, gaining invaluable experience in public administration, policy development, and grant application. The College has already partnered with the Center for Safety & Change, the County of Rockland, the United Way of Rockland County, and Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland County to provide internship opportunities to MPA students.
MPA Program Director Jamin Sewell, J.D., Esq., brings over two decades of experience as an attorney, social justice advocate, and policy leader. His extensive background enhances the classroom experience, inspiring students to drive change within complex systems of governance. Sewell, and the team of experienced and passionate faculty who teach in the program, are committed to fostering practical, real-world skills to develop future leaders who can effectively advocate for justice and positive social impact.
Dr. Heath Bowen, Dean of the School of Arts & Social Sciences at St. Thomas Aquinas College, stated, “This MPA program is strategically designed to meet the evolving needs of public administration across various sectors. The prognosis for governmental and nonprofit job availability is promising, with several key factors contributing to ongoing demand, especially in the mid-Atlantic and northeast regions. Our graduates will have the knowledge and skills to address global and local challenges.”
The new MPA program is part of the College’s “ADVANCE: Graduate and Certificate Programs for Lifelong Learners” initiative, which provides a range of affordable educational paths to support lifelong learning. The College’s Education Partnership Program provides employees of partner organizations, businesses, and groups with valuable opportunities to advance their skills and education through a 50% tuition discount on undergraduate and graduate programs.
As part of the new program rollout, students who apply to the MPA program by January 24, 2025, will be eligible for a $10,000 financial award toward their degree. Through the admissions process, applicants will also be considered for scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid opportunities, demonstrating the College’s dedication to supporting students as they advance their education and prepare for impactful careers in nonprofit, criminal justice, and public service sectors. Priced at $1,215 per credit, and with various options for aid, the MPA program is a valuable career investment.
Applications are now being accepted for the program. The next Quarter begins on February 28, 2025. Visit stac.edu/mpa to learn more and apply. Contact Dana Caponong, M.A., Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at dcaponon@stac.edu or call 845-398-4220 with any questions.
About St. Thomas Aquinas College
St. Thomas Aquinas College St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 76 acres in Rockland County, NY, providing education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s diverse student body of approximately 2,000 full and part-time students can choose from over 100 majors, minors, and specializations across four Schools: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, and by Colleges of Distinction in its New York edition for Business, Education, and Career Development. The College is also recognized as a Yellow Ribbon Program institution. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and its School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.