Concentrations

First breadth, then depth

In addition to a rigorous core of courses that convey fundamental lessons in management, economics, statistical analysis and law, as an MPA student, you'll also pursue a concentration—an area of specialization—that appeals to your specific interests. Your specialization options are numerous and varied. It is in one of our 12 concentrations that you'll be able to grow your passion into professional expertise.

You can also work with one of our advisors to create a specialized concentration or you might focus on research by pursuing our thesis option.

 How to apply

Top-ranked curriculum

O’Neill offers top-ranked curriculum areas and the #1 MPA Program in the nation.

  • #1 Environmental Policy and Management
  • #1 Nonprofit Management
  • #1 Public Finance and Budgeting
  • #2 Public Management Administration
  • #4 Public Policy Analysis
  • #8 Health Policy and Management
  • #11 Local Government Management
  • #13 International Global Policy and Administration

See all of SPEA’s rankings

U.S. News & World Report: Best Grad Schools 2013: Public Affairs

Explore all of your concentration options

Community & Economic Development

Answer the questions of how to develop and manage resources to improve our quality of life—all in a responsible, sustainable, cost-effective way.

Energy

Put yourself in a position to meet the crucial energy issues and challenges that dominate the global landscape.

Environmental Policy & Natural Resource Management

Combine environmental knowledge with policy know-how to affect crucial issues.

Health Policy

Have a voice in this defining debate with vital knowledge of the many ways government actions affect health and healthcare.

Information Systems

Focus on the innovative use of information technology to address complex societal and environmental challenges.

International Development

Gain a policy-focused understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing advancement in developing countries.

Local Government Management

Become an effective leader ready to address the challenges in our urban areas, and ready to improve the quality of life for communities.

Nonprofit Management

Serve the public good, prepared for a leadership position in the nonprofit sector, government agencies that deal with nonprofits, or in the philanthropy field.

Policy Analysis

Improve decision making through a range of analytical techniques—all designed to change, and improve, lives.

Public Financial Administration

Apply the theory and practice of raising revenue and allocating resources, and graduate ready for a variety of powerful positions.

Public Management

Learn the political, legal, and societal contexts in which public policies are adopted and implemented, prepared to lead at the managerial and executive level.

Sustainability and Sustainable Development

Achieve sustainable strategies to ensure natural and social environments endure for future generations.