We offer intellectually rigorous programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduates can major in Urban Studies, an interdisciplinary field focused on the study of cities and urban policy. Students are encouraged to act on their interests in cities, urban problems, and social justice by taking advantage of opportunities for internships and fieldwork. Rutgers-Camden’s commitment to making positive change in our community of Camden, New Jersey is being realized through what we call “engaged civic learning,” that takes place through specialized academic courses, co-curricular experiences, student-designed special projects, community-based research, and volunteer service. 

The department offers a Master of Public Administration, or MPA, follow a core curriculum and then choose from two different specializations: public management or community development.

Working professionals have the option to follow our cohort structured Executive Master of Public Administration, or EMPA, which takes place on Saturday mornings in West Windsor, New Jersey.  The accelerated 30-credit program serves mid-career professionals.

We also offer an accelerated five-year BA/MPA program for exceptional students in Urban Studies, Political Science and Economics, and a accelerated JD/MPA degree with the Rutgers–Camden Law School that allows students to transfer credits from one program to the other, reducing the time required for completion. The department offers a dual degree program with Criminal Justice CJ/MPA degree as well.  Students at all levels have opportunities to engage in research supervised by our world-class faculty, and are encouraged to participate in programs sponsored by DPPA faculty-led research centers, including the Community Leadership Center and the Center for Urban Research and Education.

In 2010, the department launched an innovative interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Public Affairs that focuses on community development and prepares students for careers in academia or leadership roles in the non-profit and voluntary sector, government, or in public policy work.  

The Department of Public Policy and Administration supports undergraduate, MPA and PhD students. Our three core missions of research, teaching, and public service are interrelated and mutually supportive.  In keeping with Rutgers-Camden’s responsibilities as a unit of New Jersey’s land grant university, our research mission is of primary importance, and informs our commitments to teaching and public service. Our core values reflect our vision of academic and professional excellence.

Research  Expand knowledge by conducting and disseminating effective theoretical and applied research on diverse policy and management issues that influences the state of knowledge and quality of life. This reflects the Department’s position in a research university with membership in the Association of American Universities.

Teaching – Prepare professionals for careers in the public and nonprofit sectors and those roles within the private sector relating to public service. The Department of Public Policy and Administration has a dual educational mission: (a) to teach our students about policy and the policy process; (b) to teach our students about public management. In both of these mission areas the Department aims to teach core content and general and specific competencies. 

Public Service – Provide, enable, and stimulate public service in our host City of Camden and its region and at other local, regional, state, national, and international levels.