Executive Master of
Public Administration (EMPA)
Finish your MPA degree in two years, attending Saturday morning classes.
The Executive MPA (EMPA) program at Rutgers prepares you for advanced career opportunities in the public and nonprofit sectors, including municipal, county, and state management and executive-level leadership positions in nonprofit organizations. The EMPA program offers a distinctive hybrid format designed to foster close interaction among peers and Rutgers faculty, balancing flexibility with meaningful in-person engagement.
Have questions? Email us to schedule a personalized info session today or view the Graduate School events calendar.
Program Format
In-Person Classes:
Held on the first two Saturdays of each month at the Crowne Plaza Princeton Conference Center
Zoom Classes:
Held on the third and fourth Saturday of each month
Classes meet from:
9:00 a.m. – noon.
Fall: September – December
Spring: February – April
Summer Residency:
One-week intensive session during the first full week of June.
What to Expect
Engaging Learning Environment: Collaborate with accomplished peers, learn from experienced faculty, and receive personalized support from dedicated staff.
All-Inclusive Materials: All textbooks and course materials are provided and included in your program fees.
On-Site Amenities: Enjoy a light breakfast and full lunch and snacks during Saturday in-person sessions.
Professional Growth: Develop core competencies in organizational leadership and public sector management to accelerate your career.
Networking: Gain access to exclusive alumni events and inspiring guest speakers.
Who Should Apply?
This highly selective program is ideal for mid- to senior-level professionals with at least five years of administrative or managerial experience.
No GRE or standardized tests required
Earn 12 credits for your professional experience upon admission
How to Apply to the Executive MPA
In the Rutgers Application Portal, Select the options:
Progress: Degree
Level: Graduate
Department: Public Administration
Location: Select West Windsor
The Rutgers–Camden Executive M.P.A. program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education and practical experience in public administration. The EMPA Program offers students the opportunity to apply theory and practice to real-world governance challenges.
Graduating MPA students with at least a 3.7 GPA are eligible to participate in Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public administration and service. The Rutgers-Camden EMPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
Program Overview
| CREDITS | 30 Credits Courses: 10 classes (2 classes in fall and spring) and a Summer residency (one week) |
| FORMAT | Classes are hybrid, cohort style with enrollment limited to 20 students |
| DURATION | Degree requirements can be completed in 24 months, with one-week summer residencies offered over two summers. Additionally, up to twelve credits may be awarded for professional experience. |
| FUNDING | University, Graduate School, and Departmental Funding Available |
| TESTIMONIALS | Read more about what our Executive MPA alumni say about the Rutgers-Camden EMPA program. |
| INTERNSHIPS | Internships are required for EMPA students. Find out more about the resources to support your internship. |
Program Description and Outcomes
Through coursework and upon graduating from the program, all students should have achieved the Universal (core) Competencies established by NASPAA and will master the ability to:
- Lead and manage in the public interest;
- Participate in and contribute to the policy process;
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make evidence-informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment;
- Articulate, apply and advance a public service perspective;
- Communicate and interact productively and in culturally responsive ways with a diverse and changing workforce and society at large.
- View the MPA Program Description and Outcomes resource page.
Program Courses
View the full EMPA Course Schedule and Descriptions.
- Public and Nonprofit Management
- Leadership and Communication
- Foundations of Policy Analysis
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Financial Management
- Technology for Public and Nonprofit Management
- Law and Public Policy
- Research Methods
- Research Workshop (Capstone)
Admissions Requirements
| TRANSCRIPTS | Official transcripts displaying all undergraduate and graduate courses, confirming the attainment of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized undergraduate institution. The expected GPA is a 3.0. |
| LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION | Two letters of recommendation |
| RESUME/CURRICULUM VITAE | A current resume that demonstrates a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience |
| PERSONAL STATEMENT | A statement regarding the applicant’s personal and professional goals and experience |
| APPLICATION DEADLINES | The Fall admission application deadline is August 15. There is no Spring or Summer admission. Preference is given to those submitted before the deadline for both decisions and funding opportunities. Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based on available space and budgetary constraints. |
Reach Out to Us
Let’s begin a conversation about your academic and professional goals. If you have questions regarding the curriculum, faculty, admission criteria, or committee, please feel free to contact the Graduate Program Director. For administrative inquiries concerning the application process, campus, tuition, and fees, reach out to the Graduate School. We are dedicated to assisting you from application to graduation day.
Dr. Angie McGuire
Graduate Director
Executive Public Administration (EMPA)
angie.mcguire@rutgers.edu
(848) 932-4750
Erick E. Watt-Udogu
Assistant Dean
Graduate School–Camden
erick.watt-udogu@rutgers.edu
(856) 225-6149
Take the Next Step
We invite you to explore the boundless opportunities that await you here, where a world-class faculty, diverse community, and innovative curriculum converge to nurture your intellect and foster your professional growth. Your future starts with a simple yet significant act – learning more about the exceptional programs we offer. So, why wait? Start your application journey with us, and together, we’ll unlock a future filled with possibilities and endless success.