ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Public Administration (Public Finance), MPA
Master's · Taught in en · UCAS PPPAFPMPA
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
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Language
Master's
Level
- Top 16U.S. News & World Report ranking for Public Finance and Budgeting
- Top 11U.S. News & World Report ranking for Public Affairs programs
- Downtown PhoenixCampus Location
- FlexibleFull-time or part-time study options
- 42 credit hoursProgram Length
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public Finance at Arizona State University is a professional degree designed for individuals aspiring to leadership roles in public service. This program prepares you for careers across government, nonprofit, and private sectors, with a specific focus on financial management within public governance. ASU's public affairs programs are highly ranked, ensuring you receive a prestigious education. This flexible program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing you to tailor your studies to your schedule. The curriculum emphasizes crucial managerial and analytical skills essential for public service. Through a specialized concentration in public finance, you will gain in-depth knowledge of urban economics, public sector money management, public budgeting, and capital budgeting and financing, equipping you for a rewarding career focused on public good. Located at the Downtown Phoenix campus, this program offers a vibrant urban environment for your studies. While not STEM-OPT eligible, the program is well-suited for those looking to become results-oriented, strategic leaders capable of making informed decisions in public finance and budgeting.
Curriculum
The MPA program requires 42 credit hours, including a capstone course. The curriculum is structured around a core set of courses building essential managerial and analytic skills, complemented by a specialized concentration in public finance.
- Overall Program
- Public Service Research IPAF 501
- Public Service Research IIPAF 502
- Public AffairsPAF 503
- Microeconomics of Public Policy IPAF 504
- Public Policy AnalysisPAF 505
- Public Budgeting and FinancePAF 506
- Public Human Resource ManagementPAF 507
- Organization BehaviorPAF 508
- Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public ChangePAF 574
- Managing Public MoneyPAF 521
- Advanced Governmental Financial Management: Capital Budgeting and Infrastructure FinancingPAF 522
- Microeconomics of Public Policy IIPAF 570
- Public Affairs CapstonePAF 509
Careers
Graduates of the Public Administration (Public Finance) MPA program are prepared for strategic leadership roles where keen decision-making in public finance and budgeting is crucial. This program opens doors to rewarding careers focused on serving the public good across various sectors.
- Analyst
- Business Consultant
- City Planning professional
- Economist
- Grant professional
- Public Policy specialist
- Risk Management expert
- Urban Management specialist
- Urban Policy analyst
- Budget analyst
- Public sector economist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MPA in Public Finance program?
- You need a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of your bachelor's or in your master's program. You also need to demonstrate competency in statistics and American government, which can be completed after admission if not met beforehand.
- How much does the MPA in Public Finance program cost for international students?
- International students pay a specific tuition rate and fees. Housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses are additional and variable costs not included in tuition.
- How long does the MPA in Public Finance program take to complete?
- The program requires 42 credit hours, which can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.
- What documents are required to apply for the MPA in Public Finance program?
- Required documents include the graduate admission application, application fee, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers.
- What are the career prospects after completing this MPA program?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as budget analysts, public policy specialists, economists, and city planning professionals in government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's or Master's DegreeFrom a regionally accredited institution in a related field (social science degrees preferred, but all educational backgrounds considered if minimum requirements are met).
GPAMinimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree program OR a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants must demonstrate minimum competency in statistics (e.g., undergraduate social statistics like PAF 301 Applied Statistics) and American government (e.g., undergraduate coursework like POS 310 American National Government). These prerequisite courses are not required for admission but must be completed within one semester after starting the program. An online noncredit course is available for American national government competency.
Fees
Tuition (international)International students will pay a specific tuition rate and fees. Housing, food, books, course materials, transportation, and personal expenses are additional and variable.
Tuition (home)Arizona residents for tuition purposes typically attend at a lower rate than out-of-state students. Residency status must be proven by meeting specific criteria.
Living—
Tuition and fees at ASU vary based on residency (Arizona resident, non-resident, international), program, transfer credits, and course load. Common fees include recreation ($28), student service facility ($100), student programs ($35), health and wellness ($80), student athletic ($100), and college-specific fees. A surcharge fee is also applied.
How to apply
1. Complete Graduate Admission ApplicationFill out the online graduate admission application for Arizona State University.
2. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee along with your application.
3. Submit Official TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions where you earned a bachelor's or master's degree. Ensure your GPA meets the minimum requirement of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of your bachelor's or in your master's program.
4. Obtain Letters of RecommendationArrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent. These should come from faculty or academic staff who can assess your academic performance, or from professional (work-related) sources.
5. Write a Personal StatementPrepare a written statement, one to two pages in length, detailing your educational and career goals. This statement also serves as a writing sample.
6. Provide Proof of English ProficiencyIf your native language is not English, you must submit proof of English proficiency, regardless of your current residency.
Scholarships
New American University scholarship (graduate level)Varies
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MPA in Public Finance program?
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You need a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of your bachelor's or in your master's program. You also need to demonstrate competency in statistics and American government, which can be completed after admission if not met beforehand.
How much does the MPA in Public Finance program cost for international students?
+
International students pay a specific tuition rate and fees. Housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses are additional and variable costs not included in tuition.
How long does the MPA in Public Finance program take to complete?
+
The program requires 42 credit hours, which can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.
What documents are required to apply for the MPA in Public Finance program?
+
Required documents include the graduate admission application, application fee, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers.
What are the career prospects after completing this MPA program?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles such as budget analysts, public policy specialists, economists, and city planning professionals in government, nonprofit, and private sectors.