Discover Your Purpose. Deepen Your Expertise.

Fill out the form to learn how St. Mary’s flexible M.P.A. prepares you to lead with heart.

When you pursue your Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at St. Mary’s University, you prepare to make a difference that lasts. Grounded in Marianists' tradition and commitment to community — you’ll connect timeless public administration principles with the skills to solve society’s toughest challenges.

This program is built for leaders like you who want to strengthen municipalities and nonprofits across Texas, the Southwest and beyond.

Are you ready to discover your calling?

Your M.P.A. at a Glance

How to manage scarce resources effectively
Ethics and leadership in public service
How to deliver essential services to diverse communities

You’ll complete 36 credit hours, allowing you to shape the program around your goals. You’ll study real issues like:

Your courses, taught by experienced faculty and practitioners, will give you tools to become a capable, ethical and effective leader. From personalized mentorship to a collaborative community of peers, you’ll always have the support you need to expand your impact.

Scholarships That Support Your Service

If you’re already a public service employee, you may qualify for the Public Service Scholarship, a generous award available beginning in Spring 2026. Once eligible, you’ll continue to receive support throughout your enrollment, with no additional application required.

“

I’m a true believer that if local government has more intention, the quality of life for everyone could really skyrocket. That’s what studying Public Administration prepares you for.”

— Emmanuel Sanchez (B.A. '22, M.P.A. '24), Analyst, U.S. Government Accountability Office

If you’re ready to turn your values into real impact for your community, fill out the form at the top of this page to learn more about the M.P.A. at St. Mary’s University.

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Internships and Applied Learning

At St. Mary’s, you won’t just study public administration — you’ll practice it. You’ll complete an internship or Applied Public Service project where you put your skills to work in the community.

A standout option is the Frank Madla Jr. and Irma Rangel Legislative Internship Program, where you'll serve full-time with a Texas State Representative or Senator during the Texas legislative session while earning graduate credit.

Earn Your M.P.A. at St. Mary's

Joint J.D./M.P.A.

In addition to separate degree programs in Law and Public Administration, the St. Mary’s University School of Law and the University also offer a joint program of study leading to degrees of Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) and M.P.A. The joint degree program allows students to complete the requirements for both degrees in three to four years, depending on the public administration prerequisites required. Students must be accepted to the School of Law prior to applying for the M.P.A.

How to manage scarce resources effectively

Ethics and leadership in public service

Your courses, taught by experienced faculty and practitioners, will give you tools to become a capable, ethical and effective leader. From personalized mentorship to a collaborative community of peers, you’ll always have the support you need to expand your impact.

If you’re already a public service employee, you may qualify for the Public Service Scholarship, a generous award available beginning in Spring 2026. Once eligible, you’ll continue to receive support throughout your enrollment, with no additional application required.

At St. Mary’s, you won’t just study public administration — you’ll practice it. You’ll complete an internship or Applied Public Service project where you put your skills to work in the community.

Earn Your M.P.A. at St. Mary's