International, MPA

The University of Pennsylvania’s International Master of Public Administration (I-MPA) is an innovative graduate degree that is expressly dedicated to improving global human well-being by professionally educating, nurturing, and networking present and future problem-solving leaders. Our one-year program is an academically cutting-edge cohort model program led by a distinctively interdisciplinary, multinational, and multilingual team of world-class scholars and noted leaders in government, business, and the nonprofit sector who teach, advise, mentor, and inspire our students. The program provides case-based learning addressing international, national and local level governance and leadership, problems and solutions. 

Curriculum

FIRST SEMESTER
IMPA 6010Critical Issues in Governance—Strategic Management1
IMPA 6030Quantitative Reasoning for Real-Time Problem-Solving1
IMPA 6040Collaboration Across Sectors: Boundary Spanning Leadership1
IMPA 6045Global Issues in Child Residential and Foster Care1
IMPA 6055Economic Reasoning for Strategic Decision-Making2
SECOND SEMESTER
IMPA 6060Critical Issues in Global Leadership Ethics1
IMPA 6080Global Leadership and Global Health in Developing Countries1
IMPA 6095Global Problem-Solving and Program Evaluation—Elder Care in Asia2
IMPA 6100Leadership Theory, Practice, and Biographical Analysis1-2
Total Course Units12

The International Master of Public Administration is an interdisciplinary and experiential graduate program with a focus on social and behavioral sciences. Students take foundational and developmental courses in a cohort—which gives you the opportunity to create a strong bond with your peers and work closely with professors in smaller class settings. In order to complete the degree, you must complete 12 course units (CU)1.

Additional learning opportunities and requirements

Academic advisor and I-MPA Faculty-Senior Staff Committee meetings (required)

Meetings each semester with an advisor are conducted in relation to your capstone project. The meetings with the I-MPA Faculty-Senior Staff Committee are for the purpose of having open-ended check-ins, advancing any special help or necessary trouble-shooting and keeping you connected to the widest range of I-MPA resources.

Participation in I-MPA faculty-student social (required)

The I-MPA faculty consider it essential that the social life of the class be acknowledged, enlivened and supported through such gatherings at the opening and closing of each semester.

Participation in Issues in US Politics and Policy Guest Speaker Series (required)

This non-curricular but critical part of the program affords you the opportunity to meet present and former US government, business and nonprofit leaders during evening sessions. Our guests are especially knowledgeable about US politics and policy and noted as both domestic and international problem-solvers.

1

https://catalog.upenn.edu/undergraduate/policies-procedures/course-exam/course-numbering-academic-credit/

 

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.