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.
For more information: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/graduate/impa
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIRST SEMESTER | ||
| IMPA 6010 | Critical Issues in Governance—Strategic Management | 1 |
| IMPA 6030 | Quantitative Reasoning for Real-Time Problem-Solving | 1 |
| IMPA 6040 | Collaboration Across Sectors: Boundary Spanning Leadership | 1 |
| IMPA 6045 | Global Issues in Child Residential and Foster Care | 1 |
| IMPA 6055 | Economic Reasoning for Strategic Decision-Making | 2 |
| SECOND SEMESTER | ||
| IMPA 6060 | Critical Issues in Global Leadership Ethics | 1 |
| IMPA 6080 | Global Leadership and Global Health in Developing Countries | 1 |
| IMPA 6095 | Global Problem-Solving and Program Evaluation—Elder Care in Asia | 2 |
| IMPA 6100 | Leadership Theory, Practice, and Biographical Analysis | 1-2 |
| Total Course Units | 12 | |
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.