Oakland University Master of Public Administration Program

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Rochester, MI
Oakland University Master of Public Administration Program

Contact Us! [email protected]

Visit our website: www.oakland.edu/mpa All courses in the program will be offered weekday evenings, or in some cases, on Saturdays.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Oakland University provides a challenging education for recent graduates seeking professional careers and for those already employed in governmental and other public agencies. The need for such programs is recognized, given the growth in the number and complexity of agencies at the state and local level and the concerns for both responsive and effective public service at all levels. The MPA program seeks a generalist focus through a set of core courses and provides an opportunity for specialization through the electives and the directed project/internship option. Persons with significant experience in public service will be advised to undertake a directed project; those seeking a transition to a public service career will be encouraged to find a public administration internship in one of the area agencies. Accreditation

Oakland University's Master of Public Administration is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, the national accrediting body for MPA programs. You can also view the NASPAA Code of Good Practice, the established criteria to become a member school. In addition, Oakland University has an active chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society of public affairs and administration.

10/09/2026

For current OU students only! Did you know one of the five concentrations offered in the OU MPA program is Health Care Administration? While doctors are center stage in hospitals, many others support their operations through administrative work. Learn more about the health care roles MPA graduates can take on this October 14, as Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan comes to our campus in three locations!

10/07/2026

Oakland University's MPA Graduate Research Assistant, Tiara B.A took the stage at the annual conference in Kalamazoo. She moderated a panel covering Fair Housing, equity, policy and planning exploration for resilient Michigan communities. Tiara was also sworn in as a new Board of Directors member for the Michigan Association of Planning. Congratulations Tiara!

10/02/2026

Six $3,000 scholarships up for are grabs next week! The 2026 Virtual Graduate Open House is a great way to learn more about the different opportunities, including our own MPA! Unlock your potential with our world-class Oakland University Graduate School programs. Get more information in the following link, and click on ''Scholarship Competition'': https://www.oakland.edu/grad/events/graduate-open-houses/

09/30/2026

Last week, OU MPA Program Director Dr. Douglas Carr and OU Director of Executive Programs Dr. Teri Abbo-Sutherland presented at the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The presentation focused on the economic outlook and research related to our region, including data on employment, industry trends, economic resilience, and opportunities for continued regional collaboration.

09/25/2026

Oakland University MPA Graduate Research Assistant Tiara B.A. will take the stage at the Michigan Association of Planning Annual Conference in Kalamazoo, where she will moderate a panel discussion bringing together planning professionals to explore timely issues impacting Michigan communities. She will be joined by Farrah Wilder, the Executive Director of the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit, and Haywood Edwards, the Fair Housing / Inclusion Specialist from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The session will explore how planners can build resilient local housing policies that promote equity regardless of federal policy shifts. Participants will examine the connection between fair housing, community resilience, and local planning tools and advocacy that create durable, equitable housing frameworks. Get your tickets: https://www.planningmi.org/aws/MAP/pt/sp/michigan-conference

09/23/2026

The City of Detroit Government has year-round internships in the health department! The Detroit Health Department offers exciting opportunities for individuals interested in working in public health. The next cycle is from January to April, and the application is now open. Check it out here: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-health-department/come-work-us

09/18/2026

Considering grad school? Explore your next chapter at Oakland University’s Virtual Graduate Open House next month! Our MPA Program will be featured on October 8th, at 11am with our Director Dr. Carr! The Open House is from October 5 to 9, 2026, with each day featuring a different school or college, broken into 30-minute sessions. Every session highlights a specific graduate program, covers essential admissions details, and includes a live Q&A. Register HERE: https://www.oakland.edu/grad/events/graduate-open-houses

09/15/2026

We love catching up with our alumni! Let's chat with 2020 graduate Kimberly Baerga! "I was born in Kansas and raised in Utica, Michigan, where I graduated from Utica High School in 2013. I earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Oakland University in 2017 and an MPA from OU in 2020. Currently, I reside and work in Pontiac, Michigan."

How's life been since graduation? "Since graduation, my life has grown both personally and professionally. I married my husband, Christian Baerga, and together we have two wonderful children: Gabriella, who is 10 months old, and Caleb, who is 2 years old. Professionally, I have transitioned into a new role as a Community Health Worker (CHW) with the Oakland Connects team at the Oakland County Health Department. Oakland Connects is a free program designed to guide residents through available health services in the county. The program helps Oakland County residents navigate important resources such as healthcare, housing, food assistance, transportation, mental health services, and much more."

Who was your favorite at OU MPA? "I enjoyed many courses and professors at OU but I feel someone that inspired me and made a huge impact in my graduate school experience is Suzanne Rossi. She was the MPA program coordinator during my time in the program and is now retired. She assisted me throughout my time in the program. She encouraged me and mentored me in the leadership positions I held while in the program. In addition, she connected me with amazing internship opportunities such as interning for the Mayor’s Office, with the City of Rochester Hills. Beyond her professional guidance, her genuine care for her students extended beyond academics; she took a personal interest in their well-being and celebrated their successes. She also fostered a sense of community within the MPA program, organizing networking events and workshops that allowed students to connect with each other and with professionals in the field. Her dedication to students and her commitment to their success made her an exceptional program coordinator and mentor."

09/11/2026

Local governments across Michigan are facing challenges when it comes to finding and keeping people to fill important public service positions. This article by Michigan Capitol looks at the staffing challenges facing rural townships. With the problem continuing to grow, local governments across the state will look for individuals with MPA degrees to fill crucial positions. https://www.michigancapitol.com/news/michigan-legislature/rural-township-bills-stall-in-lansing-amid-crisis-in-local-government

08/14/2026

We would like to give a big congrats to recent OU MPA graduate Regina Swick on accepting the position of Economic Development Manager with the City of Novi - Government & Community Services.

Regina was also a Graduate Assistant in our MPA program, where we had the opportunity to see firsthand her strong work ethic, dedication, and professionalism. Congratulations, Regina! We wish you all the best in your new role!

Address

418 Varner Hall
Rochester, MI
48309

Website

http://www.oakland.edu/mpa

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