Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Bridging classroom and experiential learning, this program provides you with applied education in policy management, leadership and advocacy. The program will equip you with the knowledge base and applied skills to critically engage with policy processes and debates, the methods and training to promote and advocate for evidenced-based policy, and a practitioner’s perspective that enables you to move from “contemplation to application.”
Duration
22 months
Starting Date
September
Application Deadline
1st of February
Tuition Fee
€ 14,500 per year
Location
Vienna, Austria
Degree
Dual Austrian and the U.S. degree
Earn a valuable degree
Bridging classroom and experiential learning, this program provides you with applied education in policy management, leadership and advocacy. The program will equip you with the knowledge base and applied skills to critically engage with policy processes and debates, the methods and training to promote and advocate for evidenced-based policy, and a practitioner’s perspective that enables you to move from “contemplation to application.” This integrated and experiential approach to teaching and learning positions you to make a difference in the world of public policy in a period of rapid change, increased complexity, and heightened contestation.
The program integrates three components: Knowledge, Skills, and Practice.
Knowledge
You will take mandatory core courses in public policy analysis, the rule of law, economics, and research methods. You will have the opportunity to develop and apply thematic expertise through specializations within the program. The specializations cover core public policy concerns in the following thematic areas:
- Development
- Governance
- Higher Education Policy
- Social Justice and Human Rights
You may also pursue an Advanced Certificate in Religious Studies.
Skills
You will participate in a series of Skills for Impact modules that develop emotional intelligence, awareness, leadership, negotiation, and team-building capacities, as well as practical skills such as media training and documentary film making. The modules will equip you with real-life skills in conflict resolution, fundraising, media advocacy and law.
Practice
The third program component is the Applied Policy Project, a nine-month engagement between student teams and an external client that enables you to bridge classroom and experiential learning in a consultancy style format that is supported by the Applied Policy Project Director, a Faculty Advisor, and the client organization.
Study your passion
Courses include:
- Advanced Human Rights Law and Mechanisms for Public Policy Students
- Big Data for Public Policy
- Data and Development
- Documentary for Social Change
- Economic Analysis for Public Policy
- Economic Policy and Global Strategy
- Economics of Higher Education
- Ethics, Politics and Policy
- Foundations: Religion in the Public Sphere
- Hybrid Regimes in Modern Times
- Law and Public Policy
- Macroeconomics and Public Finance
- Policy Analysis
- Public Management
- Skills for Impact – Turning Conflicts into Collaboration
Apply
Admissions requirements:
- Completed online application form
- Proof of English proficiency
- Letters of recommendation
- CV
- Bachelor’s degree (social sciences preferred)
- Academic records
- Statement of purpose
Application deadlines:
- February 1, 2025 for master’s and PhD studies with financial aid
- March 15, 2025 for self-financing master’s candidates who will require a study visa
- August 15, 2024 for self-financing master’s candidates who will not require a study visa