Skip to main content

Public Service and Ethics

Graduate Programs

data-content-type=""

Public Administration (MPA)

The full-time MPA program is designed to provide an understanding of the essential body of knowledge and to develop the basic skills needed for professional management. Such essentials include quantitative analysis, managerial economics, organizational behavior, strategy, human resource management, accounting, budget and finance, ethics, and communication. These skills are taught through practical class and field experiences, case studies, formal and computer simulations, and special workshops and seminars. Second-year courses are designed around an individual’s desired sector and skill areas. Sectors include local government, state and federal government, and nonprofit. Skills include resource development, program management, and finance. By selecting a sector and a skill area, students are uniquely prepared for a career where they can effectively administer in government and nonprofit programs.

Application Deadlines Fall: Jan 15
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= overrideTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= overrideTextAlignment=text-left
data-content-type=""
Programs

Public Administration - Executive Program (MPA)

Persons with significant public administration experience who desire to pursue the master’s degree program while continuing to work full-time are encouraged to apply. All courses in the program are offered in the evening, one night a week for three years at the BYU Salt Lake Center.

Application Deadlines Fall: May 1
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= overrideTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= overrideTextAlignment=text-left
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= overrideTextAlignment=text-left overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=

Faculty

See a full list of Public Service and Ethics department graduate faculty

Courses

See all Public Service and Ethics graduate courses
SVG envelope icon

Contact

760 TNRB
(801) 422-4221
mpa@byu.edu
Department Website

Administered through the George W. Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares men and women for leadership in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Leadership in this context provides unique opportunities for service to others. The faculty and students of the Romney Institute are dedicated to the philosophy that students should develop excellence in both knowledge and management skills, based on a solid ethical foundation. The success of this philosophy is demonstrated by the wide variety of leadership positions now held by alumni throughout the world in state and local governments, federal agencies, research organizations, business firms, and diverse nonprofit organizations. Graduates are employed in a variety of careers, such as city managers, personnel directors, policy analysts, nonprofit program directors, performance auditors, and finance directors.

Today the public sector is called on to assist in areas that were traditionally the sole domain of profit organizations. Never before has there been a greater need for professionally trained public managers, and never before has there been greater opportunity for dedicated and qualified public managers to provide leadership in shaping the course of human affairs through public institutions and programs.

The Romney Institute offers two programs leading to the MPA degree: full-time and executive. Both are accredited by NASPAA - The Global Standard in Public Service Education. The full-time program requires two years; approximately fifty students are admitted each year. The executive program is taught one night a week for three years; approximately fifty students are admitted each year.

Director:  Robert Christensen
Graduate Coordinator:  David Matkin

Resources & Opportunity:

The N. Eldon Tanner Building. The Tanner Building, which houses the BYU Marriott School of Business, is one of the finest facilities of its kind. The original building, with a dramatic seven-story atrium, was updated with a four-story addition. The addition boasts thirty-nine team study rooms, six large case rooms, the Blue Line Deli, and adds 76,000 square feet to the existing building.

Technical skills, real-world experience, and a global network—BYU Marriott School of Business students graduate with all three, preparing them to become leaders in an increasingly competitive workforce.

Unique Environment

The BYU Marriott School of Business strives to promote a rigorous academic experience in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Students gain the skills and abilities to “become outstanding leaders capable of dealing with change in a competitive global environment” in a setting that embraces the conduct and standards of Jesus Christ’s teachings.

The Marriott School of Business supports Brigham Young University’s mission to “develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives.”

In addition to promoting students’ intellectual and spiritual abilities, BYU Marriott places a particular emphasis on the importance of ethical behavior and firmly believes that success in business and in life can and should be achieved with integrity.

Exceptional Opportunities

Classes are not the only places where learning happens. With more than forty BYU Marriott–specific clubs available in addition to the school’s experiential learning initiatives, students are gaining relevant experience to help them prepare for a career.

Student opportunities help add to the traditional educational experience. Professional clubs offer career insights and practical help for getting a job. Field studies and on-campus internships offer real-life involvement in the business world. No matter what their interests are, students can find a way to enrich their education.

Providing career-oriented experiences for our students helps them get placed in some of the world’s top organizations—while doing what they love to do.

Remarkable Network

BYU Marriott students benefit from the support of those who champion the unique mission of the school. This community is made up of dedicated students, alumni, and friends who are working together to become outstanding leaders.

On campus students associate with peers who not only collaborate on class assignments but also assist each other in preparing for and finding internships and career opportunities. Successful alumni and friends of the school visit the Tanner Building each week to share lessons from their careers and help students prepare for challenges in the future. The school’s National Advisory Council and many program-specific advisory boards are also dedicated to supporting student learning and placement.

The Marriott name and legacy of J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott embody the values of this remarkable network of dedicated leaders.

Facilities

The BYU Marriott School of Business is housed in the N. Eldon Tanner Building, a seven-story, 220,000-square foot, glass and steel building located on the BYU campus in Provo, Utah. The building was expanded in 2008 to accommodate a growing number of students.

In addition to case study rooms, auditoriums, and meeting spaces, the Tanner Building offers students amenities such as the Manhattan-inspired Blue Line Deli, study rooms equipped with technology and natural lighting, and graduate student lounges. Additionally, graduate student parking is available in the nearby parking lots.

Financial Assistance:

The Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics utilizes the BYU Marriott's financial aid provisions. Qualified MPA students can receive aid from the following: the BYU Marriott School of Business Scholarship Fund, private scholarship donations, assistantship opportunities, and loan assistance.

Scholarships. BYU Marriott offers scholarships to BYU Marriott students through the college, departments and programs. One application online at marriottschool.byu.edu/aid allows students to apply for all scholarships the BYU Marriott offers.

Assistantships. Research and teaching assistantships are available for qualified second-year students.

Loans. Several loans are available for BYU Marriott students:

  • BYU Marriott loans: available to full-time BYU Marriott day students. BYU Marriott loans are handled on an individual basis, dependent on financial need and standing within the participating program.
  • BYU short-term loans: available for up to the cost of tuition only.
  • Federal Stafford loans: subsidized by the U.S. government. Not available for international students.

More information on and applications for these loans are available from the BYU Financial Aid Office, A-41 ASB, (801) 422-4104.