Five Frequently Asked Questions about the Penn G-MPA

The Penn Global Master of Public Administration (G-MPA) is a premier, individualized, and flexibly scheduled graduate professional program. Each of the 10 G-MPA courses is offered online and predominantly asynchronously, allowing you to pursue graduate learning at an Ivy League university from anywhere in the world and at your own pace.

The Penn G-MPA is designed for college graduates and working professionals who wish to hone their problem-solving skills and go on to make a real difference in improving human well-being locally, nationally, and globally. Most G-MPA students pursue careers in the government, nonprofit, or business sector.

All Penn G-MPA courses are taught by a core team of Penn faculty who are dedicated to educating future leaders for human well-being. Our faculty are experts in fields as wide-ranging as social entrepreneurship, leadership ethics, public health, and statistics, reflecting the importance we ascribe to cross-sector collaboration in solving pressing global challenges.

All Penn G-MPA students participate in synchronous remote sessions with leaders in the government, nonprofit, and business sectors. Past guest speakers have covered topics as timely as ecological efforts on the Galápagos Islands and disease prevention in Africa. Students also join the lead faculty instructor of each course for remote group sessions (one required, one optional). During these sessions, students expand their discussion of key course topics and share insights gleaned from their academic and professional experiences.

Yes, two essays are required for your application to be considered complete. Please upload your essays as one document in the “Personal Statement" section of the application. The essay questions will be seen on ApplyWeb, our online application website.