East Michigan News

Central Michigan University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program has received reaccreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) for another seven years.

“NASPAA reaccreditation demonstrates our program’s commitment to the field of public service education,” said MPA Director Sharon Kukla-Acevedo, a professor in the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service. “This achievement is an expression of voluntarily applying principles of continuous improvement, focusing on student success and support, and following best practices in public service education.”

The MPA program at CMU offers an accessible online format that allows students to complete the 37-hour program in approximately two to three years, even if working full-time. Classes are led by CMU faculty and include self-paced coursework alongside hands-on learning.

MPAs are versatile degrees designed to help students advance their careers and prepare for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. Central’s MPA students join a global community of public service practitioners from more than 200 accredited graduate programs in public service.

The NASPAA Standards and accreditation process aim to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of graduate public service degrees globally.

“Having a NASPAA accredited program in our School is quite an accomplishment,” said Thomas Greitens, Chair and Professor in the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service. “It showcases the excellence of our students, staff, and faculty and also reflects the commitment of Central and the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences to programs that focus on student success.”

Established in 1978 at CMU, the MPA program has demonstrated a substantial commitment to quality public service education for over 45 years.