In the post-pandemic era, international relations are becoming increasingly complex and face unprecedented adjustments.
“The pandemic has reshaped the world—how can we repair it globally?” is a hot research topic today, and it has brought the longstanding MPA (Master of Public Administration) program back into the spotlight.
As a top Ivy League institution in the U.S., the University of Pennsylvania has always been committed to cultivating high-quality talents to improve human well-being worldwide. For the new application season, Penn has launched a brand-new Global Master of Public Administration (GMPA) program.
This one-year, 10-course, collaborative learning, full-time online master’s program will welcome its first cohort in the fall 2022 semester, and graduates will be awarded a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Overview of Penn’s GMPA Program
1. About the University
The University of Pennsylvania, a globally renowned Ivy League institution, is located in historic Philadelphia, U.S.
Penn consistently ranks among the top universities in the U.S., placing 8th in the latest U.S. News National University rankings, and its graduate programs have long been highly sought after by international students.
2. Program Introduction
The GMPA is offered by the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) within Penn’s School of Arts and Sciences (SAS). The program assembles a world-class, multilingual faculty, combining rigorous academic analysis with practical problem-solving skills to cultivate diverse, outstanding national and global leaders who will address critical issues affecting human well-being.
GMPA students will develop and deepen skills in collaborative leadership, public administration, economics, data analysis, ethical reasoning, and more, while also engaging with real-world social cases from today’s global landscape.
Penn’s GMPA program offers a flexible schedule for students to complete their weekly coursework, earning a Penn graduate professional degree in just one year. Students may also opt to meet GMPA faculty in person the week before graduation and participate in special sessions with global affairs experts.
3. Program Format
This new Penn GMPA program is a one-year, full-time program in which students will complete all degree requirements remotely online.
Divided into two semesters, the first cohort will complete 10 GMPA courses in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.
Although this is an online program, it does not offer a part-time option; students must enroll full-time.
4. Application Deadlines
Round 1 application deadline: January 17, 2022
Round 2 application deadline: March 15, 2022
Round 3 application deadline: May 16, 2022
5. Application Requirements
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree or higher from a full-time program
- Transcripts: A GPA of 3.0 or above is recommended. Official transcripts are required; non-U.S. transcripts need WES or CertiFile evaluation.
- Major: Liberal arts or business background preferred
- Work Experience: Recommended
- Personal Statement: One main essay, including responses to two specific questions
- Letters of Recommendation: At least two; three are officially recommended
- Standardized Tests: Applicants must submit at least one test score from GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, or LSAT
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, plus proficiency in one or more of the following five languages: Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili.
6. Tuition
For the program starting in Fall 2022, the total tuition cost to complete the GMPA degree is $46,600.
Curriculum and Faculty
1. Curriculum
The GMPA curriculum covers a wide range of global affairs, focusing on developing skills in leadership, strategic management, analytical reasoning, decision-making, and execution.
The capstone project spans multiple continents, covering three hot topics: economic development in Latin America, elder care in Asia, and public health in Africa.
Fall 2022
- Critical Issues in Governance: Strategic Management
- Critical Issues in Business: Strategic Innovation
- Critical Issues in Nonprofit Management: Strategic Collaboration
- Economic Reasoning for Public Decision-Making
- Quantitative Reasoning for Program Evaluation
Spring 2023
- Critical Issues in Leadership Theory and Practice: Ethical Analysis
- Critical Issues in Leadership Theory and Practice: Strategic Analysis
- Global Leadership and Problem-Solving—Public Health in Africa
- Global Leadership and Problem-Solving: Economic Development in Latin America
- Global Leadership and Problem-Solving: Elder Care in Asia
2. Faculty
The GMPA faculty is diverse, bringing together outstanding professors from fields such as sociology, economics, political science, and business. Faculty members come from multiple countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, the United States, and more.
Most of them speak more than one language and are leaders in various sectors, including government, nonprofits, business, social entrepreneurship, and consulting.
Although the GMPA is an online program, each student is assigned an academic advisor who meets regularly with them to provide ongoing guidance and ensure educational quality.
Who Should Apply
The GMPA program can be seen as Penn’s innovative foray in the MPA field, promising to become a new stepping stone for many students aspiring to attend an Ivy League school.
The one-year length and flexible curriculum allow students to acquire knowledge and quickly engage in social practice to address post-pandemic societal challenges.
This program is particularly suitable for bilingual or multilingual individuals who want to earn a degree in a short time, are comfortable with online learning, and aspire to become effective leaders or ethical leaders in sectors such as nonprofits, corporations, or government.
We recommend that students conduct a comprehensive assessment of program fit based on their personal circumstances and career goals.
For more up-to-date information about Penn’s GMPA, please visit the official GMPA website:
