Institute of Public Service

Russell M. Lidman, PhD, Program Director
Kasa Tupua Pierson, MA, MPA, Coordinator

Mission of the Institute of Public Service

Seattle University’s Institute of Public Service educates working professionals for positions of responsibility and leadership in public service. The MPA program, consistent with the mission of Seattle University, “is dedicated to empowering leaders for a just and humane world.”

Students and graduates are expected to meet high standards of professionalism, trust, and stewardship. The Institute’s academic program is responsive to the evolving character of public service and to the changing problems our public leaders confront. The Seattle University MPA offers students:

A state-of-the-art curriculum emphasizing active learning
A blend of management studies and public-policy analysis
Emphasis in nonprofit management and government administration
Small classes, offered evenings and Saturdays
An MPA degree in two or three years while enrolled part-time
The choice of fall, winter, spring, or summer admission
Mentorship, internship, and independent study options

Bachelor of Public Affairs/Master of Public Administration: A Five-Year Program

A Seattle University BPA student may apply for a program that culminates in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The graduate degree can be completed in four quarters. For joint degree students only there is a reduced, 36-credit requirement for the MPA. This program is also open to junior-year transfer students from other universities and from the community colleges. See program director for details.