Introduction

The Institute of Public Service educates working professionals for positions of responsibility and leadership in the public service. The Institute, consistent with the mission of Seattle University is ‘dedicated to educating the whole person, to professional formation, and to empowering leaders for a just and humane world.'

The Institute offers a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The MPA degree is designed for working professionals seeking to increase their management and leadership skills for application in government and nonprofit organizations. The MPA degree is a 54-credit multidisciplinary program, combining cutting-edge knowledge and practices in public policy, organizational leadership, economics, public finance, and administrative law. Specializations in government and nonprofit management are offered for students seeking careers in these sectors. Classes are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays.

The Institute of Public Service also offers a Bachelor of Public Affairs (BPA) degree and a  minor in public affairs . The BPA degree is designed for students interested in public policy, community planning, and advocacy. The BPA major encourages students to explore diverse perspectives, apply problem-solving skills, and engage in practical experiences that enable graduates to undertake important leadership responsibilities and challenging work in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Students and graduates are expected to meet high standards of professionalism, trust, and stewardship. The Institute's academic programs are responsive to the evolving character of public service and to the changing problems public leaders confront. The Institute serves neighboring communities and the region through applied research, collaborations, training, consultation, and public policy forums.

The Institute of Public Service also encompasses The Center for Nonprofit and Social Enterprise Management.  The Center leads and coordinates the university’s educational, research, and outreach services to the nonprofit sector and businesses engaged in civic partnerships with their communities.

Effective nonprofit executives must have the leadership skills that inspire others to voluntary action while also possessing the management abilities expected in government and business. The Executive Master of Nonprofit Leadership (MNPL) degree has a unique curriculum designed to teach the core competencies expected of the best nonprofit executives. While courses will teach the latest management and leadership theory, content will emphasize practical application. Course work is intended to build on the base of experience that students will bring with them to the classroom.

The MNPL degree is a 45-credit, 22-month program designed for working professionals. Courses are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays, and promote the cross-fertilization of “best practices” among different fields of service and advocacy in the nonprofit sector. A class of up to 25 individuals is admitted each year, and this cohort proceeds through the program together in order to provide more opportunities to learn from each other.

The Center also offers an undergraduate minor in nonprofit leadership. Students pursuing the minor in nonprofit leadership will develop a working knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. Students will be prepared to more effectively contribute to society as an active and engaged citizen locally and globally.