How the MPA Program Can Support Your Career Growth, Development

As senior director of philanthropy for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Advancement team, Alycia Thornton’s job is to raise money that supports the college. Since she earned a Master of Public Administration at NC State in 2023, Thornton believes she is putting what she has learned into practice. 

“I had a mentor tell me, ‘If you can manage people, projects and money, you can pursue almost any career you desire,’” Thornton said. “The MPA program equips you with the skills to manage all three.”

The nationally ranked MPA program is in the Department of Public Administration, which is part of the School of Public and International Affairs in CHASS. The MPA focuses on practical and problem-solving skills and emphasizes public service values, including efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

The program aims to develop principled and skilled public service professionals who fulfill leadership roles within governmental and nonprofit organizations. Many NC State employees have taken classes or earned an MPA through the program, and its leaders would like to see more employees take advantage of the opportunity. 

“The MPA program and courses were relevant to my career, supportive of my goals of being a part-time student,” said Thornton, who has worked for CALS Advancement for more than 9 years. “The classwork and activities were memorable and equipped me with the skills needed to make a difference in the public sector. I hope to encourage others interested in continuing education to strongly consider NC State’s MPA program.” 

Thornton said she prioritized getting her MPA because of NC State’s tuition waiver program, which allows eligible staff and faculty to have tuition waived for classes they take at any University of North Carolina System school, up to three courses per academic year.

“Would I have paid for master’s courses? Thornton reflected. “Maybe so, but I probably wouldn’t have made earning a master’s degree a top priority. I think many people can relate to that. With so many other financial priorities, it’s easy to decide against spending $20,000 or more on another degree.” 

Thornton said she was glad she didn’t have to make that choice.

“The tuition waiver and this degree program open doors and keep them open,” she said.

Thornton said she was interested in getting her MPA for several reasons. Among them were career growth, the program’s leadership development training and her interest in being a lifelong learner. She said she cares deeply about evolving personally and professionally and learning new things.

“The MPA program allowed me to deepen my skill level and knowledge for my current job, and it gave me the tools I will need for career growth,” Thornton said. 

In addition to the MPA program, the School of Public and International Affairs offers graduate certificates in nonprofit management and policy analysis, which may interest employees who want to advance their leadership and management skills. Those programs emphasize public service values and equip students to reflect the “Think and Do” spirit of NC State with a strong mix of critical thinking, decision making and practical application. 

Employees can apply for full admission to the MPA program or consider taking a course as a nondegree-seeking student. In the fall 2025 semester, coursework relevant to NC State employees will include the budgeting process, fund development, management systems and effective communications. 

“Our program’s focus on engaging stakeholders, improving performance and creating public value aligns perfectly with NC State’s strategic goal of enhancing institutional effectiveness,” said Jerrell Coggburn, chair of the Department of Public Administration. “It’s been a delight to have so many students from the university community, and we’re eager to have even more.”  

To find out more about the MPA program, visit the program website or contact Mandi Stewart, director of the MPA program, at ajstewa5@ncsu.edu.