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Master's Programmes

Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration is a professional degree that prepares graduates to lead and manage public sector organizations and nonprofit agencies in service of the public good. This degree will help students to understand and develop solutions to the governance, policy, and administrative challenges faced by governments and civil society, with a focus on public service ethics, fiscal accountability, and effective program delivery.
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Master's Programmes
Faculty
Faculty of Management, Social, & Media Sciences
Study Mode
Online / Blended
Duration
3 Semesters

At a Glance

Programme Quick Facts

Award

Master's Programmes

Duration

3 Semesters

Study Mode

Online / Blended Learning

Faculty

Faculty of Management, Social, & Media Sciences

Programme Overview

Master of Public Administration is a professional degree that prepares graduates to lead and manage public sector organizations and nonprofit agencies in service of the public good. This degree will help students to understand and develop solutions to the governance, policy, and administrative challenges faced by governments and civil society, with a focus on public service ethics, fiscal accountability, and effective program delivery.

Programme Objectives

  1. Develop a deep understanding of the principles and practices of public administration, including policy analysis, budgeting, and program evaluation.
  2. Enhance leadership and management skills necessary for effective decision-making in the public sector.
  3. Cultivate ethical and moral reasoning abilities to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in public service.
  4. Foster critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities in order to address contemporary challenges facing public organizations.
  5. Provide students with opportunities for practical application of knowledge through internships, research projects, and collaborative engagements with public sector organizations.

Choose your academic focus

Areas of Specialization

Master of Public Administration (Public Policy and Administration)

The Master of Public Administration with specialization in Public Policy and Administration is a rigorous and comprehensive programme designed to prepare students for careers in the public sector, focusing on the development and implementation of policies and programs that benefit society. The programme combines theoretical and practical approaches to provide students with a deep understanding of key concepts and skills necessary for public policy and administration. Students will learn how to analyze and evaluate existing policies, conduct policy research, and effectively navigate the complexities of public organizations and systems. Through specialized coursework, internship opportunities, and hands-on learning, students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to address real-world issues and make a positive impact in their communities.

Master of Public Administration (Human Resource and Project Management)

The Master of Public Administration with specialization in Human Resource and Project Management is a comprehensive graduate programme designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and lead in both the public and private sectors. It combines the foundations of public administration and policy with a deep understanding of human resource management and project management principles and practices. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical application, students will develop advanced skills in strategic planning, resource management, communication, and project implementation. Graduates of this programme will be prepared to take on leadership roles in diverse organizations, with a strong focus on promoting efficiency and effectiveness in both human resource management and project management.

Master of Public Administration (NGO and Organizations Management)

The Master of Public Administration with specialization in NGO and Organizations Management is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the non-profit or private sector. This programme provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and lead organizations, both domestically and internationally, while also addressing social and environmental issues. The curriculum combines core courses in public administration with specialized courses in NGO and corporate bodies management, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing these organizations. By the end of the programme, students will be equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively drive change and achieve success in the non-profit and private sectors.

Master of Public Administration (Local Government Administration and Management)

The Master of Public Administration with specialization in Local Government Administration and Management is a comprehensive graduate programme designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and lead local government agencies in Nigeria and other countries with local government system. The programme provides a thorough understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics of local governments, as well as the legal frameworks and policy issues that affect their operations. Through a combination of theoretical and practical coursework, students will develop expertise in budgeting, human resource management, strategic planning, and conflict resolution, all tailored to the specific context of local government in Nigeria. The programme also emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing students to tackle the complex challenges facing local government administrations in the country. Graduates of this programme will be equipped to make a positive and lasting impact in their communities, ensuring effective and efficient delivery of public services at the local level.

Master of Public Administration (Legislative Administration and Management)

The Master of Public Administration with specialization in Legislative Administration and Management is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary programme designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective leadership and management within legislative bodies. The programme specifically focuses on the legislative systems in Nigeria and other countries, providing students with a deep understanding of the political, legal, and administrative structures and processes within these contexts. Through a combination of theoretical and practical coursework, students will develop the ability to analyze and address complex legislative issues, implement policies, and effectively communicate with stakeholders. This programme will prepare graduates for advanced careers in legislative administration and management at the local, national, and international levels.

Master of Public Administration (MDAs Administration and Management)

The Master of Public Administration with specialization in MDAs Administration and Management is a cutting-edge graduate programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage public sectors within Nigeria and other countries. The programme focuses on developing competent leaders who can tackle the complex challenges faced by modern bureaucracies and government agencies. Through a combination of theoretical and practical coursework, students will gain a deep understanding of public administration principles and best practices, as well as specialized knowledge in areas such as budgeting, human resource management, and policy development. With a strong emphasis on real-world application, students will graduate with the practical skills and strategic mindset needed to navigate the complexities of public sector management in both domestic and international contexts.

Master of Public Administration (Governance, Political Administration and Election Management)

The Master of Public Administration with specialization in Governance, Political Administration, and Election Management is a comprehensive programme designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the ever-evolving field of public administration and politics. The programme provides a deep understanding of the principles and practices of governance, political administration, and election management, with a specific focus on the Nigerian context. Students will learn about the history and development of governance structures, the role of leadership in political administration, and the intricacies of election management. This programme prepares graduates for careers in government, NGOs, and international organizations, where they can contribute to the improvement of governance and political systems in Nigeria and beyond.

Master of Public Administration (Economic and Sustainable Development)

The Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Economic and Sustainable Development is a comprehensive programme that combines the theories and best practices of global affairs with a focus on economic development. This programme is designed for students who are interested in the intersection of public policy and economic growth, and who want to pursue careers in the public or private sector in international development, economic analysis, or policy making. Students will gain a deep understanding of economic principles and techniques, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and implement effective policies and strategies to promote economic development. Through a combination of coursework, research, and practical experiences, students will be prepared to tackle complex economic issues and contribute to the development of their communities and countries.

Admission Requirements

Entry Criteria

To be admitted for this programme, candidate must have 5 O’Level credits passes in English Language, Mathematics, including any other 3 subjects. In addition to the O’Level requirement above, candidate is expected to:

a.) Have a minimum of second class lower division of a first degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Local Government and Development Studies, Economics, Sociology or History and any other related field.

b.) Have a first degree with third class plus 5 years post-graduation experience or HND plus a university PGD at credit level pass, (i.e., CGPA of 3.0/5.0) or 50% on weighted percentage average may be considered for admission.

c.) Present NYSC certificate (discharge, exemption or exclusion) for Nigerian candidates.

Note: Only certificates recognized by the Senate of Iconic University will be granted admissions.

Admission Notice

No JAMB examination or score is required for the Master of Public Administration programme at Iconic Open University. Admitted students will only be required to register with JAMB for the regularization of their admission as Open University students.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are prepared for roles including:

Careers in this field include public administration officer, policy analyst, city manager, government relations specialist, nonprofit executive director, budget analyst, program evaluator, and public affairs consultant. Master of Public Administration graduates can seek employment opportunities in various organizations such as local, state, and national government agencies, international development organizations, nonprofit and charitable organizations, public policy think tanks, healthcare administration, educational institutions, and intergovernmental bodies.

The job prospects for those with a Master of Public Administration degree are consistently favorable as the demand for professionals with expertise in public policy formulation, public financial management, and organizational leadership within the public sphere is ever–growing. With the right qualifications, these professionals can enjoy a rewarding career dedicated to improving communities and advancing the public interest. With the right experience, individuals can also move into higher–level positions such as chief administrative officer, deputy minister, city mayor, director of public policy, executive director of a major nonprofit, or senior advisor to government officials.

21st Century Skills
Among the 21st Century skills for the programme are:

  • policy analysis and evaluation;
  • ethical leadership and integrity;
  • stakeholder engagement;
  • strategic planning;
  • problem solving;
  • financial management and budgeting; and
  • effective written and oral communication.

Programme Fees

Tuition and payment

Iconic University charges modest fees that give learners the chance to pay per semester only. Nigerian candidates seeking admission will pay an application fee of N15,000 and $50 would be paid by international applicants.

Semester Fees:

Semester Fees are charged based on the human development index (HDI) of country of residence.

How your fees are calculated

Fees are categorised into:

01Nigerians living in Nigeria only
N155,000 (payment of practical/practicum/project courses or hardcopy course materials is exclusive)
02nyone living in Very High Development Countries (International Students)
$600 or equivalent
03Anyone living in High Development Countries (International Students)
$450 or equivalent
04Anyone living in Medium Development Countries (International Students)
$400 or equivalent
05Anyone living in Low Development Countries (International Students)
$300 or equivalent
06Anyone living in “Other countries” (International Students)
$250 or equivalent

Helpful resources

Click here to see list of countries based on HDIClick here to read International Students’ Policy

Note: The university operates a non-refundable policy on application fee, registration fee and all other fees paid for products and services of the university whether or not students participated in the programmes.

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Access course materials, assessments, and academic support through our intelligent learning platform.

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Exam and study centres across Nigeria for in-person support and assessments.

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