The MPA is a transdisciplinary, professional degree program designed to prepare students for public service, public management and policy analysis at the local, state and national levels of government.

The concentration program in public finance provides knowledge and skills for students seeking careers or career advancement in areas in which financial management plays an integral role in governance. This concentration emphasizes theories and research concerning urban economics and public finance, managing money in the public sector, public budgeting, and finance and capital budgeting and financing.