Academic Programs

Bridging Research and Practice

Our teaching builds on the School’s mission to “inspire, educate, and support innovative leaders to advance the common good in a diverse world” through the following programs.

Master of Public Policy (MPP)

Many MPP graduate students choose a concentration in public and nonprofit leadership and management. PNLC faculty members and fellows developed the core curriculum of the concentration, providing coursework in governance, strategic planning, social policy implementation, and public and nonprofit finance.

Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

The core curriculum of this degree for mid-career professionals emphasizes leadership and policymaking theory and practice, and students design their own area of concentration around their career interests.

Certificate in Public Affairs Leadership

The Certificate in Public Affairs Leadership offers mid-career professionals specific knowledge and skills in leadership, management, public policy, and analysis to succeed in today's challenging environment.

Master of Public Affairs (mPAL) Cohort and Public Affairs Leadership Certificate Cohort

The combined mPAL and PAL Certificate cohort is an exciting redesign that integrates four core courses within the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree program. Completion of this group of courses results in either the graduate Certificate in Public Affairs Leadership or 12 credits of required classes in the mid-career MPA degree.

Certificate in Executive Leadership: Public Safety

This graduate certificate provides mid-career public safety professionals knowledge and skills in leadership, management, public policy, and communication for greater success plus increased potential for advancement to serve in chief, deputy, director, and mid- to senior-level leadership positions.

Dual Degree—Master of Public Policy/Master of Business Administration

This dual degree comprises the Master of Business Administration degree from the Carlson School of Management (MBA) and the MPP degree.

Nonprofit Management Post-baccalaureate Certificate

Students learn the importance of leadership and communication and develop confidence in effective leadership and management skills, financial knowledge, nonprofit governance, and organizational strategic planning. Credit may be applied toward graduate programs like the mid-career Master of Public Affairs.

Nonprofit and Public Management Undergraduate Major/Minor + Leadership Minor

Undergraduates taking a major or minor in public and nonprofit management and leadership benefit from core courses offered by PNLC faculty and fellows.

Undergraduate Leadership Minor, College of Education and Human Development

This minor helps students understand and experience multiple frameworks of leadership, developing leadership and social change skills.

Graduate Fellowships

The following graduate fellowships support Humphrey School students who have demonstrated commitment to leadership in nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors.

• Susan Hill Gross + Bert Gross Fellowship, supporting Humphrey School students who have demonstrated commitment to leadership in nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors. The current recipient is Jacqueline Aman.
• Dick Graham / DARTS Fellowship, supporting Humphrey School students who have demonstrated commitment to leadership in nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors. The current recipient is Sarah Lindeman.
• Thomas H. Swain Fellowship, supporting Humphrey School students who have demonstrated commitment to leadership in nonprofit, public, and philanthropic sectors.
• Public Policy Fellowship, in partnership with Minnesota Council on Foundations, supports Humphrey School students with a specific interest in the intersection of philanthropy and public policy.