鈥淓very class has had an applicable impact on the work I have been doing. Learning to use logic models has been helpful for program planning and grant applications. Also, understanding how to manage a program or project from beginning to sustainability has been beneficial in helping obtain several federal and state grants, along with continuous opportunities to keep the work growing.鈥
Graduate Testimonials: Executive MPA
Insights, Advice and More from Executive MPA Graduates
Graduates of the hybrid Executive Master of Public Administration can step confidently into leadership roles in nonprofits, government, or the public sector. To learn more about what OHIO鈥檚 EMPA can mean for your career, explore our student testimonials. Hear from recent graduates about the online and in-person student experience, courses, faculty, professional benefits and more.
Study a Real-World Curriculum
The Executive MPA offers a comprehensive curriculum built to provide the practical skills needed to navigate real situations relevant to today's public administration landscape.
"I loved the applied education model of the Executive Master of Public Administration program. I was able to immediately relate what I was learning to the workplace. An added benefit was being amongst a cohort of practitioners: I learned from my peers while learning from the professors.
Earning my MPA degree resulted in a career opportunity with my current employer. I use much of what I learned in the Executive MPA鈥檚 Performance Management course (balanced scorecard, management through data 鈥 stats programs, Baldrige criteria), as well as the 'strategic triangle' concept to create public value.
I think the EMPA is a terrific option to receive an advanced degree and learn practical concepts to bolster your career."
鈥淎s a graduate of OHIO鈥檚 EMPA Program, I found value in its practical approach to leadership, policy analysis, and cross-sector collaboration, which have been instrumental in my career. In the nonprofit sector, the program鈥檚 focus on resource management equipped me with the tools to develop sustainable programs. In city government, I applied lessons in strategic leadership to collaborate with city officials and community stakeholders to implement programs to improve community safety. In county government, I now rely on the program鈥檚 teachings in collaborative governance to drive initiatives addressing systemic challenges like poverty and health equity.鈥
鈥淭he Executive MPA program brings together professionals from diverse organizations and diverse viewpoints. Getting to know these people and hearing their perspectives through the various classes helps you to understand that even when we all agree on the necessity of something, we have different ideas about the right way to go about it. This is really helpful when dealing with allies from 32 nations and military officers from multiple branches.鈥
鈥淭he public finance and budgeting class I took during my Executive MPA program was very applicable to my career. I think it is important to have a basic understanding of capital stacks and public finance for any career within the public administration field, and the budgeting class certainly helped prepare me for this.
In addition, the public-private partnership course was of great value to me. I still talk about it! Having a solid understanding and foundation of how they work was invaluable to my role as economic developer. I've used the lessons from the EMPA often in my job.
For potential students, I would emphasize the real-world application the EMPA offers which is ideal for working professionals. It was helpful to use examples from my job for class projects. Doing so helped me to fully comprehend and implement theories and best practices taught in the program in my day-to-day work.鈥
鈥淚 can say without hesitation that OHIO鈥檚 Executive MPA was one of the best investments I鈥檝e made in my public service career. The flexibility of the hybrid format allowed me to continue serving as Director of HR & Training for the Franklin County Clerk of Courts while advancing my education. Meeting once a month at the Dublin, OH campus allowed me to collaborate with other dedicated public servants, exchange ideas and form a professional network that continues to support me today.
Throughout my EMPA program, I developed stronger policy analysis and organizational management skills, which have helped me design more efficient processes and improve departmental outcomes. Perhaps most importantly, I learned how to connect theory to practice, taking classroom concepts and using them to address real challenges.
OHIO鈥檚 MPA faculty and staff were deeply supportive, always available via virtual office hours and committed to helping me connect theory and practice. The low student-to-faculty ratio meant my voice was heard, and the curriculum, especially courses like Statistics and Grants, challenged me to think bigger and lead with greater confidence.
Earning my MPA gave me credibility, both within my organization and across the broader public sector. That combination of knowledge, relationships and recognition has allowed me to lead new initiatives, improve departmental efficiencies and engage more effectively in high-value partnerships across county and municipal levels.鈥
鈥淯nderstanding the ways that public administrators interpret laws and serve as the backbone of our federal and local government has been incredibly eye-opening for me. I have a more holistic insight to current events and [am] better prepared to navigate my own work environment.
As someone who works as an NGO public servant in both the Indo-Pacific and European theatres, I am engaging in cross-agency collaboration with U.S. federal agencies and our international partners daily. The skills that I learned during the EMPA program have given me the confidence to handle these situations with ease and affluency. Ultimately, I am better able to support U.S. service members deployed overseas because of the knowledge I gained from my MPA degree.鈥
"The Executive MPA program at 蜜柚视频 is designed to accommodate working professionals, allowing completion alongside family and work commitments. Even more compelling, the program鈥檚 key strength lies in integrating academics with practical application, enabling immediate impact on your career.
The program equipped me with essential skills that have directly advanced my career. I learned to process complex information efficiently, enhanced my research and writing capabilities and developed data analysis skills to support informed decision-making. Most importantly, the program provided the foundation for my successful transition from public works to city management.
The Executive MPA program鈥檚 strong emphasis on servant leadership provided me with the opportunity to research and write about contemporary issues in local government, enabling me to align academic inquiry with practical application. The fellowship and guidance of faculty, along with the collaboration within my cohort, contributed significantly to my professional and personal development, further reinforcing my dedication to leading through service.
The faculty in the Executive MPA program provided unwavering support throughout my studies. And the valuable career coaching and resume development offered through the Voinovich School, in addition to what I learned from the program, motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
I recommend this program to those seeking a rigorous yet flexible path to advance their professional development."
"Teamwork with those who care as deeply as you do about the subject was a core part of the Executive MPA program. The students were all dedicated to doing the best work possible and making sure we all succeeded. There was no weak link in any group I was in. It taught me about who I need in a team to complete a project successfully.
In addition, all of the professors were dedicated to making us better people as we grew and evolved in our careers. No one 鈥 not the facility or the students 鈥 felt to me like they were there because they had to be. They understood this program required a commitment to more than just being there.
I never had any concerns about approaching the faculty for assistance, clarification or support. Whether that was the professors in the program or those who helped shepherd us through the academic process, I was never at a loss for where to turn if I was struggling with any aspect of the program.
Do not think of the OHIO EMPA as a series of classes you need to take to graduate with a degree. It is nothing like an undergraduate degree, where even the classes in your major can feel disjointed and not related to the others. I was constantly surprised how much I carried forward into each new semester.鈥
The EMPA interweaves what you learn each semester into the next one, building your knowledge and skills like bricks in a wall. They are organized in a way that rewards you for remembering the skills or knowledge you learned in past semesters and bringing it forward to the latest class.
I give OHIO's EMPA program a great deal of credit for enhancing my ability to research, evaluate and opine on projects my government is considering or actively working on. Not only were the classes tremendous in opening my perspective to new sources and ideas, but also in how to put my thoughts to paper in a constructive way. Even something as simple as writing an email can call upon those skills from time to time and I think a lot about what I learned when those moments happen.鈥
鈥淭he instructors were approachable and provided real-time feedback throughout the program. Many of these instructors have continued to provide me with professional support years later.
The relationships that were made, both with the instructors and the members of my cohort, were the most valuable aspects of this EMPA program. It鈥檚 five years after graduation, and the support system is still in place!鈥
"The leadership knowledge I gained was invaluable. On top of that, as a working professional, being able to complete classes one Saturday a month and do most of the work in the evenings and on weekends allowed me to continue to work full time and apply what I was learning directly to my work. The in-person classes created an opportunity to meet new people and gain new ideas and thoughts. I made so many new connections that have already proven valuable.
One of my papers was on the lack of workforce in broadband and what that could mean for Ohio in terms of loss of funding from federal investments. As a result, I was included in a project with OU and Hocking College to ensure our region of the state was working toward training and workforce needs. The leadership knowledge I gained has helped me become a better project manager. I am more efficient with my time and with the time of those around me.
The highlight of my experience at 蜜柚视频 was getting to know the wonderful instructors and all my peers鈥擨 have so many connections now!
I wish I would have done the program sooner in my career. Not only has it provided invaluable leadership, project management and speaker engagement techniques, but all those combined have allowed me to find a great job and shine in my field. You cannot go wrong!"
"From the outset, the program impressed me with its comprehensive curriculum, which seamlessly blended theoretical concepts with real-world applications. The faculty members, with their diverse expertise and dedication to student success, fostered an intellectually stimulating environment. Their commitment to cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of public policy, governance and administration.
The ability to learn how data is used in research to formulate logical conclusions has catapulted my career鈥擨 can effectively focus on factual information to render decisions rather than personal opinions toward legislation.
I would say, by far, 蜜柚视频's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service is the most comprehensive program for public administrators. Being named after Senator Voinovich, the dedication to public service is clearly identifiable with its diverse faculty and staff who are focused on helping professionals increase their expertise and become better administrators.
The sense of community within the MPA program is truly exceptional. The faculty, staff and fellow students created a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where everyone was encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions and grow together. The networking opportunities provided by the program have been invaluable, connecting me with professionals and graduates who have become mentors and sources of inspiration. My continuous contact with former instructors also played a significant role in my success both as an elected official and government consultant."
"The Executive MPA鈥檚 focus on leadership and public analysis has had the most value to me and my career. I gained a better understanding of public policy and how that can drive private sector development, and I was able to immediately apply that knowledge to my current role.
The instructors in the Executive MPA program are fantastic. And the cohort structure was beneficial to hearing a wide range of backgrounds, enhancing what the curriculum taught.
The Executive Master of Public Administration program has opened new opportunities I never would have thought were possible."
"The most valuable aspect of the Executive Master of Public Administration program at 蜜柚视频 was the blend of academic rigor and real-world application. Courses were not only taught by accomplished academics, but also by practitioners with extensive field experience. For example, the public budgeting course was led by an instructor who worked in county government finance, providing insights that went far beyond the textbook. That practical, grounded instruction made the course content immediately applicable to my career in public service and union leadership.
As president of the Fraternal Order of Police 鈥 Capital City Lodge #9, I鈥檝e been able to directly apply the skills and knowledge I gained through the Executive MPA program at 蜜柚视频. Courses in public budgeting, leadership strategy and public policy analysis have been invaluable in negotiating contracts, managing organizational priorities and advocating for our members. The program didn鈥檛 just teach theory; it equipped me with practical tools I use every day in high-stakes union leadership.
Another course that stands out is Research Methods in Leadership and Public Affairs. I was initially intimidated by the statistical component, but it turned out to be one of the most impactful parts of the program. It strengthened my ability to evaluate policies, assess trends affecting public safety, and make informed, data-driven decisions that benefit our officers and the communities they serve.
The faculty support at 蜜柚视频 was phenomenal. I found the professors to be approachable, responsive, and deeply committed to student success. When I was struggling with research methods, the instructor went above and beyond by offering after-class tutoring sessions. That support was critical to my achievements and left a lasting impression on me.
Don鈥檛 let self-doubt stop you from enrolling. I was nervous returning to the classroom after many years, but the supportive and encouraging environment made me feel like I was on the right path. You鈥檒l form lifelong connections not just with faculty, but with peers who will champion your success every step of the way. I am proud to be a Bobcat and a graduate of the Executive MPA program at 蜜柚视频 鈥 an experience that will stay with me for life."
"I began the EMPA in 2014, around the time I was in my first leadership position. After finishing two semesters, I took a break until 2019. My return to the EMPA program was seamless, and I appreciated the support I received from faculty and staff returning to the classroom with a demanding career role. [The instructors] provided clear information as well as support in understanding, application, and continued engagement.
The OHIO EMPA program has played a significant role in my life. The information provided in the courses was timely and applicable to my work as a public servant. The most valuable [part] is the time we spent learning from other professionals in my cohort, applying the classroom to real-life workplace circumstances. There has not been another time in my educational experience where I have been able to apply theory immediately in the workplace.鈥
Disclaimer: It is not the intent of 蜜柚视频 to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Prepare for Success as a Leader in Public Administration
The Executive MPA program is grounded in practical application and real-world skill development, you鈥檒l graduate ready to make an impact as a skilled expert in public administration. Learn more by visiting the Executive MPA careers page.
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