The Master of Public Administration degree draws upon the methods and perspectives of the social and behavioral sciences, economics, and the humanities. The link between these disciplines and the challenges of public management are emphasized through the use of practitioners in the classroom, policy-relevant research assignments, public affairs seminars, and internships. Teaching faculty have significant professional experience in state and local government and are engaged in cutting-edge research relevant to public and nonprofit organizations in Kansas. This experience allows faculty to bring relevant perspectives on public management into the classroom.

Nearly three hundred graduates of the Master of Public Administration degree at Wichita State University now hold positions of responsibility in state and local government and in nonprofit agencies throughout the U.S. Graduates serve as city managers and department heads, program managers, finance directors, budget analysts, management analysts, and agency planners. Although the majority are employed in public service, some graduates of the program have taken positions in the private sector, while still others have pursued additional study in law, doctoral education, or other specializations.

The Master of Public Administration degree at Wichita State University is accredited by the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation of the National Association of Schools of Public Administration and Affairs.