Master of Arts in Public Service Leadership (MA)

You will learn how to: 

• Apply ethical reasoning to administrative design and decision-making in the context of public service leadership in an ever-changing context of practice
• Demonstrate critical thinking, research, and communication skills as applied to the public and human service sectors
• Exhibit professional behavior in terms of demeanor, personal presentation, ethics, and civic participation
• Implement excellent oral and written communication and demonstrate the use technology to interact with various stakeholders
• Articulate the role of diversity, inclusion, and equity in providing leadership

Students enrolled in the Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness Track position themselves for roles in the public and private sector, such as:

• Emergency Services Director
• Environmental, Health and Safety Manager
• Hospital Emergency Preparedness Administrator
• Recovery Coordination Specialist
• City Emergency Response Manager

Students enrolled in the Global Social and Sustainable Development Track position themselves for roles in the public and private sector, such as:

• International Relations Specialist
• Chief of Country
• Lobbyist
• Social Policy Analyst
• Program Manager
• International development advisor

SPCS students enrolled in the MA in Public Service Leadership program receive instruction, guidance, and support from dedicated faculty members. This includes both scholars in the field as well as expert practitioners who understand current market forces and the necessary skills to drive success and create a more responsive, equitable world. View Our Directory

To apply to the MA in Public Service Leadership program at SCPS, students must provide:

• A completed application that includes your track preference
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions. To be eligible for admission, your transcript must show an earned bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in progress (with an expected graduation to occur before the start of your graduate program).
• 2.5 GPA or higher and in good standing at all prior institutions. In exceptional cases, applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below 2.5 may be admitted. Each program area gives meaningful consideration to the applicant's graduate GPA, recommendations, professional experience, and reasons for pursuing a graduate program.
• Optional letter of recommendation (up to 2 letters). If you supply your recommender's email address as part of your completed online application form, then your recommendation letters will be submitted directly through the online application system. Recommenders may be academic or professional in nature.
• A personal statement discussing how Loyola's Public Service Leadership Master’s Degree Program and our focus on “a reason for being” leadership will prepare you to achieve your career goals. Your statement should be 2-3 double-spaced pages. For applicants who may feel that one or more parts of their application are weak, the personal statement provides the admission committee with more insight on your candidacy.

While the program does allow for a Spring I start, it is preferable students start in Fall I (August).