2011 Annual Survey (AY 2009-10 Data)

NASPAA's Program Glimpse information is based on information collected through NASPAA’s annual enrollment and degrees awarded survey. The survey is usually carried out in spring. Data collected reflect only that of survey-participating programs.

The following information is based on program responses to NASPAA’s Fall 2010 Enrollment and Academic Year 2009-2010 Degrees Awarded Survey, administered by NASPAA in Spring 2011. The data reflect only survey-participating programs. Of the 272 NASPAA membership programs as of spring 2011, 176 responded to the survey and 167 submitted valid data, giving the survey a response rate of 61 percent.

Degree Awarded AY 2009-10

Degree Type Degrees Awarded
by Respondents
Percent of
Degree Awarded
by Respondents
Master of Public Administration 5,621 57.4
Master of Public Policy 910 9.3
Master of Public Affairs 407 4.2
Executive MPA 742 7.6
Other Master 1,776 18.1
Joint Degree 343 3.5
Total Degree Awarded 9,799  

Degree Awarded Highlights

  • Nearly 9,700 students received their Master's degrees in Public Affairs during the 2009-10 Academic Year. About 3.5 percent had joint degrees. More than 57 percent of the Master's degrees granted were MPA.
  • The most common degree offered jointly with the MPA/MPP is the JD. Other joint/dual master’s degrees offered with an MPA/MPP include, but are not limited to, Social Work, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Law, Criminal Justice, International Affairs, Nursing, Doctor of Medicine, Mental Health, Public Health, Divinity, Latin American Studies, and Environmental Science.