University of Pennsylvania Reviews of Master's in Public Administration

"The Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania prides itself on a practical curriculum for those who desire to have an impact in the public sector. While the program is not as large as some other institutes of government or schools of public affairs, Fels does adequately prepare graduates for careers in everything from city government, to state agencies, to non-profits. I found the curriculum to be appropriately rigorous with a bent towards practical education, and thus not overly-theoretical. One of the greatest benefits of Fels is the connection to the rest of the resources of Penn. This allows students to earn joint degrees, or to simply specialize in a particular area of interest in the public sector."

"The Fels community is intimate and supportive of one another such that students feel more like extended family than classmates. The spirit of public service is infused into the curriculum, even in the quantitative courses like statistics and economics (which constitute a significant part of the academic coursework). The organic, familial style of instruction and administrative decision-making might feel slower for those used to fast-paced corporate settings, but it very accurately reflects the atmosphere of the government/non-profit sector."

"The Fels Institute at the University of Pennsylvania provides the vast network and resources of the college and with community and one-on-one support of a small department. The professors are committed to providing practical, applied knowledge to students in order to succeed in the public sector. The students come with a wealth of experience and knowledge that is widely shared with the class. The Fels Institute at the University of Pennsylvania is academically rigorous and a perfect fit for any student seeking to enhance his or her career in the public sector."

"This graduate program is very small and personal, which allows the faculty and staff to devote the time and resources to ensure the success of each student. The program has a very practical approach to the field, which increases a students competitiveness for a job after graduation. I have no cons for the program itself, but the location of UPenn in Western Philadelphia make it a more expensive option due to the cost of living."

"It's a wonderful school and a great opportunity."