Master of Public Administration (Executive)

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 31.8 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 31.8 k / Year(s) Deadline: Mar 15, 2026
StudyQA ranking:4677 Duration:2 years

The Master of Public Administration (Executive) at Hertie School is a rigorous and comprehensive program designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and policy-making skills in the public sector. Tailored for mid-career individuals, this program blends theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling students to address complex governance challenges across local, national, and international levels. The curriculum emphasizes strategic management, policy analysis, governance innovation, and ethical decision-making, all within a multidisciplinary environment that fosters critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Courses are delivered through a combination of intensive modules, seminars, workshops, and independent research, allowing students to balance their professional commitments with academic pursuits. The program also offers opportunities for networking with a diverse cohort of international practitioners, policymakers, and academics, enriching students' perspectives and professional connections. Students are encouraged to develop a personalized thesis project, applying learned concepts to real-world issues, thereby sharpening their analytical and leadership capabilities. The Hertie School’s distinguished faculty, comprising leading scholars and practitioners, facilitate an engaging learning environment grounded in contemporary challenges and innovative solutions. Graduates of the Master of Public Administration (Executive) are well-equipped to assume high-level managerial and advisory roles in government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector entities involved in public affairs. The program’s flexible structure and relevance to current governance trends make it an ideal choice for professionals committed to making a positive impact through effective public administration and policy development.

The Public Administration (Executive) program at Hertie School offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip experienced professionals with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to excel in leadership roles within the public sector. This program emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, preparing students to address complex policy challenges and implement effective governance strategies in diverse cultural and institutional contexts. Throughout the program, participants will engage with topics such as public sector management, policy analysis, governance innovation, leadership, digital transformation, and strategic decision-making. The curriculum combines core courses, elective modules, and practical projects to foster critical thinking, analytical capabilities, and innovative problem-solving skills.

Students will learn from distinguished faculty with extensive experience in public administration, policy research, and government practice. The program also encourages peer learning and networking, enabling participants to exchange ideas and build valuable professional relationships with fellow senior executives, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world. In addition to classroom instruction, the program incorporates case studies, simulations, and real-world projects, providing opportunities for experiential learning and immediate application of concepts in their professional environments.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible to accommodate the demanding schedules of working executives. It combines in-person modules held at the Hertie School's Berlin campus with online components, allowing participants to balance their studies with ongoing professional responsibilities. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have gained a deeper understanding of public sector dynamics, refined their leadership capabilities, and expanded their strategic perspectives, positioning them to drive effective change and innovation within government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, or private-sector entities involved in public policy.

The Public Administration (Executive) program at Hertie School is ideal for mid- to senior-level professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and leadership in contemporary governance. It champions a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from political science, economics, law, and public management to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of public administration in the 21st century. With a focus on sustainable development, digital governance, and inclusive policy-making, the program equips students to shape resilient, forward-looking institutions that meet the needs of society today and in the future.

The Hertie School's Master of Public Administration (Executive) program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of public management. Admission requirements typically include a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, demonstrating strong academic performance. Applicants are expected to possess considerable professional experience in the field of public administration, policy, or related areas, with a preference for those holding managerial or leadership roles. A minimum of three years of relevant work experience is often required to ensure candidates can engage meaningfully with the program's advanced curriculum.

Proficiency in English is essential, and applicants must submit valid proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS unless their undergraduate degree was completed in an English-speaking country or institution. The application process includes submitting a comprehensive CV or resume that highlights relevant professional experience, academic transcripts, and a motivational letter explaining the applicant's career goals and reasons for pursuing the executive degree. Recommendations from professional referees are also typically required to assess the candidate's leadership potential and suitability for the program.

Additional evaluation criteria may involve an admission interview, where candidates discuss their motivation, experience, and expectations for the program. The program emphasizes a competitive selection process aimed at bringing together a diverse cohort of mid-to-senior level professionals committed to advancing their careers in public service. Candidates should demonstrate a clear understanding of the program's objectives and how it aligns with their professional development goals.

Financial considerations such as tuition fees and scholarship opportunities may also factor into the application process. It is recommended that applicants submit their complete applications before the university's specified deadlines, which are generally several months prior to program start dates. Due to the executive nature of the program, specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the cohort, but overall, the focus remains on selecting highly qualified candidates with proven leadership potential and a strong commitment to public service.


Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

  • ✔️ Flexible study schedule
  • ✔️ Experienced teachers
  • ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing for the Public Administration (Executive) program at the Hertie School is primarily achieved through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options. Tuition fees for the program are designed to be competitive within the realm of executive education and are structured to reflect the high-quality instruction and global networking opportunities provided. The exact amount may vary depending on the year and specific course components but generally fall within the standard range for executive master’s programs at the institute.

Students are encouraged to explore various scholarship opportunities offered by the Hertie School, which aim to support exceptional candidates from diverse backgrounds. These scholarships are awarded based on merit, leadership potential, and need, and they help to make the program more accessible to a broader demographic of aspiring public administrators worldwide. Additionally, the school offers financial aid plans, including installment payment options and potential loan guidance, to facilitate students’ financial planning and management.

Many participants in the Public Administration (Executive) program are sponsored by their respective organizations or government agencies, which recognize the value of advanced education in public policy and administration for professional development and organizational benefits. The program also provides information on external funding opportunities and encourages applicants to seek personal or institutional sponsorships.

In terms of financial planning, students are advised to account for additional costs such as living expenses in Berlin, travel, health insurance, and study materials. The Hertie School’s commitment to supporting its students extends to providing comprehensive guidance on funding applications and advising on budget management throughout the duration of the program.

Overall, the financing structure is designed to enable talented individuals to pursue advanced studies in public administration without undue financial hardship, fostering a diverse and dynamic cohort of future leaders in the public sector.

The Master of Public Administration (Executive) at Hertie School is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed for experienced professionals aiming to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of public sector management. This program is tailored for individuals working in government, international organizations, NGOs, or related sectors who seek to advance their careers through advanced training in public administration. The curriculum combines theoretical insights with practical applications, equipping students with analytical tools and strategic thinking capabilities necessary to address complex public policy challenges.

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, merging insights from law, economics, political science, and management to foster innovative solutions in governance. Students engage with topics such as public finance, organizational leadership, policy analysis, digital governance, and ethical considerations in public service. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of lectures, case studies, seminars, and group projects, ensuring a dynamic learning environment that encourages engagement and peer exchange.

Hertie School's strong ties to policy makers, international organizations, and academic experts provide students with ample networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge research and practice. The program is typically delivered on a part-time basis to accommodate working professionals, with classes scheduled to facilitate balance between studies and professional commitments. The executive nature of the program also allows students to implement new ideas directly into their workplaces, fostering immediate impact and leadership development.

Graduates of the program gain a competitive advantage in the public sector, equipped with advanced management skills, a broadened international perspective, and a powerful professional network. The program also emphasizes ethical governance and social responsibility, preparing students to lead change in complex political and societal environments. Overall, the Hertie School’s Executive Master of Public Administration aims to cultivate effective public sector leaders capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating policies that improve societal well-being and promote sustainable development in diverse contexts worldwide.

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