Program Overview

Invest in yourself and your career by participating in our Executive MPA program. 

The executive master in public administration (EMPA) program is a three-year, 42-credit-hour program designed for working professionals with at least four years of relevant work experience. Students develop practical skills to successfully navigate their current work environments and advance their careers.

The EMPA program is structured to provide a feasible yet rigorous educational experience for students trying to balance work, family, and school responsibilities. Typically, EMPA students spend between 15 and 20 hours a week in program-related activities (including travel, time in class, homework, and team collaboration).

As working professionals, EMPA students bring their real-world experiences, connections, and insights into classroom discussions. They learn how to work effectively in teams and gain analytic and communication skills that set them apart in the workplace. EMPA students are able to help each other find solutions to current workplace challenges and apply the skills they learn in the classroom the very next day in their professional position. 

International applicants who require student visas to enroll are NOT eligible to participate in this part-time executive program per US federal regulations.

Classes are held one night a week at the BYU Salt Lake Center for the duration of the program.

• Entering class of 2024 will meet on Wednesday nights
• Entering class of 2025 will meet on Tuesday nights
• Entering class of 2026 will meet on Thursday nights

The curriculum is standardized so that students in the same cohort attend classes together throughout the three-year program. Students take six credits during fall and winter semesters and three credits during spring term. Classes are not held during summer term. Please see the BYU Academic Calendar for specific dates.