Fels Institute of Government and City of Philadelphia Partnership

The University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government and City of Philadelphia partnership provides a 25% tuition reduction for full-time City of Philadelphia employees who enroll in the Master of Public Administration or the Executive Master of Public Administration.

Why choose Fels?

Our mission is to train public sector leaders—and we are dedicated to providing the knowledge, experience, and network you need to ignite meaningful change. Our curriculum combines foundational knowledge in data analysis, leadership, and economics with practical, experiential learning opportunities that enhance your professional impact, no matter where you are in your career—or the world. In addition, our small and selective programs ensure that each student has access to faculty guidance, alumni mentorship, and the lasting connections formed among peers in your cohort.

Fels degree programs

Master of Public Administration: The on-campus program is designed to deliver the analytical tools, real-world experience, and valuable connections needed to begin or advance a career in the public sector.
Executive Master of Public Administration: This is a low-residency program that combines an innovative online learning platform with monthly on-site intensive sessions in Philadelphia to enhance your leadership in the public sphere.

City of Philadelphia partnership program details

The 25% tuition reduction for full-time City of Philadelphia employees is awarded in the form of a reduced tuition-only rate for the Fels Institute of Government’s Master of Public Administration and Executive Master of Public Administration programs.
City of Philadelphia employees are required to submit separate identification and paperwork as part of the enrollment process to verify employment eligibility for the discounted tuition rate to be applicable.
It is ultimately the responsibility of the City of Philadelphia employee to satisfy any debts incurred through the pursuit of a degree or certificate.
Books, travel, and all related fees are the responsibility of the City of Philadelphia employee.
City of Philadelphia employees have full access to University resources as a Fels student.

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Fels Program Highlights

Career services

Personalized career advising begins on day one: Our faculty and advisors work with you closely to identify your professional goals, map out your career strategy, and align your electives and program opportunities to advance. You’ll benefit from career and networking events, our mentor program, and one-on-one advising.

Capstone projects

With the capstone project, you apply your classroom knowledge and skills to specific tasks or inquiries that serve the real-world needs of nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Throughout the project, you build relationships with diverse stakeholders and improve your skills in policy research, creative thinking, data analysis and interpretation, program evaluation, written and verbal communication, time management, and client management.

Fels and Philadelphia

One of Fels’ most valuable resources is our location—a thriving urban center and historic city in the heart of the Northeast Corridor. Our region is home to a host of local, state, and federal government agencies as well as a flourishing network of non-government and nonprofit organizations. As a Fels student, you have ample opportunities to translate classroom knowledge into practical applications—right in your own backyard.