The city of Philadelphia is your learning laboratory
One of Fels’ most valuable resources is our location—a thriving urban center and historic city in the heart of the Northeast Corridor. Not only does the city of Philadelphia itself offer you an enhanced living and learning experience, but New York City and Washington, DC, are only a few hours away by train or car.
Partner with the city to create meaningful change
At Fels, you have access to a vibrant public sector. 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. Like the decades of students and alumni before you, at Fels you can make a positive impact in the public sector while gaining experience and connections to take your career to the next level.
Capstone projects
Many students choose to work with a local or regional organization to tackle real-world challenges for their capstone projects.
Learn more and find examples of recent capstone projects
Internships
For MPA students, Philadelphia and the Northeast region offer ample internship opportunities in various sectors to fit with your interest and career goals.
Learn more about internships »
A launchpad for your next career move
While the density of public sector organizations in the region and strong regional networking provides many opportunities for our graduates to continue their careers in the Northeast Corridor, Fels graduates continue in careers across the US and the world.
Top 10 metro areas for alumni
- Philadelphia, PA
- Washington, DC
- New York, NY
- Harrisburg, PA
- San Francisco, CA
- Baltimore, MD
- Chicago, IL
- Seattle, WA
- Boston, MA
- Atlanta, GA
A dynamic city to enjoy
As rich and varied as Fels’ and Penn’s campus offerings are, the city that surrounds us provides even more opportunities to explore. When you venture off campus, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant urban center that is home to world-renowned museums, historical destinations, professional and collegiate athletic teams, and more.
Whether you are an MPA student living in the region or an Executive MPA student on campus monthly, we encourage you to get to know the city.
Living in Philadelphia
Find tips on exciting things to do, navigating the public transportation system, housing, and more from the Graduate Student Center.
Penn and Philadelphia
Learn more about the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection and Penn’s place in it.
A World Heritage site, Philadelphia’s Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were drafted and signed.
Philadelphia is rich in history, from recognizable landmarks like the Liberty Bell to museums dedicated to preserving ethnic and cultural history.
Philadelphia City Hall: The rooms where it happens, home to many Fels internship and capstone partners.
Mass transit connects city neighborhoods by bus, trolley, subway, and commuter rail—and it’s just as easy to book a ticket to DC or NYC.
Philadelphia arts and culture includes world-class art, musical and theatrical performances, and museums of science and history.
Philadelphia is home to one of the largest collections of public art in the country.
A triumph of urban planning, tree-lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway features fountains, monuments, and some of the major cultural attractions of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods with many distinct cultural identities—and many civic associations where you can get involved.
