Public Administration, M.P.A.

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program provides a solid foundation in both academic theory and practical methodology. It allows students to learn how to develop policies and effectively manage public administration resources. The program curriculum has been designed to help develop the advanced competencies that are the key to becoming an effective leader in public administration by developing ability to balancing a budget, recruit and motivate employees, understand the legal parameters and policy ramifications of decisions and to increase ability to mitigate conflict and to build relationships.

This program is offered in a blended and online-only formats. 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

PLO1. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to lead and manage in public governance.

PLO2. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective.

PLO3. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.

PLO4. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to participate in and contribute to the public policy process.

PLO5. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

In addition to the Graduate School of Business and Leadership Admissions Requirements, program requires:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Minimum of two professional letters of recommendation, addressing topics/questions as established and periodically revised by the faculty. Letters of recommendation must be written by individuals who know the candidate from an academic or professional perspective and are able to comment on the candidate’s capacity for undertaking graduate studies.
• Faculty review

Program Details:

• Requires 36 SH for completion
• Credit for Prior Learning may be accepted for PPA 502 or toward other program requirements as determined appropriate by the program faculty 
• Students may complete one of the concentrations listed below 

Concentrations:

• Community Psychology
• Fundamentals of Design Thinking
• Health Services Administration
• Human Resource Management
• Human Services Management
• Nonprofit Management
• Organizational Development
• Public Policy
• Public Safety and Justice Leadership
• Teaching of Public Policy and Administration 

Required Courses

Gateway Courses - 6 SH

PPA 500	Foundations of Public Administration	3
RES 510	Research Methodology and Writing	3

Capstone Course - 3 SH

PPA 593

Capstone in Public Administration

3

Core Courses - 18 SH

HRM 505	Public and Nonprofit Human Resource Management	3
LAP 693	Seminar in Program Evaluation	3
PPA 502	Public Policy Analysis	3
PPA 503	Leadership of Public/Nonprofit Organizations	3
PPA 504	Administrative Law and Ethics	3
PPA 560	Public Finance and Budgeting	3

Electives - 9 SH

Students may select one of the Public Administration concentrations listed above or any concentration courses to meet 9 semester hours of electives.