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)
At the completion of the Master of Public Administration program, students will be able:
PLO1. To lead and manage in public governance. Giving directions, setting and communicating expectations and values, learning how to understand group dynamics, work with a group, and developing teams are all important abilities in developing the ability to lead and manage in public governance.
PLO2. To articulate and apply a public service perspective. Understanding and applying professional standards and codes of ethics for public administration and the academic world. This includes a sensitivity and ability to promote democratic values, constitutional principles, human dignity, and diversity.
PLO3. To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions. The development and improvement of skills in writing, speaking, research, presentations, computers, program evaluation, and report writing.
PLO4. To participate in and contribute to the public policy process. Demonstrate a clear understanding about the public policy making process, in addition to having a firm grasp of the theories that inform our understanding about public policy making.
PLO5. To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry. Demonstrate the ability to communicate, interact, and understand the perspectives of individuals and groups that may differ from you in some fundamental way, such as race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.
In addition to the Graduate School of Business and Leadership Admissions Requirements, program requires:
- 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 30 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
Required Courses
Gateway Courses - 6 SH
| PPA 500 | Foundations of Public Administration | 3 |
| RES 510 | Critical Thinking and Research Skills | 3 |
Core Courses - 18 SH
| HRM 541 | Employment Law and Regulations | 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 |
Capstone Course - 3 SH
| PPA 593 | Capstone in Public Administration | 3 |
Electives - 3 SH
Students choose one course from the list below:
| PPA 505 | Urban Community Development | 3 |
| PPA 510 | Urban Inequality and Social Change | 3 |
| PPA 520 | International Dimensions of Public Policy | 3 |
| PPA 532 | Gender, Race, and Culture in the Public Sector | 3 |
| PPA 595 | Special Topic in Public Policy and Administration | 3 |
| LAP 605 | Principles of Community Psychology | 3 |
| LAP 615 | Community Organizing | 3 |
| LAP 655 | Grant Writing Focused on Community Needs | 3 |