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 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

Program Learning Outcomes

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.

Admission Requirements

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

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

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

Note: LAP 605, LAP 615 and LAP 655 needs an approval of the Community Psychology Program Director.