Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Public Administration (MPA)


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Please see the Program Policy Document  for more information.

Program Overview:


The 36-credit curriculum is divided into core subjects, areas of specialization, an internship and a capstone project. The core curriculum deals with ideas and concepts related to the field of public administration, human resources management, public financial management, management decision making, quantitative analysis, innovation and technology for public managers, organizational leadership, and public economics.

Specialization areas include Nonprofit Management, Public Management, Public Policy Analysis, Emergency Management, and Health Systems Management.  Within these broad specializations, students focus in a topic area such as state/local management, educational policy, disaster management, planning and infrastructure, public policy analysis, financial management, and health policy. With the approval of their academic advisor and the MPA program director, students may design their own area of specialization.

The capstone project is students’ opportunity to synthesize and apply the skills they have developed in the MPA program, and to demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills that are expected of an MPA graduate. Working in teams, students will act as consultants and complete a real-world project for a client in the public or nonprofit sector.  Upon approval of the student’s advisor and the appropriate program director, students may pursue a thesis in lieu of an internship.

All MPA candidates must complete a professional-level internship (unless it is waived by the Internship Coordinator). Typically, internships are with governmental agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, nonprofit institutions, or for-profit organization engaged in the public good.

Requirements for the Degree:


All students are required to attain a C or better in all courses required for the MPA.

Specialization:


There are six areas of specializations in the MPA. Program. Each specialization has its own course requirements and electives. The areas of specialization are:

  • Nonprofit Management
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Emergency Management
  • Public Management
  • Health Systems Management
  • Student-Designed Specialization (faculty approval required)

Nonprofit Management:


Public Policy Analysis:


  • Credit(s): 3
  • Select at least six additional credits from recommended courses or discuss other course options with your academic advisor.

Emergency Management:


Public Management:


Health Systems Management:


  • Credit(s): 3
  • Select at least six additional credits from recommended courses or discuss other course options with your academic advisor.

Student Designed:


  • Required BSPA Threshold Course: Determined in consulatation with Academic Advisor (three credits).
  • Select at least six additional credits from recommended courses or discuss other course options with your academic advisor.

Capstone Writing Requirement:


The capstone writing requirement is normally completed in the final semester of study. Students may choose either UAPP 699 - Capstone Project in Public Management and Policy  (2 credits) or, for those considering graduate study at the PhD level, UAPP 869 - Master’s Thesis  (6 credits). Check School/University policies for thesis guidelines. Your topic should be drawn from your specialization, or another area with your advisor’s permission.

Credits to Total a Minimum of 36


Last Revised for 2022-2023 Academic Year


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