Program Options
- In-Service Program
- Pre-Service Program
Program Overview
The Public Administration Department provides a modified program for in-service students or for individuals with significant professional service that reduces the required graduate credits from thirty-six (36) credits to thirty-six (30) credits. Included in the reduced requirements is the elimination of one elective course consisting of three (3) credits, and one Capstone seminar consisting of three (3) credits. An Exit Paper based on a topic related to the in-service student's chosen area of specialization is required. The student's advisor must approve the topic of the Exit Paper.
Admission Requirements
General Admission for qualified students
Conditional Admission is approved on a case by case basis and with restrictions on general admission benefits. Conditionally admitted students must comply with assigned conditions by deadline documented in the department admissions letter. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.
Students accepted under a conditional admission for GPA must earn a 3.00 or better GPA in the first 9 credit hours to convert to a general admission status with no academic holds. This means that the first and second semester courses must be completed in their entirety. Conditionally admitted students cannot withdraw temporarily or receive Incompletes during this time. Students that fail to meet these conditions will be dismissed from the program. Admission to the MPA program is strictly conditional and does not qualify for progressive consideration of the warning/probation system as the student has not yet achieved general admission status. The decision stands wholly upon the department.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students pursuing the Master of Public Administration Degree will:
- Apply ethical standards and values in policy management and decision making for public service organizations to include human resources, budgeting and finance, information management, and technology application processes.
- Utilize quantitative and qualitative techniques of analysis in areas of public administration to formulate, implement, and evaluate policies and programs, make decisions and solve problems. Apply theoretical organizational and management concepts of public policy and organizational environment including political, legal, economic and social institutions and processes to address in written and oral formats.
- Apply theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional disposition in a real world setting.
