MPA Degree Requirement information

Breadcrumbs

 There are two types of MPA students: In-Service and Pre-Service

In-Service Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Public Administration Degree (For In-Service Students) requires the following:

1. An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

2. A grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level

3. At least five (5) years of substantive experiences in a Pubic/Non-Profit organization in the areas of management, supervision, or significant technical assistance.

4. Applicants must provide appropriate documentation as evidence of professional experience

Pre-Service Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Public Administration Degree (For Pre-Service Students) requires the following:

1. An earned Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.

2. A grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the undergraduate level

 

Degree Overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a professional degree. It is designed to prepare preservice students for position in the public sector, nonprofit organizations, and to improve the managerial capabilities of those individuals already employed in the public service and in nonprofit organizations. The MPA degree prepares individuals for employment in all levels of government. The curriculum is designed to accomplish three objectives:

1. It is designed to enhance the student’s values, knowledge, and skills to act ethically and effectively in the management of public and nonprofit organizations. It includes the knowledge of human resources, budgeting and financial processes, and the acquisition of information, including computer literacy and applications;

2. It is designed to develop skills in the application if quantitative and qualitative techniques of analysis in policy and program formulation, implementation, and evaluation; and

3. The curriculum helps students to develop an understanding of the public policy and organizational environment including the political and legal institutions and processes, economic and social institution processes, and organization and management concepts.

Degree Requirements

The minimum requirements for the Master of Public Administration degree are as follows:

  • Completion of thirty-six (36) semester hours of coursework in Public Administration and other special areas as approved by the department.
  • Completion and oral defense of a Capstone Project (Exit Paper) approved by the Faculty.

Program Snapshot (36 Credit Hours)

  • 8 core courses (24 credit hours)
  • 2 specialization courses (6 credit hours)
  • 1 elective or internship course (3 credit hours)
  • 1 Capstone Project Seminar (3 credit hours)
  • Completion/successful defense of the Exit Paper/Capstone Project

Capstone Project (Exit Paper)

All students are required to complete a Capstone Project related to their specialization. Students conduct research and present their findings in an Exit Paper, which focuses on a problem area or issue identified either during the internship or mentorship. Students with substantive prior experience related to their specialization may select topics within their specialization in consultation with their advisors. The Guide for the Preparation of the Exit Paper is available in the Public Administration Department.

Exit Paper (Capstone) Requirements

All students are required to write an Exit Paper, which focuses on a problem area or issue identified during the internship experience. Students who have the internship waived due to previous work experience may select topics within their specialization in consultation with their advisors. In the latter case they would have to take an additional course to make up for the 3 credits for the waived internship. The Guide for the Preparation of the Exit Paper is available in the Public Administration Department.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

Those students who have not completed all requirements for the degree within the five (5) year period as designated by University Policy for all Master degree programs, may petition the Department for readmission. Readmission forms may be obtained from the Public Administration Department.

 

Readmission to the Program

The Public Administration faculty will review all petitions for readmission and will advise the petitioner of the action taken on the petition. Those individuals who are readmitted must comply with the following:

  • Enrollment and completion of the requirements in the six (6) courses
  • Preparation and defense of the Exit Paper
  • Completion of all the above requirements within three (3) continuous semesters, not including the summer session that comes in between the regular semesters.

 

Public Administration Student Association (PASA)

The Public Administration Student Association (PASA) was created within the Public Administration Department at Clark Atlanta University in 1978. Since then, we have been involved in numerous community service activities, which have allowed us to increase our skills in helping those who are less fortunate. PASA provides students with a stimulating educational environment which fosters intellectual, social, and cultural curiosity as a foundation for developing creative alternative solutions to public sector problems, and enhances their professional development through development programs and linkages with public organizations at the federal, state, and local levels.  One of PASA’s goals is to support the education of students in areas of public affairs/ administration and to prepare them for effective public management careers. PASA organizes activities that offer an enabling environment for students to succeed in the program.  Such activities include participation in the annual AIDS Walk Atlanta, Feeding the Homeless, Fall/Spring Cocoons, MLK Day Walk, PASA annual banquet, and mentoring.

 

Advisory Board

The overall mission of the Public Administration Department’s Advisory Board is to support the research, instructional, and public service missions of the Public Administration Department as it seeks to enhance its top national ranking and reputation for excellence. More specifically, the Advisory Board will provide advice and counsel at the request of the Department in matters relating to the academic and professional development of the department. It will also serve as a potential liaison for the Department’s current students to the professional world and mentor students as they enter the workforce. Finally, the Board will help generate the human and material resources necessary to attain the goals and objectives of the department. The Advisory Board is comprised of a select group of 10 - 15 members. Individuals will be appointed to serve on the Board by invitation only for a three-year term. Advisory Board members represent all sectors: public, private, and non-profit.  Meetings are held on CAU’s campus once per semester.