Public Administration

Master of Public Administration

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Quick Facts

Credits Required: 42

Cost Per Credit: $1000.00

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of all Higher-Ed
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College of Social And Behavioral Sciences

Program Details

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is a crucible for those driven to shape a better world through leadership, policy analysis and program evaluation. It's designed for individuals who aspire to lead with integrity and effect positive change in the landscape of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and public institutions.

Rooted in the principles of social justice, collaborative governance, and ethical leadership, the MPA provides a dynamic learning environment where you'll tackle real-world challenges and acquire the skills to navigate them effectively. Our distinguished faculty, composed of leading scholars and seasoned practitioners, will guide you through a rigorous curriculum that seamlessly blends academic theory with hands-on experience.

Delve into the intricacies of public policy, financial management, and organizational behavior through rigorous coursework. Hone your analytical and critical thinking abilities, learning to dissect complex issues and formulate innovative solutions. The program also emphasizes practical application, providing opportunities to gain firsthand experience through internships and a capstone project where you'll tackle a real-world challenge facing a public or nonprofit organization.

By the time you graduate, you'll be equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to lead with impact, drive accountability, and champion effectiveness in diverse organizational settings. This MPA is more than a degree; it's a transformative experience that will prepare you to be a leader who makes a tangible difference in the world.

View detailed program information

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.

Courses

Explore essential microeconomic principles and their applications in public policy. Cover topics such as consumer behavior, market structure, fiscal policy, and public goods, with a focus on sectors like healthcare, education, and social welfare. Develop the skills to create data-driven policies that tackle critical societal challenges.

Gain a deep understanding of organizational behavior and structure in public and nonprofit sectors. Examine leadership, management dilemmas, motivation, change management, and team dynamics. Analyze real-world organizational challenges and apply best practices for effective leadership and decision-making in complex environments.

Analyze the intersection of politics, policy, and public management from the perspective of public sector leaders. Explore political systems, democracy, bureaucracy, and accountability while studying policy-making, implementation, and evaluation. Apply these concepts to real-world case studies and gain the skills to navigate the complexities of public administration.

Master the tools to evaluate the success or failure of administrative and policy programs using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Focus on research design and evaluation techniques, learning to collect and analyze data to solve real-world problems. Engage in hands-on projects to critically evaluate programs and apply evaluation methods to real-world policy decisions.

Examine leadership and ethical dilemmas faced by managers in nonprofit and public sectors. Study leadership theories, ethical principles, and real-world challenges through case studies and practical exercises. Develop your personal leadership style, analyze key factors for leadership success, and apply ethical strategies to enhance organizational effectiveness and growth.

Harness the power of data to drive impactful decisions in public and nonprofit sectors. Master key statistical tools like hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and sampling to turn data into actionable insights that improve policy and organizational outcomes. Lead confidently with the skills to navigate a data-driven world.

Gain essential HR skills for public and nonprofit sectors, covering recruitment, training, compensation, and employee motivation. Focus on navigating the challenges of diversity, legal and ethical considerations, and organizational culture. Engage in case studies and discussions to prepare for managing HR complexities in public and nonprofit organizations.

Apply your skills in real-world projects with nonprofit, tribal, and government agencies. Collaborate in teams to make strategic decisions, manage priorities, and engage diverse stakeholders. Receive guidance from instructors to ensure alignment with client needs and learning goals. By the end, you’ll have a professional project to showcase, expand your network, and gain valuable experience for your public service career.

Gain hands-on experience through specialized, real-world training in a nonprofit or public organization. Apply your academic knowledge in a professional setting, develop practical skills, and enhance your career prospects. This individualized internship offers opportunities to build expertise and make meaningful connections in the public service field.