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public administration graduate programs.
Master of Public Administration
The mission of the Master of Public Administration program is to strengthen the public service in a democratic and diverse society by educating students to manage and lead public and nonprofit institutions effectively, ethically and democratically.
The MPA is the recognized graduate degree for professional positions in the public service.
Professionals with general administration skills are needed in all areas of government. The MPA program stresses the development of management and administrative abilities important to both staff specialists and administrators.
Students in the MPA program likely will come from widely differing backgrounds. Some may come from current public employment and professions such as law, aviation, health administration and business administration while others may enter with degrees in the social sciences, engineering, business, human services or the humanities.
The MPA courses are offered at night to meet the needs of full-time employees.
Students must have proficiency upon entering the program in basic computer applications (e.g. Internet, spreadsheet applications and word processing). Students may achieve this proficiency through previous graduate or undergraduate course work.
The School of Public Administration is a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The program is on the National Roster of Programs found to be in conformity with NASPAA Standards for Professional Masters Degree Programs in Public Affairs and Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
The PhD program in public administration is a research degree in public administration. Its focus is on public sector organization and their role in a democratic and diverse society. The goal of the public administration doctoral program is the development of a cadre of academicians and senior practitioners who will make significant contributions to knowledge development in the field.
Because the doctoral program seeks to provide students with the competencies necessary to achieve distinction in higher education or leadership positions in public administration, the faculty expects students to exhibit a serious and well thought out commitment to the profession of public service in a democratic and diverse society. The doctoral program assists students in their individual development toward a professional sense of personal responsibility and public accountability, providing a foundation for a successful career in academia or in public administration.
The PhD in public administration requires 93 graduate credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. This includes 12 hours of core courses, 9 hours of research courses, 6 hours each in two areas of specialization for a total of 12 hours, a 1 hour workshop in teaching and professional skills, 20 hours of dissertation course work, and 39 hours of additional graduate level course work. The 39 hours of additional graduate level course work may be earned from an accredited institution toward a Master of Public Administration degree or a master's degree (MA or MS) in a related academic discipline or field.
- Public budgeting and finance
- Public aviation and transportation
- Public policy
- Urban management
- Public administration theory
- Managing information in the public sector
Additional credit hours may be required of students who must complete compensatory or prerequisite course work. Such course work will be prescribed by the Doctoral Program Committee based on an evaluation of each student's academic preparation for doctoral study in public administration.
Doctoral students may take both 8000 and 9000 level courses offered by the university. Students may not take 9000 level courses unless specific approval is given by the Doctoral Program Committee. Doctoral students in 8000 level courses may be asked to do additional work and/or be held to higher academic standards. Doctoral students may not take dual-level (4000/8--6) courses as part of their program of study.
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last updated: 2/18/2011 at 9:37am