Master of Public Administration (MPA)

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Curriculum

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TOTAL MINIMUM HOURS REQUIRED: 36 CREDIT HOURS

Core Requirements: 24 credit hours

PAD 5700 Research Methods in Public Administration (3)
PAD 6060 Public Organizational Theory and Leadership (3)
PAD 6227 Public Budgeting (3)
PAD 6275 Political Economy for Public Managers (3)
PAD 6307 Policy Design and Implementation (3)
PAD 6417 Human Resources Management (3)
PAD 6703 Quantitative Analysis in Public Administration (3)
PAD 6710 Government Technology for Decision-Making (3)

Elective Requirements: 9 credit hours (minimum)

The rest of the required coursework allows our students the opportunity to explore one or more fields of public administration through approved electives within and outside of the School of Public Affairs. Three (3) credit hours of electives (1 course) must be taken from the Public Administration or Urban & Regional Planning programs. In some cases, an appropriate class from another department may be approved. Depending on personal interest, students may choose coursework in the following areas:

Public Management
Nonprofit Administration
Budgeting and Financial Management
Public Organizational Management

Internship: 3 credit hours (if required)

PAD 6946 Internship in Public Administration (3)
All pre-service students, defined as those who are not currently employed in or do not have a relevant professional post, must complete at least 150 hours of work in a public or nonprofit organization to earn the 3 credit hours stipulated as part of the core requirements. Students must consult with the Program Director at least one semester in advance of their internship placement. All placements must be approved by the department.

In-service students, defined as those who have at least 5 years or more of managerial or executive work experience, may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement, at the discretion of the department. All internship waivers must be approved by the Program Director.

Capstone: 3 credit hours

PAD 6056 Practice of Public Management (3)
This is the exit requirement for the MPA major. All MPA students are required to take this course during the last semester of the major coursework. Capstone is an integrative course that applies the skills, knowledge, and values—taught in the core curriculum—to public issues or problems. To be eligible to take this course, students must have already completed all of their core courses prior to requesting a permit to enroll in Capstone.