Master of Public Administration (MPA)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a 36 credit-hour graduate degree program designed specifically for managers in public and nonprofit organizations. The public sector plays an important role in the effective functioning of society. The public sector managers deal with complex and highimpact issues. Public administrators function in a wide range of organizations from federal to state or local government agencies, from community organizations to charities foundations and more. The MPA provides students with the tools, knowledge, and insights needed to do a good job performing their duties in government agencies and not-for-profit organizations.

Students must take six core courses and six concentration courses. These courses provide a strong foundation in theory and practice.

MPA Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a solid knowledge in the functional areas of public administration, including: managing public sector organizations, budgeting, finance, economics, general management, law and ethics

  • Apply and employ management theories, tools and techniques to deal effectively with issues facing public sector managers

  • Analyze data and apply analytical skills to make decisions that are needed to serve the public effectively and solve complex issues that involve different constituents and political players

  • Possess planning skills required for defining and implementing public policy and organizational strategy

  • Develop leadership skills in order to run departments, divisions and agencies

  • Appreciate and foster technology and innovations in today's government and not-for-profit organizations

MPA Core Courses

  • MGT 500 Business Basics

  • MGT 530 Leadership and Organization

  • MGT 550 Project Management

  • MGT 554 Contracts and Procurement

  • MGT 570 Information Technology

  • MGT 611 Decision Making

MPA Concentrations and Courses

  • The MPA with a concentration in criminal justice administration offers six courses that are designed to meet the needs of professionals in the field of criminal justice who wish to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities in public sector management as well as criminal justice. 

    CJ 500 Criminal Justice System

    CJ 540 Criminal Law

    CJ 600 Criminal Courts System

    CJ 615 Criminology

    CJ 650 Criminal Justice Management

    CJ 699 Research Methods in Criminal Justice

  • The concentration courses in public administration provide in-depth information on the dynamic roles of public administrators, the budget process, business law and ethics, and managing major programs in government. They include: 

    GOV 600 Structure and Function of Government

    GOV 605 The Budget Process

    MGT 540 Business Law and Ethics

    MGT 560 International Relations

    MGT 610 Principles of Public Sector Management

    MGT 650 Management of Major Programs