MPA Core Requirements
Selection of courses is to be made in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.
Each MPA student is required to complete 21 semester credit hours of approved MPA course work in the following core courses.
These core courses emphasize the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective in public service management and leadership. Each class includes an exploration of student values and public service ethics.
- PUBADM 500: Administration in the Public Sector
- PUBADM 501: Public Policy Process
- PUBADM 502: Organizational Theory
- PUBADM 503: Research Methods in Public Administration
- PUBADM 504: Public Budgeting and Financial Administration
- PUBADM 505: Public Personnel Administration
- PUBADM 600: Assessment
Area of Emphasis Requirements
Each MPA student is to complete a minimum of 18 additional semester credit hours. These credit hours are in the student's area of emphasis. An area of emphasis is a concentration or major in the program. Students may choose to complete six credits of a research project or directed research as part of their emphasis.
1. General Public Administration:
This area of emphasis is provided to accommodate those students desiring preparation in public administration as a "generalist" rather than a "specialist" in a particular area. Students should select the 18 credit hours of course work from the MPA courses listed in the catalog or offered as selected or special topics.
2. Environmental and Natural Resources Policy and Administration:
Contemporary Issues in Natural Resource and Environmental Policy and Administration PubAdm 540, Environmental and Regulatory Policy and Administration PubAdm 541, Science, Democracy and the Environment PubAdm 542, and Public Land and Resource Policy and Administration PubAdm 543. "Selected topics" courses will be offered to supplement area of emphasis requirements.
More about the environmental emphasis option. (PDF document)
3. State and Local Government Policy and Administration:
Students must take State and Local Government Administration PubAdm 560, and nine credits chosen from the following courses: Community and Regional Planning PubAdm 520, Environmental and Regulatory Policy and Administration PubAdm 541, Contemporary Issues in Natural Resource and Environmental Policy and Administration PubAdm 540, or The Executive and the Administrative Process PubAdm 550. "Selected topics" courses will be offered to supplement area of emphasis requirements.
More about the state and local government emphasis option. (PDF document)
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