The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the primary professional degree for the practice of public administration. Public administrators are leaders in all types of government organizations as well as nonprofit organizations and some for-profit organizations, especially those that work closely with governments. Our graduates now work in all three types of organizations. Our students are about equally divided between those who are coming directly from undergraduate studies (pre-service students) and those with several years of work experience (in-service students). We welcome both groups and we strive to help them enhance their capacities to become effective public service professionals.

Our Mission Statement:

The Mission of the Master of Public Administration program is to promote ethical and competent leadership in the management of public and non-profit organizations through training that emphasizes the integration of theory and practice, creative problem solving, integrity and stewardship, and skills in research and administration.

We strive to help our students to become effective managers, researchers, and leaders who exemplify integrity in public service. Our goals in this respect are as follows.

• I. Managers . To prepare students well in the basics of management for government and nonprofit organizations; this includes the management of people and money and skill in developing and applying information to decision making.

• II. Researchers . To prepare students to effectively gather and analyze information and to learn to creatively utilize information in making recommendations for decisions.

• III. Leaders . To help students to become leaders through learning about the contexts in which leaders operate, the needs and behaviors of people in organizations, and the formulation of policy.

• IV. Integrity . To treat our students with integrity, with respect, and with concern in a way that will encourage them to emulate these qualities when they become public servants, as well as to help them learn about the ethical challenges and responsibilities inherent to being a public administrator.

The MPA Handbook is where you will find information specifc to the program. For a complete guide, download the MPA Handbook (PDF).