PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, M.P.A.
Welcome to our fully online Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program, where we empower leaders committed to upholding the principles of integrity, innovation, and democratic values. Our program is dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage public resources, address complex community challenges through creative problem-solving, and inspire others to engage with diverse public institutions.
Program Highlights:
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Comprehensive Curriculum: Our graduate curriculum encompasses a 36-semester credit hour requirement, carefully designed to provide a strong foundation and specialized knowledge. You will find a blend of required core courses and the opportunity to select a specialty area of emphasis (concentration) that aligns with your career aspirations.
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Areas of Emphasis: Choose from four distinct Areas of Emphasis, each tailored to cater to your specific interests and career goals:
- Nonprofit Leadership & Management: Understand the world of nonprofit organizations and learn how to lead and manage them effectively.
- Business and Government Relations: Explore the intricate relationship between business and government, gaining insight into how they interact and influence one another.
- Cybersecurity and Policy Management: Grasp the critical role of cybersecurity in shaping public institutions, and acquire skills for managing policy in this digital age.
- Planning & Economic Development: Discover the dynamics of urban planning, economic development, and community growth.
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Flexibility for All: Our interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to cater to the needs of both working professionals seeking career advancement and traditional graduate students aspiring to enter the workforce. You will find a balance that suits your unique circumstances.
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Hybrid Approach: We combine the best of policy analysis and public management in our curriculum. You will gain a holistic understanding of how policies are formulated, implemented, and managed, ensuring you are well-prepared for the multifaceted challenges of public administration.
Accelerated Graduate Degree Path:
For those looking to expedite their educational journey, we offer our undergraduates an Accelerated Graduate Degree path, allowing them to complete their M.P.A. in an accelerated timeframe.
Career Paths:
Upon successful completion of our M.P.A. program, students are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and abilities for diverse career opportunities. Our graduates have gone on to excel in various careers, including but not limited to policy analysts, grant writers and administrators, budget analysts, program analysts, city managers, regional planners, industry innovators, and nonprofit managers.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should follow the admissions process outlined in the Graduate Catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website at www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission.
In addition, applicants must have:
- a current resume or curriculum vitae;
- a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program and goals from program completion.
All students are required to submit a portfolio of their work for approval by the MPA Director. Students will work on this requirement as part of the PADM 616 Scope and Practice Capstone Experience course.
Every MPA portfolio will demonstrate the core competencies of public administration:
a) manage in public organizations
b) participate in and contribute to the policy process
c) analyze synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions
d) communicate and interact in diverse groups and in diverse settings
Program Requirements
The M.P.A. program is composed of the following required 36 credit hours:
