Curriculum
The MPA program is a 45-hour program that includes 33 hours of core courses and 12 hours of electives. Students will specialize in either public policy or public management.
Core courses include studies in economics, budgeting, finance, organizational behavior, program evaluation, and human resource management. Electives in both specialties will be selected with the guidance of program faculty.
Students will link coursework to real world experience through an internship or practicum. If you are currently working in the public sector, you'll complete the practicum. Pre-service students will acquire and complete an internship.
Below are sample paths for both full-time and part-time students.
MPA Course Schedule - Full-Time Entering Fall Semester
| Semester | Courses to be Taken | |||
| Fall Semester 1 | PADM 5009 | PADM 7910 | PADM 7912 | PADM 5600 |
| Spring Semester 1 | PADM 5010 | PADM 7911 | PADM 7902 | PADM 7914 |
| Summer Semester 1 |
PADM 7850 PADM 7851 |
|||
| Fall Semester 2 |
PADM 7917 |
Area of Specialization | Area of Specialization | |
| Spring Semester 2 |
PADM 7900 |
Area of Specialization | Area of Specialization | |
MPA Course Schedule - Part-Time Entering Fall Semester
| Semester | Courses to be Taken | |
| Fall Semester 1 | PADM 7912 | PADM 7910 |
| Spring Semester 1 | PADM 7914 | PADM 7911 |
| Summer Semester 1 | No Classes Offered | |
| Fall Semester 2 |
PADM 5009 |
PADM 5600 |
| Spring Semester 2 |
PADM 7902 |
PADM 5010 |
| Summer Semester 2 |
PADM 7850 |
|
| Fall Semester 3 |
PADM 7917 |
Area of Specialization |
| Spring Semester 3 |
PADM 7900 |
Area of Specialization |
| Summer Semester 3 |
No Classes Offered |
|
| Fall Semester 4 |
Area of Specialization |
Area of Specialization |
Completion Rates (2013/2014 Matriculating Cohort)
| Initially Enrolled | Completed within 2 years | Completed within 3 years | Completed within 4 years |
| 29 | 52% | 73% | 80% |
Employment Statistics 2017/2018 (21 total students)
| Sector | Percent Employed |
| U.S. Federal Government | 4.8% |
| State Government | 33.3% |
| Local Government | 23.8% |
| Nonprofit | 4.8% |
| Private Sector (Research/Consulting) | 9.5% |
| Private Sector (Non Research/Consulting) | 14.3% |
| Obtaining further Education | 4.8% |
| Military Service | 4.8% |
| Unknown | 0.0% |