COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program requires students to complete 36 credit hours of study, including 24 credit hours of required courses at the 7000-level and 12 credit hours of optional courses at the same level. A key component of the program is a mandatory co-op placement, providing practical work experience in public administration settings. Unlike traditional graduate programs, the MPA does not require a thesis or comprehensive examination; instead, students complete a major paper as part of the capstone seminar, which integrates their learning and research skills. Core courses cover essential topics such as POLS 7130: Theories and Issues in Public Administration, which explores foundational concepts and debates in the field, and POLS 7132: Public Policy Process and Issues, focusing on policy development and implementation. Students also study research methods tailored to the public sector in courses like POLS 7134: Qualitative Methods and Communications and POLS 7138: Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis. Governance and financial management are addressed in POLS 7136: Governance and Administration and POLS 7140: Principles of Public Finance for Policy Analysis. Professional skills are enhanced through POLS 7980: Professional Development Workshops, culminating in POLS 7990: Capstone Seminar, where students synthesize their learning in a major research paper. This program prepares graduates for impactful careers in public service and policy-making.