Master of Public Administration (Credit Hour)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides public service leaders with present-day management tools that use real time data to enhance decision making, performance and accountability.  The MPA program of study focuses on meeting the high priority needs and expectations of leaders in organizations with the mission of serving communities.  The design of this program incorporates future oriented practices for leaders in many facets of public service, including; law enforcement, fire services, nonprofit administration, local, state and federal government, emergency management, community development and healthcare administration. Students will learn to apply results-driven strategies to enhance the common good in their respective public service endeavors.

Mission

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree equips students with the resources and strategies necessary to make meaningful contributions in today's world of public service.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Administration: Create strategies to increase the effectiveness of public service provision and delivery.
• Public Policy: Interpret data to draw conclusions about public policy development and application.
• Strategic Governance: Apply data-driven methods to public decision-making and stewardship of public resources.
• Relationships: Create strategies to promote collaboration among public service organizations.
• Finance: Use data to drive financial decision-making.
• Ethics: Apply an ethical reasoning strategy to a public service related case study.

Requirements for Admission

The prospective graduate student in the MPA program must demonstrate his or her readiness to succeed in graduate-level academic coursework by satisfactorily fulfilling one of the following admission options. All graduate admissions options listed below require an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Admission by GPA

A 2.75 grade point average (GPA) calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed in either a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. All credits used for GPA calculation must be from a regionally accredited institution. For graduates of regionally accredited institutions that do not conduct a GPA calculation, an official letter from the University determining grade equivalency will be accepted.

Admission by Prior Graduate Degree

An earned master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

Admission by Portfolio

Submission of a portfolio of evidence that shows adequate preparation for graduate studies. The portfolio will contain: writing samples that show graduate level communications and analytical skills; a detailed resume showing professional development and achievements; awards; professional recognition; letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant’s ability to do graduate level work; and a letter of explanation detailing the reasons the student believes they are a good candidate for graduate study in the field they wish to pursue. If the portfolio meets substantive approval of the committee, the applicant may be invited for an interview. The decision of the School Graduate Admissions Committee will be final.

Transfer of Coursework

A maximum of 9 semester credits may be accepted in transfer toward electives in the MPA degree program.  (See Academic Policies and Procedure section.)

In addition to university policies concerning transfer of coursework, the MPA program will accept transfer of military coursework which meet the following requirements:

1. Course requested for transfer must include an official transcript or copy of an ACE evaluation which verifies graduate-level work;
2. Coursework must be letter graded or provide verification of completion with a grade of "B" or higher;
3. Coursework must be comparable to program requirements (if marginal comparability, a written statement of rationale must be provided); and

4. Transfer of nine elective credits to the MPA Degree to eligible Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired and prior military service members for completion of military coursework comparable to OLCU 614 Leadership & Team Development, HRCU 618 Career Management, and HRCU 605 Talent Management Qualifications and provisions of this nine credit transfer opportunity follow: 

a. The service member must qualify for admission to the MPA degree program. (See Graduate Admission section of this catalog).

b. Active Duty, active reserve, retired and prior service military members in the following ranks are eligible: Commissioned Officer (any rank), Senior NCO (E7 or above) or CW2 or above.

c. Commissioned Officers must be graduates of a commissioning program (OCS or equivalent, ROTC, Military Academy) and an officer basic career course. Senior NCOs must be E7 or above and graduates of a career NCO Advanced Course. Warrant Officers must be CW2 or above and graduates of a Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer career course.

d. The seven-year rule for completion of all coursework toward the MPA degree applies, including transfer credit for military schooling. (See Seven-Year Limitation in Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.)

e. Recipients of the nine credit transfer must complete all remaining coursework for the MPA degree at University of Massachusetts Global in accordance with academic policy.