MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The Department of Public Administration prepares men and women for careers in public service. The graduate division of the department offers Master of Public Administration degrees with tracks in government, health care, and not-for-profit management, and environmental management. Career opportunities range from positions in local, state and federal government agencies to voluntary, proprietary and not for profit organizations.

MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM

The M.P.A. program offers a curriculum that teaches qualitative and quantitative skills as applied to the ever-evolving field of public administration. It increases and integrates a student's knowledge of the institutional, social, legal, and economic contexts within which administrators and managers in the government, health care, and nonprofit sectors operate. Through sequences of related courses in areas of specialization, students acquire knowledge of both relevant and conceptual basis management tools.

The program's emphasis is on the development of sound skills achieved through the integration of theory and practice. The faculty possesses extensive, high-level research and practical experience in government, health care, and nonprofit organizations. A carefully planned and supervised capstone project allows students to apply the principles and concepts learned in the classroom to real-world problems. Through this multi-pronged curriculum, M.P.A. graduates qualify for positions that require strong analytical and administrative skills, ability to apply various management tools, and in-depth knowledge in specific policy areas. The increasing demand for government, health care, and nonprofit administrators able to manage effectively in a time of fiscal constraints places Pace graduates in a highly advantageous and competitive position. Alumni of the Pace M.P.A. program serve at various levels of government holding such positions as city and village managers and executives in state agencies. Other graduates hold managerial and senior administrative positions in a variety of health care and not for profit settings.

Completion of the M.P.A. program is usually accomplished after two years of full-time study, or three to four years of part-time study. The length of time may be reduced if the student is given advanced credit for graduate work completed elsewhere and certain course waivers. Candidates must fulfill the residency requirement of 30 credits at Pace. Students may transfer a maximum of six graduate credits from other universities. Students may also apply for a waiver of pre -courses based on graduate work elsewhere. A total of nine credits may be transferred or waived. The student must apply to the chair of the department for exemptions.

In addition, students who enter the program with little or no work experience will be assisted in identifying appropriate internships, residencies, and positions in the area in which they wish to begin a professional career. There are internships that provide stipends for exceptionally qualified students. Students who are new to the program and/or field are encouraged to complete an internship. All Public Administration students must satisfy at least two core requirements among the first five courses that they take. Courses are selected in consultation with an academic advisor. After the first 15 credits of course work are completed; all students are required to have a conference with their advisor to assess their progress.