Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Program Objectives
The Master of Public Administration program at Marywood University is an online program. The general purpose of the program is the administrative training of men and women concerned with public policy and administration issues on local, state, national, and international levels.
Specifically, the program strives to:
- Expose students to a wide range of public affairs and administrative issues, as well as processes, practices, and responsibilities involved in providing public service.
- Train public administrators on local, national, and international levels within cooperative networks through active engagement in problem solving.
- Train public managers and administrators on all levels to adapt ethical responses toward issues of public service.
- Identify problems and issues among groups, organizations, and nation-states in order to arrive at realistic and non-violent approaches to both local and global issues through cooperative association.
- Develop collegial and supportive associations within the profession to share resources and expertise on local, national, and international levels.
- Prepare students in planning, organizing, staffing, implementing, and administering public service.
- Facilitate the students’ understanding and command of theories of management and supervision and applied social science theory related to the delivery of public service.
- Help students develop analytical and evaluation skills and techniques leading to effective managerial decision-making applied to the complex task of providing public service.
- Help students develop an awareness of equity and public interest concerns and the political process through which they arise.
- Provide advanced education in management issues related to the provision of public service, especially in the areas of public policy and administration, state and local government, the federal government, international relations and foreign policy, national security, disaster management, and nonprofit leadership.
The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) provides entry-level, post-entry-level, and mid-career participation from a variety of public, private, and nonprofit settings on local, regional, national, and global levels with cutting-edge education in administrative sciences involved in research, theory, case studies, assimilations, group discussion and analyses, interpersonal development exercises, audiovisual media, field observation, and intensive coursework.
The M.P.A. at Marywood University is engaged in network development on local, regional, national, and international levels to promote practical approaches to administrative systems in the public sphere. Rather than focusing on the institutionalization of outdated policy and administrative issues, the program focuses on developing cooperative efforts to engage in networking and promote social justice, peace, and ethical leadership. The program seeks to give voice to the global. The program also seeks engagement and cooperation with NGOs on the global level.
The Master of Public Administration program (M.P.A.) at Marywood University is involved in researching issues of public and administrative affairs, nonlinear dynamics, homeland security and disaster management, and peace and non-violence in resolving conflicts and comparative international administrative systems. Accordingly, the program is engaged in the development of the following activities:
- Coordinating and organizing annual and periodic conferences on public affairs and administration through international dialogue. These conferences will include local, regional, national, and international participants.
- Publishing a peer-reviewed journal on public policy and administration as a tool for peace studies, security, public service, dialogue, and conflict resolution.
- Offering workshops to local governments and nonprofit organizations on public management.
- Integrating research as critical part of both the education and network dimensions of the program.
Master of Public Administration Program Overview
The M.P.A. at Marywood University follows the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)’s guidelines. It bridges theory and practice while developing research and analytical skills, all of which students need to become effective administrators. The program is an exclusively online graduate degree. The program welcomes mid-level practitioners in public and nonprofit agencies, in addition to full- or part-time students of both genders and all ages, nationalities, and experiences. The curriculum presents the cutting edge in public policy and administrative studies, while emphasizing interconnectedness, globalization, sound governance, and care for the environment. The online classroom dynamic reflects discussion, analysis, and studies of various administrative, political, and public affairs issues in various parts of the world in comparison with those in the United States. The program offers three specializations: General Public Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, and Homeland Security and Disaster Management.
Master of Public Administration Program Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1,000 words): Identify your educational goals, expectations from the program, and background. All applicants should also demonstrate any experience in public or nonprofit organizations that involve administrative skills in areas such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, or budgeting. Lack of administrative skills will not impact admission but provides the program with useful information on how to provide the student with internship projects once admitted to the program.
- Professional résumé: Current résumé including job responsibilities, relevant experience, and educational history.
- Two letters of recommendation: From individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague.
- Official transcripts of prior education, including undergraduate degree documentation.
- Proof of English language proficiency: Only for students for whom English is not their primary language and who did not graduate from a university at which the language of instruction was English.
- No general tests are required.
Any applicant who lacks administrative experience must pursue a three-credit-hour internship. Internships consist of up to 12 weeks of full- or part-time assignments in an agency (minimum of 20 hours per week).
The Capstone is a closure requirement which provides the student with an opportunity to work with faculty on a LEAD research project. The Capstone applies theoretical knowledge to a practical situation. Refer to detailed guidelines for project requirements.
(30 Semester Hours; Online)
Required Courses: 15 semester hours
Elective Courses: 12 semester hours
Capstone Course: 3 semester hours