Master of Public Administration

 

The Master of Public Administration Program (MPA) responds to the growing conviction that public administrators can and must perform more efficiently and effectively in the next decades.  Upgrading the knowledge and skills of those who work in the public sectors is one important way for public officials to ensure that tax dollars are spent with the greatest possible impact for the least possible cost.

The MPA is a professional degree for to those in, or attracted to, employment and leadership in the public sector.  It strives to enhance the credentials and competence of both entry-level and mid-level career personnel.  While the program is an academic one, the faculty is a mix of academic and professional people with field experience.

This degree program integrates a broad knowledge of administrative principles with the development of skill areas essential for successful public administration.

The MPA combines the interest of theoretical and behavioral inquiry associated with the social sciences and the emphasis on managerial principles and practices found in many schools of business and management.  The degree reflects the conviction that the administrator in the public  sector must possess the knowledge and skills of a strategic manager and visionary leader with sensitivity to the political, social, and cultural elements that impinge upon an organization which serves the public. 

Courses having a broad function are balanced with those that impart definite skills.  While there is a core of required courses, there is sufficient flexibility allowing students to shape the program to correspond to specific areas of interest.  The program also allows for different rates of progress toward the degree.

The MPA is offered during the evening with occasional weekend options.  The degree requires the completion of eight core courses and four elective courses for a total of 36 semester-hours. 



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American International College
1000 State Street
Springfield MA 01109
(800) 242-3142
inquiry@aic.edu