Bachelor of Arts/Master of Public Administration, BA/MPA

Overview

The Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) is offered by the School of Professional Studies (SPS) at Clark University. This degree program is ideal for students who have a commitment to public service and are seeking a career in a non-profit organization or a position with federal, state, or local government. The 12 unit/course degree provides skills required for leadership roles in a wide range of public service careers. The Master of Public Administration at Clark equips students with a solid academic foundation and training in research methods, public management, and public affairs. Students gain knowledge and can implement policies, projects, and programs within government and non-profit organizations. A graduate of this program will be able to address public needs in effective and imaginative ways so they may lead a career of consequence for their constituents.

Departmental eligibility requirements

The MPA is open to students from any Clark undergraduate major. Students with fewer than three years professional work experience will be strongly encouraged to complete a one semester credit bearing internship, which includes a required internship seminar.

Students are required to meet with the MPA Accelerated Degree Program advisor as a formal part of the admissions process. This meeting is intended to assist prospective students in assessing the appropriateness of the degree to their professional aspirations. The student applies to the MPA program by completing the Online Application no later than May 1 of the junior year. Please note that application deadlines differ for students who are graduating off cycle (either a semester early or late) or who have advanced standing; such students should contact Graduate Admissions for alternative dates.

Program of Study

The MPA consists of 12 graduate courses, including required foundation courses (7) and electives (5).

The required foundation courses are:

• MPA 3100 - Issues and Cases in Public Administration  
• MPA 3120 - Organizational Behavior & Leadership  
• MSPC 3300 - Professional Communication Seminar  
• MPA 3320 - Ethics and Professional Life  
• MPA 3400 - Policy Analysis  
• MPA 3900 - Research Methods and Strategies  
• MPA 3999 - Capstone Practicum  

Senior Year:

Students must take two MPA foundation courses during their senior year. Selection of these courses must be made in conjunction with the MPA Program Advisor.

Summer between Senior Year and Graduate/ Fifth Year:

In order to complete the remaining ten courses with in the fifth year it is strongly recommend that students take two courses during this summer.

Graduate/Fifth Year:

During the Fifth Year the remaining course should be completed. No more than 10 of the required courses may be taken in the fifth year.

Fees

Students will pay a one-time program fee of $1,000 in the first semester of graduate study.  Students also pay a $15 activity fee in the fall and spring semesters as well as a one-time enrollment fee of $100.  Students are responsible for paying for housing, food, books, and other personal items.

Program Advisor

Students are required to meet with the designated degree advisor and have them sign the Accelerated Degree Program Advisor Form.  The signed form confirms the student and program advisor have discussed the requirements of the program.  This form is available on the Graduate Admissions website. 

The designated program advisor is:

Mary M. Piecewicz MBA, MSPC, PMP
Jonas Clark Hall Room 111
School of Professional Studies
mpiecewicz@clarku.edu
508-793-7212

Once you have started your fifth year, you may be assigned a different academic advisor.

Any students considering applying to the Accelerated Degree Program should read and understand the Accelerated Degree Program Policies and Procedures.