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. The program is designed to develop and advance the managerial and analytical skills of those interested in careers in both public organizations and non-profit institutions. The goal is to develop administrators who can effectively address the varied managerial, economic, and political aspects of public issues and programs. It also assists professionals from other fields who wish to make the transition to the administration of government, non-profit or other public institutions.

Departmental eligibility requirements

The MPA is open to students from any Clark undergraduate major. Students are required to complete an intake interview with the MPA Accelerated Degree Program advisor and submit a one-page essay prior to the signing of the Accelerated Degree Program Advisor Form. This interview and essay are intended to assist prospective students in assessing the appropriateness of the degree to their professional aspirations.

Program of Study

The MPA involves 12 graduate courses, including both required foundation courses and electives. The required foundation courses are Management Information Systems and Technology, Issues and Cases in Public Administration, Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Policy Analysis, Public Budgeting and Accounting or equivalent, Research Methods and Strategies, and Capstone Practicum. During the senior year, students should concentrate on completing foundation courses. During the fifth year students must complete the remaining foundation courses and take their electives.

The program currently has two prerequisites that are offered through the Graduate School of Management:

• Management 101 - Principles of Accounting
• Management 104 - Introduction to MIS

Program Advisor

(Signature Required on the Accelerated Degree Program Advisor Form)

Susan Yi Millette
508-793-7212
smillette@clarku.edu

Advice for Prospective Students

The teaching methods in the degree programs are geared toward adult learning styles and the classes are designed to be highly interactive and project-oriented. The program works best for students are clear about their career goals and how the degree can help them attain their professional objectives.

Student Profiles

Recent graduates from the program have included the following:

• An undergraduate political science major who is working with a non-profit organization focused on housing the homeless
• An undergraduate international development and social change major who is now working with the World Bank.