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 non­profit organization or a position with federal, state, or local government. The 10 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 non­profit 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 required to  complete a one graduate semester credit bearing internship, which includes a required internship seminar.  (The internship course is taken the summer between undergraduate graduation and the fall graduate degree semester).

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 10 graduate courses, including required foundation courses (5) and electives (5).

The required foundation courses are:

• MPA 3100 - Issues and Cases in Public Administration  
• MPA 3120 - Organizational Behavior & Leadership  
• MPA 3320 - Ethics and Professional Life  
• MPA 3400 - Policy Analysis  
• MPA 3999 - Capstone Practicum  

Senior Year:
Students must take two MPA 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:

  An internship is required for incoming students and a 2nd course is recommended in order to complete the remaining courses within the fifth year.

Graduate/Fifth Year:

During the Fifth Year the remaining courses should be completed. No more than 8 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 $20 activity fee in the fall and spring semesters of their graduate studies, as well as a one-time enrollment fee of $100.  Students are responsible for paying for housing, food, health insurance, books, and other personal items.

Program Adviser

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

The designated program adviser is:

Tara Mason
Jonas Clark Hall
School of Professional Studies

tmason@clarku.edu
508-793-7219

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

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