Public Administration, BA/MPA

Overview

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is offered by the School of Professional Studies (SPS) at Clark University. This degree program is ideal for students with relevant experience and a commitment to public service seeking a career in a non­profit organization or a position with federal, state, or local government. This 10-unit degree provides skills required for leadership roles in a wide range of public service careers. The MPA 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 Clark Bachelor of Arts students from any major. Students should have an articulated interest in pursuing graduate studies and a career in nonprofit or public administration. Students with fewer than three years of professional work experience are 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 (6) and electives (4) or a concentration (3) plus an elective (1).

Required courses

• MPA 3120 - Organizational Behavior & Leadership  
• MPA 3320 - Ethics and Professional Life  
• MPA 3820 - Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining   
• MPA 3999 - Capstone Practicum  

Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

• MPA 3100 - Issues and Cases in Public Administration *
• MPA 3400 - Policy Analysis *

* International Students with minimal or no background in American government or civics, may substitute the Issues and Cases and/or Policy Analysis course with an MPA course approved by the MPA Program Director.

Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

• MPA 3050 - Cultural Competence  
• MSPC 3620 - Cultural Diversity And Intercultural Communication  

See full program description and requirements for information on Concentrations and Electives.

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:

The remaining courses should be completed during the Fifth Year. 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 .