2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Nov 21, 2024

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Public Administration, BA/MPA

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Overview

THe Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is dedicated to cultivating ethical, innovative, and effective leaders and problem-solvers to address complex public challenges and to advance the public interest. Rooted in a commitment to public service “to pursue the public interest with accountability and transparency” (NASPAA), our program prepares students to examine their roles and responsibilities as global citizens to tackle pressing issues facing communities at all levels with integrity. In this program, students will engage in rigorous academic coursework, research, and experiential learning opportunities, and gain insights from diverse perspectives to enable them to make meaningful and sustainable contributions to the public sector and nonprofit organizations.

Program Outcomes

Ethical Leadership: Graduates will demonstrate ethical leadership skills, applying principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency to address complex public challenges and promote social equity.
Innovative Problem-Solving: Graduates will develop innovative problem-solving skills, using evidence-based strategies to propose solutions to pressing public issues.
Public Service Values: Graduates will embody public service values, advocating for inclusive and equitable policies and practices with integrity and compassion.
Global Citizenship and Responsibility: Graduates will recognize their roles and responsibilities as global citizens, critically examining challenges with integrity and empathy, and advocating for inclusive solutions to promote the common good.
Applied Learning: Graduates will apply theoretical knowledge and gain practical skills through experiential learning opportunities, e.g., internships, fieldwork, and community service.
Effective Communication and Collaboration: Graduates will demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to achieve common goals and promote positive change.
Lifelong Learning: Graduates will engage in continuous professional development to enhance their skills and leadership in public administration and service.

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 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.

Internship

Completion of an approved non-credit internship is required. Exceptions are available for those who qualify. Please refer to our academic policies and visit a member of our Experiential Learning team for more information.

Program of Study

The MPA consists of ten (10) units, including required foundation courses seven (7) units and three (3) elective courses or a concentration (3 courses).

Required courses

Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

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

Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

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

Senior Year:
Students must take two (2) MPA units during their senior year. Selection of these courses must be made in consultation 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 eight (8) of the required units may be taken in the fifth year.

Fees

This program is eligible for up to 100% tuition remission rate for a student’s fifth year graduate program. There is a one-time program fee in the first semester of graduate study. The student continues to be responsible for paying other enrollment and activity fees as well as their housing, books and personal items. Tuition and fees are set annually by the Board of Trustees.

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 .