Program: Public Adminstration, MPA Accelerated 4+1 - Clark University

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 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 4+1 Accelerated Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program is open to Clark undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the College of Arts & Sciences. The MPA is intended for individuals with an articulated interest in pursuing graduate studies and a career in nonprofit or public administration.

For consideration, students must successfully complete one of the following courses with a minimum grade of B, preferably before they apply to the program. If they are taking the course at the time of application, that is acceptable as well.

A minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.4 is required for eligibility to this program.

As part of the admissions process, all applicants must meet with the 4+1 Accelerated MPA Program advisor to discuss how the intended degree aligns with their professional aspirations. They then must complete an online application no later than April 15 of their 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

Completing an internship is a requirement in this graduate program. Students are responsible for securing their own internship. While students will gain valuable experience, they will not earn academic credit for their internship.

Internship requirements:

Must include a minimum of 120 hours
Must be directly related to the student’s program of study
Must be approved by the Director of Career and Professional Development

Exceptions:

Students who have seven (7) or more years of professional work experience directly related to their program of study may seek to waive the internship requirement.
Students who currently work full-time in a field/industry directly related to their program of study.

Students seeking to waive the internship requirement must receive permission from the Director of Career and Professional Development by the end of their second semester in the master’s program.

Review the Internship Handbook for more information. Please connect with your academic advisor to plan your studies accordingly.

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:

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:

We recommend completing your internship during the summer. Review the Internship Handbook for more information. You may also choose to complete 1-2 graduate program classes during this time, if you prefer to complete your internship in another term. All must be done in consultation with the MPA Program Advisor.

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 Advisor

Students are required to meet with the designated program advisor prior to submitting their application.

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 advisor.

Any students considering applying to the 4+1 Accelerated MPA should read and understand the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program Policies and Procedures .