Bachelor of Arts/Master of Public Administration (B.A./M.P.A.)

Overview

The Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) is offered by the College of Professional and Continuing Education (COPACE) 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 Application Part 1 form. This interview and essay are intended to assist prospective students in assessing the appropriateness of the degree to their professional aspirations. In addition, during their tenure in the program, students with less than three years work experience will be required to complete a formal, one-semester internship, including a required internship seminar.

Program of Study

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

Those undergraduates who enter Clark University in Fall 2011 and complete their undergraduate degree in 2015, will have two prerequisites. For those undergraduates who entered Clark before 2011, we recommend they take these two classes in order to create more electives during their fifth year. These courses will be offered throught the Graduate School of Management or through the College of Professional and Continuing Educaiton.

These prequisite courses are:

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

Program Advisor

(Signature Required on Application Part 1)

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

Advice for Prospective Students

The majority of students in the MPA degree program are working professionals. 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 art history major who is now working with a non-government organizatin in Peru.