Contents > College of Public Programs > Public Administration
Robert Denhardt, Director, School of Public Affairs
Heather E. Campbell, Director, Graduate Studies
Cayer, Chapman, Coor, Crow, J. Denhardt, Hall, Lan, Perry
Al-Yahya, Catlaw, Corley, Peck, Voorhees
The mission of the School of Public Affairs is to advance excellence in governance by creating, sharing, and applying knowledge of public administration.
The School of Public Affairs offers a Bachelor of Urban and Metropolitan Studies degree program, undergraduate certificates in Public Administration and Public Management and Leadership and Ethics, a BIS concentration in public administration and public management, a 42-semester-hour professional Master of Public Administration degree, a 42-semester-hour Master of Public Policy degree, and an interdisciplinary degree leading to the PhD degree in Public Administration.
Master of Public Administration
The MPA is an interdisciplinary, professional degree designed to prepare students for public service, public management, and policy analysis at the local, state, and national levels of government. The MPA degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.
Applicants to the MPA program are considered for admission irrespective of undergraduate major, although students may be required to complete additional courses and/or workshops to prepare themselves for the core courses.
The applicant’s undergraduate GPA, GRE scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing), letters of recommendation, statement of educational and career goals, and professional experience are all considered in the admissions process. In addition, TOEFL scores (550 or higher) are required for international students. Admission may be limited by space availability.
Applications for admission can be sent at any time. Students requesting graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships should have their application files completed by February 15.
All applicants must submit the following materials to the Graduate College:
2. official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work;
3. scores on the GRE (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing; special subject tests not required); and
4. TOEFL scores for international students.
All applicants must submit the following materials to the School of Public Affairs:
1. three letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be written by faculty who can evaluate the applicant’s academic performance;
2. a written statement of applicant’s educational and career goals, which also is used as a sample of the applicant’s writing abilities; and
3. résumé or additional documents as the applicant sees fit.
The MPA program consists of 42 hours of graduate credit. Students take 27 of these hours in nine core classes in the School of Public Affairs, and 15 additional hours in elective courses.
No more than nine semester hours of ASU graduate courses taken before admission to the school and approved by the MPA Committee can be included in the Program of Study.
Students enrolling in core courses must demonstrate minimum competency in statistics and American government. Courses taken to fulfill the competency do not count toward the 42-hour degree program. Competency in statistics is met with a grade of “B” (3.00) or higher in an approved course (PAF 401, POS 401, PSY 230, QBA 221, or SOC 390) within the last two years or passing a diagnostic test approved by the MPA Committee. Other courses taken within the last two years may be substituted upon approval of the MPA director. Competency in American government is a demonstrated understanding of American government institutions and processes. Students may be required to take an undergraduate class in American government (PAF 300, PAF 340, POS 110, or POS 310). In addition, competency in computer use is expected of all students.
A public service internship is recommended for MPA students without previous administrative experience in government. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with practical and professional experience in a specific career area. Students work in and for public organizations applying the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in their program of study. During the internship experience, students can develop a professional network that will aid them in their pursuit of a career in government or nonprofit organizations. Students can apply three hours of internship credit to the degree program. To receive course credit for an internship, students are required to attend class sessions and submit a paper to the internship coordinator.
The MPA degree requires students to demonstrate competency for public service by synthesizing and applying core course knowledge, skills, and abilities to public service problems. Students demonstrate their public service competency by earning an “A” (4.00) or a “B” (3.00) in the MPA capstone course, PAF 509 Public Service.
Morrison Institute for Public Policy
As an integral part of the School of Public Affairs, the Morrison Institute is an applied public policy research center that conducts research on public policy, informs policy makers and citizens about issues, and advises leaders on choices and actions. In partnership with government officials, university faculty, and the private sector, the Morrison Institute conducts research, policy forums, program evaluations, and strategic planning for public, private, and nonprofit clients. The institute produces publications on a wide range of topics, including urban growth, education, natural resources, governmental systems and relations, healthcare, social services, quality of life, and economic development.
Bob Ramsey Executive Education Program
The Bob Ramsey Executive Education Program is a continuing education program designed to provide public-sector executives with analytical approaches and skills in leadership, policy analysis, total quality management, media relations, organizational development, team-building, and communication. Located at the Mercado (formerly known as the Downtown Center), the Bob Ramsey Executive Education Program sponsors the Certified Manager Program, the Institute for Public Executives, Total Quality Management in the Public Sector, and the County Elected Officials’ Certification Program, and presents customized professional development programs for public-sector managers.
Courses
Information about all courses is available on the Web at ASU Interactive. For more information, see Classification of Courses.
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