DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE—MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

The ASU Master of Public Administration (MPA) program was established in 1982 and won full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) in 1996. The MPA degree is the recognized degree for professional leadership and management positions in public service, including positions of leadership in government at the local, state, and national levels. The degree is a professional one and the educational program is designed to teach the skills required for effective public management—managing people, money, and programs in a political environment in a manner safeguarding the public interest.

The core of this 42 graduate hour program addresses common curriculum components of management, program analysis, and public policy through courses found in most NASPAA-accredited MPA programs throughout the U.S. The program combines the theoretical with the applied, with the mix seen most clearly in the internship component, where students have the opportunity to intern with state and local government agencies in the region.

Since the scope of government and public service is wide and highly diverse, holders of baccalaureate degrees from all disciplines (Political Science, History, English, Philosophy, Sociology, Journalism, Business, etc.) are eligible to apply for admission to the MPA program.