Public Administration, M.P.A.

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program at Marshall University is a fully online graduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage public resources, address complex community challenges, and inspire others to engage with diverse public institutions.

Program Highlights

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The graduate curriculum encompasses a 36-semester credit hour requirement, providing a strong foundation and specialized knowledge.
• Areas of Emphasis: Students can choose from four distinct areas of emphasis, each tailored to cater to specific interests and career goals:
  • Nonprofit Leadership & Management
  • Business and Government Relations
  • Cybersecurity and Policy Management
  • Planning & Economic Development
• Flexibility for All: The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to cater to the needs of both working professionals and traditional graduate students.
• Hybrid Approach: The program combines the best of policy analysis and public management, ensuring students gain a holistic understanding of how policies are formulated, implemented, and managed.
• Accelerated Graduate Degree Path: An accelerated path is available for undergraduates, allowing them to complete their M.P.A. in an accelerated timeframe.

Career Paths

Upon successful completion of the M.P.A. program, students are prepared for diverse career opportunities, including but not limited to:

• Policy analysts
• Grant writers and administrators
• Budget analysts
• Program analysts
• City managers
• Regional planners
• Industry innovators
• Nonprofit managers

Admission Requirements

Applicants must follow the admissions process outlined in the Graduate Catalog and provide:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae
• A personal statement describing the applicant's interest in the program and goals from program completion
• A portfolio of their work for approval by the MPA Director, demonstrating the core competencies of public administration:
  • Manage in public organizations
  • Participate in and contribute to the policy process
  • Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
  • Communicate and interact in diverse groups and settings

Program Requirements

The M.P.A. program is composed of 36 credit hours, including:

• Required core courses
• An area of emphasis or approved electives
• Course List:
  • PADM 533: Public Policy Development (3 credit hours)
  • PADM 552: Public Personnel (3 credit hours)
  • PADM 553: Public Finance Management (3 credit hours)
  • PADM 604: Data Driven Decision-Making (3 credit hours)
  • PADM 616: Scope and Practice (3 credit hours)
  • PADM 621: City Management (3 credit hours)
  • PADM 632: Nonprofit Management (3 credit hours)
  • PADM 650: Administrative Law (3 credit hours)
  • Area of Emphasis or Approved Electives (12 credit hours)

Areas of Emphasis

Cybersecurity and Policy, Emphasis

This emphasis is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge in cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and policy development. Students select 12 credit hours from courses including:

• CYBR 500: Computer Security Design
• CYBR 510: Intro to Cybersecurity
• CYBR 530: Cybersec Policies & Mgmt
• CYBR 535: Cyber Risk
• CYBR 542: Cyber Operations
• CYBR 615: Cyber Vulnerability Assess
• CYBR 620: Cyberwarfare
• MIS 647: IT Disaster Plan and Recovery
• MIS 678: Management Infor Systems
• PADM 618: Debates in Public Admin
• PADM 620: Comparative Public Admin
• PADM 654: Public Organizations
• PADM 660: Policy Analysis

Government Relations, Emphasis

This emphasis addresses the critical role of professionals adept at navigating the intricate relationships between government and the private sector. Students select 12 hours from courses including:

• LE 691: Gov Bus Relationships
• PADM 618: Debates in Public Admin
• PADM 620: Comparative Public Admin
• PADM 627: Leaders and Innovators
• PADM 654: Public Organizations
• PADM 660: Policy Analysis
• MGT 620: Human Resource Management
• MGT 672: Organizational Behavior
• MGT 677: Supply Chain Management
• MGT 692: Ethics/Global Aspects Bus

Nonprofit Leadership, Emphasis

This emphasis caters to the increasing demand for professionals equipped with specialized knowledge in nonprofit management. Students select 12 hours from courses including:

• PADM 618: Debates in Public Admin
• PADM 620: Comparative Public Admin
• PADM 627: Leaders and Innovators
• PADM 654: Public Organizations
• ACC 512: Govt NFP Accounting
• ENG 531: Writing for Nonprofit
• LS 615: Leadership in Public Sector
• LS 626: Fundraising Management
• LS 633: Lead International Nonprofit
• LS 640: Legal Issues NPO & Public
• LS 645: Comm Collaborative Plan Mgmt

Planning and Economic Development, Emphasis

This emphasis addresses the evolving demands of the public administration field, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for roles requiring comprehensive skills in urban and regional planning, economic analysis, and sustainable development practices. Students select 12 hours from courses including:

• PADM 618: Debates in Public Admin
• PADM 654: Public Organizations
• GEO 510: Urban Geography
• GEO 523: Cartography & GIS
• GEO 524: Transportation Geography
• GEO 526: Geographic Information Systems
• GEO 534: Flood Hazards and GIS
• GEO 607: Economic Geography
• GEO 619: Seminars in Geography

Marshall University

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Overview:

Marshall University is a public research university located in Huntington, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as online and professional degrees. The university is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community outreach.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

The university offers admissions services for first-year freshmen, transfer students, international undergraduate students, graduate students, international graduate students, and online students.

Financial Aid:

Marshall University provides financial aid options including tuition assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Student Resources:

Students have access to various resources such as residence halls, student affairs, student health services, and student policies.

Campus Resources:

The university offers libraries, online research tools, internship and career development services, and a campus bookstore.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Student Organizations:

Students can participate in various clubs, organizations, student government, Greek life, and athletics.

Student Activities:

The university offers opportunities for community service, leadership development, and campus recreation.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

Marshall University boasts a variety of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a lively campus environment with numerous student organizations, activities, and events.

Community Engagement:

Marshall University is deeply involved in the local community through outreach programs and initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.

Graduate:

Marshall University provides graduate programs in various fields, including medicine and pharmacy.

Online:

The university offers online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

Professional:

Marshall University offers professional programs designed to enhance career skills and knowledge.