Master of Public Administration and Leadership

Program Overview

The Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL) program at The Ohio State University prepares students for leadership roles in government and the non-profit sector. The fully-online program can be completed in two years while continuing to work full-time and covers topics such as public administration theory, leadership, public policy analysis, and data analytics. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in city management, county administration, nonprofit leadership, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Master of Public Administration and Leadership (MPAL) program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in government and the non-profit sector.
The program provides students with the skills and tools they need to effectively address management challenges, prepare for leadership roles at local, state, and national levels, and meet the flexibility needs of mid-career professionals. The program can be completed in two years while continuing to work full-time.
• Objectives: The objectives of the MPAL program are to:
• Equip students with the tools to effectively address management challenges in the workplace
• Prepare students for leadership roles at local, state, and national levels
• Meet the flexibility needs of mid-career professionals

Outline:

• Content: The MPAL program curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Public administration theory and practice
• Leadership and management
• Public policy analysis
• Public financial management
• Human resource management
• Program evaluation
• Data analytics
• Structure: The MPAL program is a fully-online program that consists of 10 courses.
The courses are offered in a seven-week format, and students can complete the program in two years while continuing to work full-time.
• Course Schedule: The course schedule for the MPAL program is as follows:
• Year 1:
• Introduction to Public Administration
• Public Policy Analysis
• Public Financial Management
• Human Resource Management
• Leadership and Management
• Year 2:
• Program Evaluation
• Data Analytics
• Public Sector Internship
• Capstone Project
• Individual Modules: The MPAL program consists of 10 individual modules.
Each module is designed to cover a specific topic in public administration and leadership. The modules are:
• Module 1: Introduction to Public Administration
• Module 2: Public Policy Analysis
• Module 3: Public Financial Management
• Module 4: Human Resource Management
• Module 5: Leadership and Management
• Module 6: Program Evaluation
• Module 7: Data Analytics
• Module 8: Public Sector Internship
• Module 9: Capstone Project

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students in the MPAL program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Assessment Criteria: Students in the MPAL program are assessed on their:
• Knowledge of public administration and leadership theory and practice
• Ability to apply public administration and leadership principles to real-world problems
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The MPAL program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Role-playing
• Faculty: The MPAL program faculty are experts in public administration and leadership.
They have a wealth of experience in teaching, research, and public service.
• Unique Approaches: The MPAL program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:
• A focus on experiential learning
• A strong emphasis on leadership development
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the MPAL program are prepared for a wide range of careers in government and the non-profit sector.
Some potential career paths include:
• City manager
• County administrator
• State agency director
• Nonprofit executive director
• Public policy analyst
• Program manager
• Researcher
• Opportunities: Graduates of the MPAL program have a wide range of opportunities for career advancement.
They can work in a variety of settings, including:
• Local government
• State government
• Federal government
• Nonprofit organizations
• International organizations
• Outcomes: Graduates of the MPAL program have a high success rate in finding employment in their field.
They are also well-prepared for leadership roles in government and the non-profit sector.