Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Program Overview

Syracuse University's MPA program is a one-year, highly regarded program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in public service. The program emphasizes collaboration, public service values, and responsible citizenship, equipping students with strong policy analysis and public management skills, specialized knowledge, and the ability to address complex societal issues.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs is a highly regarded one-year program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in public service. The program emphasizes collaboration, public service values, and responsible citizenship.

Objectives:

The MPA program aims to equip students with:

• Strong policy analysis and public management skills
• Specialized knowledge in various areas of public administration
• The ability to apply their skills to address complex societal issues

Program Description:

The MPA program integrates theory and practice, providing students with the opportunity to work alongside faculty on pressing public policy issues. The program's core curriculum covers foundational topics in public administration, including public budgeting, public organizations and management, economics, statistics, and quantitative analysis. In addition to the core curriculum, students can choose from eight areas of study to tailor their program to their specific interests. These areas of study include:

• Data Analytics for Public Policy
• Environmental Policy and Administration
• National and International Security Policy
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Social Inequality and Policy
• Government Financial Analysis and Management

Outline:

Program Content:

The MPA program covers a comprehensive range of topics in public administration, including:

• Public policy analysis
• Public budgeting and finance
• Public management and leadership
• Organizational theory and behavior
• Research methods and data analysis
• Ethics and values in public service

Structure:

The MPA program consists of 40 credits, with 25 credits fulfilling the core requirements and 15 credits dedicated to electives. Students complete a capstone project as part of the program.

Course Schedule:

The MPA program typically follows a cohort-based model, with students taking courses together throughout the year. Students typically take 12-15 credits per semester.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

The MPA program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Group projects
• Case studies
• Capstone project

Assessment Criteria:

The assessment criteria for the MPA program vary depending on the course and assessment method. However, all assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in public administration.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The MPA program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Guest speakers
• Fieldwork

Faculty:

The MPA program is taught by a team of experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of public administration. Faculty members are actively involved in research and public service, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience.

Unique Approaches:

The MPA program at Syracuse University offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:

• The Maxwell Applied Learning Experience (MALE): MALE is an experiential learning program that provides students with hands-on experience working on real-world public policy issues.
• The MPA Workshop: The MPA Workshop is a capstone course that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific public policy issue.
Students work in teams to develop and implement a solution to the issue.

Careers:

Career Paths:

The MPA program prepares students for a wide range of careers in public service, including:

• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• International organizations
• Consulting firms
• Research institutions

Opportunities:

The MPA program provides students with numerous opportunities to gain practical experience and build their professional networks. Students can participate in internships, research projects, and student organizations.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the MPA program are highly sought-after by employers in the public and nonprofit sectors. The program has a 99% graduation rate and a strong track record of placing graduates in successful careers.