Program Overview
The University of New Haven's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) equips students with critical skills in public administration, preparing them for leadership roles in government and nonprofit agencies. The flexible online format allows students to continue working while pursuing their degree, and the program offers a range of concentrations to meet individual career goals. Graduates are highly satisfied with their careers and report success in various organizations, including government agencies, nonprofits, and consulting firms.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The University of New Haven's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) equips students with critical skills in budgeting, planning, policy formulation, public finance, personnel administration, collective bargaining, and more.
Objectives:
- Prepare graduates for leadership roles in government and nonprofit agencies.
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of public administration.
- Develop proficiency in analyzing and resolving complex organizational issues.
- Empower graduates to lead with ethical and socially responsible practices.
Description:
This 100% online program allows students to continue working while pursuing their degree. It offers a flexible schedule, with most courses offered in a 6 to 7.5-week format, enabling students to take one course per mini-term. Some courses are available in a 15-week full-term format. The program requires 36 credit hours, with many students eligible for three credit waivers based on their public administration experience. Those who are not eligible will complete a 3-credit focused practicum. Students can choose from six concentrations:
- Public Safety
- Fire and Emergency Medical Services
- General Concentration
- Municipal Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Public Financial Management Alternatively, students can work with their academic advisor to create a customized concentration.
- Public policy analysis and development
- Budgeting and financial management
- Human resource management
- Program evaluation and research
- Ethics and social responsibility in public service
- Leadership and communication
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
Structure:
The program consists of 11 core courses and 5 elective courses. Students can choose their electives based on their interests and career goals.
Course Schedule:
Most courses are offered in a 6 to 7.5-week format, allowing students to take one course per mini-term. Some courses are only available in the 15-week full-term format.
Individual Modules:
- PADM 6100: Public Administration in the 21st Century
- PADM 6200: Public Policy Analysis
- PADM 6300: Budgeting and Financial Management
- PADM 6400: Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
- PADM 6500: Program Evaluation and Research
- PADM 6600: Public Sector Practicum (optional)
- PADM 6700: Ethics and Social Responsibility in Public Service
- PADM 6800: Leadership and Communication
- PADM 6900: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- PADM 7010: Public Safety Management (Public Safety Concentration)
- PADM 7020: Fire and Emergency Medical Services Management (Fire and Emergency Medical Services Concentration)
- PADM 7030: Municipal Management (Municipal Management Concentration)
- PADM 7040: Nonprofit Management (Nonprofit Management Concentration)
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Assignments and projects
- Exams
- Presentations
- Participation in discussions
Assessment Criteria:
The program uses a variety of assessment criteria, including:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Analytical and research skills
- Communication and writing skills
- Leadership and collaboration skills
- Ethical and professional conduct
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Group discussions
- Online learning platforms
Faculty:
The program features experienced faculty with expertise in public administration, public policy, and related fields. Faculty members are active researchers and practitioners who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers a number of unique approaches, including:
- A focus on ethical and socially responsible leadership
- A flexible online format that allows students to continue working while pursuing their degree
- The opportunity to customize a concentration to meet individual career goals
Careers
Potential Career Paths:
The program prepares graduates for a variety of career paths in government and nonprofit agencies, including:
- Public administrator
- Policy analyst
- Budget analyst
- Human resources manager
- Program evaluator
- Nonprofit executive director
- City manager
- Police chief
- Fire chief
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of organizations, including:
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- International organizations
- Consulting firms
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program report high levels of satisfaction with their careers.
- The program is eligible for federal financial aid.
- The program offers a variety of scholarships and grants.
