Public Administration (Nonprofit Administration), MPA
Program Overview
Arizona State University's Public Administration (Nonprofit Administration) program equips students with the skills and knowledge to lead nonprofit organizations effectively. The program emphasizes finance, resource management, fundraising, and strategic planning, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in the nonprofit sector. Ranked #4 in Nonprofit Management by U.S. News & World Report, the program offers a comprehensive education with a focus on real-world problem-solving.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program focuses on preparing students for leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. It builds upon the core principles of public administration, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and lead non-profit organizations effectively. The program emphasizes the unique challenges faced by nonprofits and equips graduates to tackle them with a strong foundation in finance, resource management, volunteer management, fundraising, strategic planning, and board relations.
Outline:
- Program Length: Full-time or part-time options available.
- Degree Requirements: 42 credit hours, including 24 credit hours of core courses and 18 credit hours of concentration-specific courses.
- Core Courses: Public Service Research I & II, Public Affairs, Microeconomics of Public Policy, Public Policy Analysis, Public Budgeting and Finance, Organization Behavior, Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public Change.
- Concentration Courses: The Nonprofit Sector, Financial and Resource Management, Strategic Human Resources Management, and one additional approved course.
- Culminating Experience: A 3-credit capstone course focusing on real-world projects and problem-solving in the nonprofit sector.
Assessment:
Assessment methods may include:
- Assignments: Individual and group projects, case studies, and research papers to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
- Presentations: Opportunities to showcase learning and communication skills through oral presentations.
- Capstone Project: A comprehensive project applying knowledge and skills to a real-world problem in the nonprofit sector.
Teaching:
- Faculty: Experienced and dedicated professors with expertise in public administration, nonprofit management, and related fields.
- Teaching Methods: A mix of lectures, discussions, case studies, simulations, and guest lectures to provide a diverse learning experience.
- Technology: Utilizing online resources, simulations, and collaborative tools to enhance engagement and active learning.
Careers:
Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in the nonprofit sector, including:
- Nonprofit Management: Executive directors, program directors, development directors, and other leadership roles.
- Fundraising and Grant Writing: Seeking funding for organizational programs and initiatives.
- Advocacy and Policy Analysis: Analyzing and influencing public policy issues relevant to the nonprofit sector.
- Program Development and Evaluation: Designing and implementing effective programs and evaluating their impact.
- Consulting: Providing expertise and guidance to nonprofit organizations on various aspects of management and operations.
Other:
- The program is ranked #4 in Nonprofit Management by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
- The program offers accelerated options for students pursuing both a bachelor's and master's degree. The program combines strong theoretical foundations with practical skills and real-world experience, preparing graduates for successful careers in a variety of nonprofit organizations.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
Domestic Applicants:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 credit hours.
- Undergraduate coursework in American national government (such as POS 310 American National Government) and an undergraduate social statistics course (such as PAF 301 Applied Statistics).
International Applicants:
- Completion of a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Additionally for all applicants:
- A completed graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty or other academic staff.
- A written statement of one to two pages describing the applicant's educational and career goals.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- A score of at least 79 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) test.
- A score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test.
- A score of at least 58 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic test.
Additional Considerations:
- Applicants may be required to submit additional documentation depending on their individual circumstances.
- Students who have not met the prerequisite coursework may be able to take the required courses as non-credit online courses offered by the School of Public Affairs.