Master of Public Policy and Administration, MPPA

Program Overview

The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program at York College of Pennsylvania equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in public policy and administration. The program offers concentrations in Urban Planning, Non-profit Leadership, and Local Government, and prepares graduates for diverse careers in public service, from policy analysis to leadership positions. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and offers flexible course schedules to accommodate students' professional and personal commitments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in public policy and administrative structures across local, state, and federal levels of government.

Description:

The program focuses on developing students' analytical, communication, and practical skills through hands-on learning experiences. It prepares graduates for various roles in public service, from policy analysis and program development to leadership positions within government agencies.

Key Highlights:

• "Early entrance" option for undergraduate students allows earning up to 15 MPPA credits alongside their Bachelor's degree.
• Concentrations are available in Urban Planning, Non-profit Leadership, and Local Government.
• Students can choose to complete either an MPPA degree or a post-baccalaureate certificate in the respective concentration, but not both simultaneously.

Outline:

Structure:

• 36 total credit hours
• Completion time: typically two years of full-time study
• Core courses (30 credits) covering:
• Policy process and analysis
• Policy communications
• Public administration and leadership
• Research methods
• Economics for policymakers
• Elective courses (6 credits) offering diverse areas of specialization

Course Schedule:

The program offers day, evening, and hybrid course schedules to accommodate students' professional and personal commitments. However, the core course titles offer insight into the program's key learning modules:

• Public policy process and analysis
• Quantitative analysis
• Policy research methods
• Policy communications
• Microeconomics for policymakers
• Public sector budgeting and organizations
• Leadership development in public service
However, it is likely that methods such as exams, assignments, and projects are employed to evaluate student understanding and skill development. However, it likely utilizes various methods including lectures, discussions, case studies, group projects, and simulations to facilitate active learning and engagement.

Careers:

Potential Paths:

The MPPA program prepares graduates for diverse careers in public service within local, state, or federal government agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and related sectors. Potential job titles include:

• Policy analyst
• Program manager
• Public administrator
• Non-profit leader
• Urban planner
However, the program's emphasis on knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience suggests it prepares graduates to be competitive for various public sector positions and leadership roles.

Other:

Concentrations:

The program offers the option to specialize in one of three concentrations: Urban Planning, Non-profit Leadership, and Local Government. Completing the respective post-baccalaureate certificate program allows students to pursue a specific concentration within the MPPA degree.