Program Overview

Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program is designed to provide students with the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to coordinate and implement coherent policy alternatives, in order to implement successful cost-effective programs. The program is tailored to meet the professional challenges and time constraints of mid-career professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Program Mission

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is specifically tailored to meet the professional challenges and time constraints of mid-career professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The program consists of block teaching direct contact sessions held on (extended) weekends every four to six weeks, as well as directed independent learning (DIL) that takes place between weekend sessions.

Program Objectives and Outcomes

Students successfully completing the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program will be able to:

• Critically analyze and evaluate the ethical and cultural dimensions of policy making and management in the public sector
• Determine and evaluate organizational and management theory, process, structure, and systems in the public sector
• Synthesize the purposes, design, functions, and character of government organizations, market, and civil society and the interactions among them
• Utilize advanced problem-solving skills to utilize knowledge from the external and domestic factors and drivers that determine the policy space
• Appraise and assess the role of global political and economic institutions and events in driving local outcomes
• Decide on effective leadership and teamwork skills to solve complex/advanced public organizational problems and communicate policy decisions

Teaching and Learning

MBRSG believes that active learning and full student engagement is the most successful pedagogical approach. The learning, teaching, and assessment approaches used throughout the program will encourage collaborative engagement among students. MBRSG aims to provide students with prompt feedback on their learning as well as reflective opportunities through which they can enhance their learning.

Program Content

The six (6) Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) core modules have each been designed to extend the students' knowledge of the variety of public administration functions, processes, and strategies, in a context that will engage new ideas and concepts.

Module Description

• EMPA 1501: Comparative Public Administration and Governance (20 CATS Credits)
• EMPA 1502: Human Resources and Performance Management in Government Organizations (20 CATS Credits)
• EMPA 1503: Public Finance and Government Funding (20 CATS Credits)
• EMPA 1504: Public Policy Analysis (20 CATS Credits)
• EMPA 1505: Administrative Leadership and Institutional Performance Management (20 CATS Credits)
• EMPA 1507: Global Governance (20 CATS Credits)
• EMPA 1508: Advanced Topics in Contemporary Public Administration (20 CATS Credits)
• EMPA 901: Dissertation (60 CATS Credits)

Admission Requirements

• A minimum equivalent cumulative grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale for full admission or 2.50 (on a 4.0 Scale) for Conditional Admission
• English requirement: a minimum TOEFL score of 450 on the Paper-Based, or 133 on the Computer-Based, or 45 on the Internet-Based test, or its equivalent in a standardized English language test, such as 4.5 IELTS or another standardized, internationally recognized test approved by the Ministry of Education
• A letter "to whom it may concern" which states that the applicant holds a senior managerial position
• An applicant who meets the above requirements should have a minimum of six (6) years of documented professional managerial work experience (gained prior to admission)

Proficiency Requirements

Prior to enrolling in the Executive Master of Public Administration program, students must demonstrate proficiency in basic statistics and research methods. These requirements can be met by passing an undergraduate university level subject in statistics and/or research methods.

Academic Workload

An Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program student may enroll in up to a maximum of three (3) Modules, which is the equivalent of sixty (60) CATS credits, per semester, with the approval of the Director of Academic Affairs.

Progression and Academic Standing

In accordance with the MBRSG Student Academic Progression Policy, students studying in the Executive Master's in Public Administration (EMPA) program must maintain a 'Good Academic Standing' to progress through their program of study in order to successfully meet the graduation completion requirements. Students must maintain an overall average grade of (B) under the European Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Credits system.

Careers and Employability

The transformational nature of the Executive MPA equips graduates with transferable skills and knowledge which will enhance their career prospects and open up options in the area of public policy. MBRSG Executive MPA alumni will occupy positions in the public and private sectors, international organizations, and think tanks around the world.