Graduate Programs / Public Administration Degree
Program of Study
Hours: 36, Thesis: Required
The Master of Public Administration program provides a broad understanding of the principles, processes, goals, and problems of administering public services, with special emphasis on the political realities of public sector management. Through course work and a required thesis, the program equips students with specialized knowledge and technical skills in budgeting, planning, personnel administration, research and other essential management techniques. Through its reputation, and through its internships, Kutztown University's Political Science Department and MPA Program have developed numerous contacts with public and private sector administrators. Graduates typically achieve continuing success in their present careers or are successful in obtaining other career positions related to their interests.
The program benefits professionals employed or seeking employment in government agencies (at all levels), health care and other not-for-profit organizations, and private enterprise. In eastern Pennsylvania there is a large number of occupations for which public administration expertise is essential, especially those in "third sector" industries which depend upon effective interface with government agencies and skillful handling of governmental processes and regulations.
Successful completion of thirty-six (36) semester hours of credit is required for the Master of Public Administration degree. All students accepted into this program must complete all requirements within six (6) calendar years.
Course Work
REQUIRED COURSES (24 credits)
- POL 425 Public Policy Making
- POL 465 Administrative Law
- POL 509 Approaches and Methods in Political Science
- POL 515 Principles and Problems in Public Administration
- POL 516 Administrative and Organizational Theory
- POL 517 Public Personnel Administration and Strategic Human Resource Management
- POL 518 Budgeting and Decision Making
- POL 538 Program and Policy Evaluation
ELECTIVES (6 credits)
- POL 435 Technology and Contemporary Politics and Society
- POL 562 Community Politics
- POL 571 Nonprofit Organizational Management
- POL 577 Selected Topics
- POL 580 Independent Study
THESIS (6 credits)
- POL 503 Thesis
Please note:
Two electives are chosen, one of which must be a Political Science graduate course.
The thesis is undertaken upon the successful completion of
all course work. The student works in
consultation with a thesis advisor who oversees the research
and the writing of the thesis.
All courses included in the program are taught in the evenings, both
during the academic year and in the
summer sessions. This enables graduate
students to work full-time and still pursue the degree.
Graduate Faculty
The following faculty members teach courses in the Master of Public Administration program:
- Dr. Paula Holoviak, Assistant Professor of Political Science
- Teaching and Research Interests: Intergovernmental Relations; State and Local Government; Economic Development; State Regulation Process
Contact Person
Dr.
Paula Holoviak
,
MPA Coordinator
E-mail: holoviak@kutztown.edu
- Department Office: 211 Graduate Center
- Telephone: (610) 683-4452