Mission Statement
The MPA program's mission is: to prepare professional public managers to meet the needs and challenges of public service; to advance the study of Public Administration through scholarly and applied research and related activities; and to serve government, the profession, and the university through the extension of Public Administration expertise to relevant organizations that could benefit from such expertise.

Components and Objectives

Component 1: to prepare professional public managers to meet the needs and challenges of public service

• Objective 1A: to develop and enhance management and analytical skills for a diverse in-service student population in a traditionally rural but rapidly developing area.
• Objective 1B: to prepare pre-service students for administrative and management positions in the public sector.
• Objective 1C: to cooperate with other academic units in designing and implementing interdisciplinary programs for high quality graduate education.
• Objective 1D: to provide graduate students with quality instruction that reflects the state-of-the-art in the discipline.

Component 2: To advance the study of Public Administration through scholarly and applied research and related activities

• Objective 2A: to produce and disseminate theory-based research through publication in a variety of outlets.
• Objective 2B: to participate in Public Administration-related conferences and meetings.
• Objective 2C: to produce and disseminate (as possible) applied research projects for government agencies, non profit and volunteer organizations, and other groups.
• Objective 2D: to facilitate student participation in research projects and papers.

Component 3: to serve government, the profession, and the university through the extension of Public Administration expertise to relevant organizations that could benefit from such expertise

• Objective 3A: to provide service and leadership to local, regional, and national government agencies and nonprofit organizations by applying the knowledge and methods of Public Administration to practical problems and information needs.
• Objective 3B: to serve the field of Public Administration through participation in national and regional professional associations.
• Objective 3C: to serve the University through participation in committees and other service activities.

MPA LINKS: MPA Home Overview of MPA Program (PPT) Mission Statement & Program Objectives Admission to the MPA Program Out of State & International Students MPA Personal Datasheet (PDF) Financial Assistance

Core Curriculum and Areas of Emphasis Internship Requirements Professional Paper Post-Graduate Internship & Fellowship Opportunities Employment MPA Handbook (PDF)