2009-2010 University Catalog
Public Administration, MPA
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Banner Code: LA-MPA-PUAD
This 36-credit program is designed to build the knowledge base and skills of people who are playing or intend to play a leadership role in organizations that develop or implement public policy. In addition, the program is among the first to address implications of the growing reliance of government on a wide range of third parties, including other governments, private contractors, and nonprofits, for public goals and accountability.
MPA students at Mason have the research and cultural resources of the Washington, D.C. area at their disposal. Government agencies representing all levels in the U.S. federal system are located close to the campus, as are the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. Another benefit is the wide range of internship opportunities available in governmental and nonprofit organizations. The MPA Program regularly has internship invitations from national, state, and local government organizations, as well as from nonprofit organizations whose principal work is at the local, state, national, or international levels. Many of these internships are paid positions.
MPA courses are held at the Fairfax and the Arlington Campuses during the week and on the weekend in an accelerated format.
This program of study is offered by the Department of Public and International Affairs .
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog.
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Application Requirements
Students are admitted for fall or spring semesters. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. In addition to the graduate application requirements specified in the Admission chapter of the catalog, students should submit three letters of recommendation; test scores from the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT; a résumé listing work experience and volunteer activity, and a statement of professional goals. Applicants may petition the Admissions Committee by letter to waive the exam if they have a master’s degree or an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.30 or above from a U.S. institution of higher education. Students who want to be considered for an assistantship must submit a GRE score. Transfer of Credits
Students may transfer credit into the MPA Program from graduate courses taken at other institutions or taken at Mason in nondegree status. Transfer credit is subject to university and college policies and must be approved by the MPA Program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies should submit their application to the MPA Program in the first semester of study. Only 9 credits taken in nondegree status may be transferred to the degree program. Degree Requirements
To receive an MPA, students must successfully complete 36 credits. The required courses emphasize the development of knowledge about public policy and management, as well as analytical problem-solving and communication skills, and third-party governance. Through these courses, students develop a shared knowledge base and skill set. The elective courses can be used by students to focus their knowledge and skill development within one concentration. Alternatively, the electives can be used to extend the breadth of study with courses drawn from a variety of concentrations or from other departments and schools across the university. Six core courses (18 credits):
One additional methods course (3 credits) chosen from:
One course (3 credits) in accounting, budgeting, and financial management chosen from:
Four elective courses (12 credits)
Colloquium in public administration
Students are required to enroll at least twice in PUAD 798 in two different semesters. Concentrations
Students may take their elective courses within one of the concentrations listed below. As an alternative, with the approval of their advisor, students may select their elective courses from several concentrations or fields. Students may declare only one concentration. PUAD 794 Internship and PUAD 796 Directed Reading and Research may be applied to a concentration where content is appropriate and with prior written approval of the MPA director. Other courses may also be applied to a concentration with prior written approval of the director. ▲ Concentration in Administration of Justice (ADJ)
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: ▲ Concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS)
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: ▲ Concentration in Environmental Science and Public Policy (EVPP)
One required course (3 credits):
Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen from:
Note:
CONF 695 - Selected Topics and COMM 590 - Seminar in Communication, when topic is the environment, may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the MPA director. ▲ Concentration in Human Resources Management (HRM)
One required course (3 credits):
Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen from:
▲ Concentration in International Management (IM)
One required course (3 credits):
Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen from:
- CONF and ITRN courses with written prior approval of the director
▲ Concentration in Nonprofit Management (NPMG)
Two required courses (6 credits):
Two elective courses (6 credits) chosen from:
▲ Concentration in Policy Studies (PS)
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: ▲ Concentration in Public Management (PMG)
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: ▲ Concentration in Public and Nonprofit Finance (PNF)
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: ▲ Concentration in State and Local Government (SLG)
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: ▲ Concentration in Third-Party Governance (TPG)
Four courses (12 credits) chosen from: Master’s International
The Master’s International (MI), a joint program between Mason and the Peace Corps, enables participants to prepare for Peace Corps volunteer service while earning the MPA. Students apply separately, but at the same time, to the Peace Corps and to Mason. Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits prior to their Peace Corps service; this will give the student a foundation to enhance their value as a Peace Corps volunteer. Six credits are earned as internship credits for the Peace Corps service. The internship requires a project, agreed upon by the student and his/her advisor, and includes a presentation delivered to faculty and students after the student returns to the US. Upon completion of the two years of service, the student will receive a tuition grant for the six internship credits. Students return to Mason after their two years of service to complete the remaining coursework required for the 36-credit MPA. |
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