2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Public Administration, MPA


Banner Code:  LA-MPA-PUAD

Web: pia.gmu.edu

The master of public administration (MPA) is designed to build the knowledge base and skills of people who will play a leadership role in organizations that develop or implement public policy. This 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.
 

Application Requirements


Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admission chapter  of this catalog. For information specific to the MPA, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Transfer of Credit


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 director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through nondegree studies should submit their application to the MPA in the first semester of study. Only 9 credits taken in nondegree status may be transferred to the degree program.

Degree Requirements


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.

One course (3 credits) in accounting, budgeting, and financial management chosen from:


Four elective courses (12 credits)


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.

Colloquium in public administration


Students are required to enroll at least twice in PUAD 798 in two different semesters.

Total: 36 credits


Concentrations


Students may declare only one concentration.

  and   may be applied to a concentration where content is appropriate and with prior written approval of the student’s advisor. Other courses may also be applied to a concentration with prior written approval of the advisor.

▲ Concentration in Environmental Science and Public Policy (EVPP)


  and  , when topic is the environment, may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the student’s advisor.

One required course (3 credits):


Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen from:


▲ Concentration in Human Resources Management (HRM)


▲ Concentration in International Management (IM)


▲ Concentration in Nonprofit Management (NPMG)


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 U.S. 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.