Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Public Administration (M.P.A.)


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Program Overview


The on-campus MPA program prepares you with a strong theoretical background, as well as an experiential component to provide a practical experience. Lead and manage organizations; participate in the policy process; analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions; articulate and apply a public service perspective; and communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry. The MPA is fully accredited by NASPAA since 1983. Learn more at usd.edu/public-admin.

DELIVERY: On campus

Master of Public Administration Plan B only (non-thesis)


Major Area Coursework - 39 Credit Hours


Concurrent M.P.A. Program with Juris Doctor or Ed.D.


A student can concurrently pursue a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctor, counting a maximum of nine credit hours in certain Law courses toward the M.P.A. and nine hours in certain Political Science courses counting toward the Juris Doctor requirements. Students pursuing the Ed.D. may also pursue a joint degree with the M.P.A. Additional information available from the respective program directors upon request.

Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Admission test scores*
  6. Statement of purpose
  7. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Department of Political Science
605-677-5242 | polsci@usd.edu | usd.edu/polsci

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad

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