Administration Program

Program Director: Elizabeth Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science

Master of Science in Administration
Dakota Hall, Room 109
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069-2390
(605) 677-6405 or (888) 493-9256
http://www.usd.edu/msas

DEGREE:

Master of Science in Administration

SPECIALIZATIONS:

Organizational Leadership
Health Services Administration
Long-Term Care Administration
Criminal Justice
Human Resources
Alcohol and Drug Studies
Interdisciplinary

Program Description

The mission of the Master of Science in Administration program at the University of South Dakota is to provide mid-career professionals with the administrative skills needed to lead public, nonprofit, and health service organizations with a commitment to personal integrity, professional competence, constitutional principles, and respect for human dignity. This cross-disciplinary program provides the primary tools and organizational skills necessary to effectively perform administrative roles in public service oriented organizations. Course work focuses on the practical application of administrative theory, and the development of an intellectual framework for analyzing and successfully addressing the challenges faced by modern administrators. The program benefits mid-career professionals working in a variety of settings, including government agencies, nonprofit and social service organizations, health care, and education – as well as private sector organizations that provide public services. Graduates of the MSA program are prepared to lead and manage organizations; analyze, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions; adequately consider the ethical and legal implications of their administrative decisions; and communicate effectively with organizational members and stakeholders.

Faculty members from across the University, along with highly experienced practitioner-scholars, teach in this program. Course work and faculty members come from disciplines such as public administration, health services administration, political science, psychology, communication studies, criminal justice, education, and counseling. Enrolled students become members of the University of South Dakota, the Department of Political Science, and the W. O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership, with opportunities to make contributions to each. Our department is also home to the Government Research Bureau, which has a distinguished history of conducting applied research through application of the most modern and innovative analysis tools.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate record and grade point average (2.7 or greater on a 4.0 scale)
Graduate record (if applicable)
Three years of professional work experience (documented through a current resume)
Letter of recommendation (3)
A typed educational goals statement provide an introduction of yourself, your educational and career goals, and the reasons you chose the Master of Science in Administration graduate degree to achieve your goals
Additional requirements exist for international students

- Subject to faculty approval, those who do not meet all of the criteria above may be admitted on a provisional basis.