Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Master of Public Administration Plan B only (non-thesis): Total 39 credit hours

Major Area Coursework

• LDR 501 - Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice 3 cr hrs
• POLS 567 - Analytic Techniques in Public Policy 3 cr hrs
• POLS 721 - Seminar in Public Administration 3 to 6 cr hrs (3 credit hours required)
• POLS 722 - Budgetary and Fiscal Management 3 cr hrs
• POLS 723 - Public Personnel Management 3 cr hrs
• POLS 724 - Organization and Management 3 cr hrs
• POLS 765 - Research Methods in Public Administration 3 cr hrs
• POLS 788 - Professional Report 3 cr hrs
• POLS 794 - Internship in Political Science 2 to 6 cr hrs (3 hrs required)
• Electives advisor-approved 12 credit hours

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• Note:

  The Master of Public Administration program combines in-depth study of core administration subjects with elective coursework in several areas. Some of the areas in which students, working with their M.P.A. Faculty Advisor, may complete elective coursework include, but are not necessarily limited to: State and Local Government Administration; Leadership Theory and Practice; Nonprofit Management; Health Services Administration; and Criminal Justice Administration.

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates of the MPA program will develop a communication and leadership strategy appropriate for interacting productively with a diverse array of stakeholders.
2. Graduates of the MPA program will demonstrate the ability to propose a plan of action that is consistent with the public interest.  
3. Graduates of the MPA program will produce a professional and transparent budget that reflects the needs and preferences of an organization and its stakeholders.
4. Graduates of the MPA program will identify the key personnel issues relevant to a particular case or scenario, and utilize best practices in addressing those issues from a public service perspective.
5. Graduates of the MPA program will identify key organizational design issues relevant to a particular case or scenario, and utilize best practices in addressing those issues from a public service perspective.
6. Graduates of the MPA program will critically assess and synthesize the various decision making tools and strategies utilized by public and non-profit organizations.  
7. Graduates of the MPA program will adequately consider the constitutional and legal implications for an organization and its stakeholders in the context of a particular case or scenario.
8. Graduates of the MPA program will develop an appropriate assessment methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of a proposed plan of action.  
9. Graduates of the MPA program will adequately consider the ethical implications for an organization and its stakeholders in the context of a particular case or scenario.   
10. Graduates of the MPA program will demonstrate an understanding of the relevant policy process in the context of a particular case or scenario.

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 the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization