Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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

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

Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Admission test scores*
Statement of purpose
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