Public Administration (M.P.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Overview

Public Administration is a professional program that prepares students to be leaders who serve the public interest. The program combines both the theoretical foundations of leadership and management with hands-on skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic environment. The program focuses on student success in five areas: 1) to prepare individuals with the skills, knowledge, and abilities for an administrative career in public service in a public or nonprofit organization; 2) to familiarize students with the social, economic, and political factors that influence administration; 3) to put theory into practice; 4) to provide a flexible and multidisciplinary degree that will broadening students’ perspectives; and 5) to encourage students to seek responsibility for their professional development, assisted by mentorship from program faculty. 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 - Research Problems/Projects 3 cr
POLS 794 - Internship in Political Science 2 to 6 cr (3 hours required)
Electives 12 cr hrs
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 concurrent degree with the M.P.A. Additional information available from the respective program coordinators upon request.

General Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

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
605-658-6755 | publicadmin@usd.edu | usd.edu/p ublic-admin.

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad