Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Public Administration | Public Policy Studies
Area of study
Social Sciences
Course Language
English
About Program
Program Overview
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at San José State University equips students with the knowledge and skills for effective administration in government agencies and non-profit organizations. The curriculum covers core concepts in public administration, including policy analysis, budgeting, and human resource management. Students can choose from advanced seminars and electives to specialize in areas such as non-profit management, environmental planning, and law. The program culminates in a thesis or project, preparing graduates for careers in public service.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at San José State University is designed to provide pre-service students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective administration of local, state, and federal government agencies and of non-profit organizations.
- The program also offers mid-career administrators and professionals in public service an opportunity to improve their management skills and qualifications.
- The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Political and legal institutions and processes
- Economic and social institutions and processes
- Organization and management concepts, and human resource administration
- Concepts and techniques of budgeting and financial administration
- Application of quantitative and qualitative techniques of analysis in policy and program formulation, implementation and evaluation, and decision making and problem-solving
Outline:
Core Courses (15 units):
- PADM 210 - Introduction to Public Administration (3 units) (GWAR)
- PADM 212 - Administrative Research Methods (3 units)
- PADM 213 - Policy Analysis and Evaluation (3 units)
- PADM 214 - Introduction to Public Management (3 units)
- PADM 218 - Public Budgeting (3 units)
Advanced Seminars Electives (9-18 units):
- PADM 202 - Regional Governance (3 units)
- PADM 215 - Public Personnel Administration (3 units)
- PADM 217 - Organizational Theory (3 units)
- PADM 219 - Public Financial Administration (3 units)
- PADM 220 - Non-Profit Management (3 units)
- PADM 223 - Law and Public Administration (3 units)
- PADM 240 - Environmental Planning (4 units)
- PADM 295 - Topics in Public Administration (3 units)
Additional Electives (0-9 units):
- PADM 281 - Public Administration Internship (3 units)
- PADM 284 - Directed Reading (1-3 units)
- PADM 297 - Advanced Seminar in Public Management (3 units) (or approved 100- or 200-level courses in political science or other departments, up to a maximum of 9 units)
Culminating Experience (3 units):
- Plan A (with Thesis)
- PADM 299 - Master's Thesis (3 units)
- Plan B (with Project)
- PADM 298 - Special Problems (3 units)
Total Units Required (36 units)
Assessment:
- The assessment methods and criteria used in the MPA program include:
- Course grades
- Thesis or project
- Comprehensive exams
- Portfolio
Teaching:
- The MPA program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.
- The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, simulations, and experiential learning.
- The program also offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, such as the use of online learning platforms and the integration of community-based learning experiences.
Careers:
- The MPA program prepares students for a variety of careers in public service, including:
- City managers
- County administrators
- State agency directors
- Non-profit organization executives
- Policy analysts
- Budget analysts
- Human resource managers
- Grants managers
- Public relations specialists
- Urban planners
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