Public Administration (Urban Management), MPA

Program Overview

The Public Administration (Urban Management) MPA program at ASU prepares students for leadership roles in local government. The program emphasizes managerial and analytic skills, with a focus on urban management issues. Students can choose from various concentrations and gain real-world experience through internships and service-learning projects. Graduates consistently secure leadership positions in local governments across the country.

Program Outline

Public Administration (Urban Management), MPA Program at ASU

Degree Overview:

This program prepares students for careers in local government through a combination of classroom instruction and real-world experience. The program emphasizes developing managerial and analytic skills, with a specific focus on urban management issues.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective leaders in local government.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to urban management challenges.
• Foster ethical decision-making and a commitment to public service.

Outline:

• Program format: Full-time or part-time study available.
• Credit hours: 42 total, including a required capstone course.
• Core curriculum: Focuses on public service research, public policy analysis, public budgeting and finance, human resource management, organization behavior, diversity, ethics, and leading public change.
• Concentration: Students select three electives from the following areas: city and county management, public entrepreneurship, management of urban government, and urban services infrastructure.
• Culminating experience: Capstone course requiring students to apply their learning to a real-world public administration project.

Assessment:

• Coursework: Graded assignments, exams, and projects.
• Capstone project: Evaluated based on project quality, presentation, and defense.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Experienced professionals with expertise in local government and public administration.
• Teaching methods: Blend of lectures, case studies, simulations, guest speakers, and group projects.
• Unique approaches: Emphasis on experiential learning through internships, service-learning projects, and field trips.

Careers:

• Potential career paths: City manager, assistant city manager, department head, policy analyst, program manager, consultant.
• Opportunities: Employment in various local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private firms working with the public sector.
• Outcomes: Graduates consistently find success in securing leadership positions within local governments across the country.

Other:

• The program is ranked #3 in Local Government Management by U.S. News & World Report (2023).
• Students can pursue an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree program in partnership with various undergraduate programs within the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
• Specific course descriptions and schedule
• Specific career outcomes and salary data