Program Overview
The Illinois Institute of Technology's Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel as leaders and managers in the public and nonprofit sectors. Combining academic rigor with practical orientation, the program offers a mix of analytical and management-focused courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their career goals. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in public administration, nonprofit management, urban planning, and other related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program at Illinois Institute of Technology is designed to develop the knowledge and skills students need to become effective public and nonprofit managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. The program combines academic rigor with a practical orientation toward management and policy analysis.
Objectives:
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of public administration
- To develop students' analytical and problem-solving skills
- To prepare students for leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors
Program Description:
The M.P.A. program offers a mix of analytical and management-focused courses to develop students' skills in rigorous data and policy analysis, as well as the managerial knowledge needed to effectively implement programs and policies. Students may select elective courses in public policy and administration or other fields such as architecture, business, city and regional planning, civil engineering, computer science, design, environmental engineering, humanities, psychology, social sciences, or law.
Outline:
Core Courses:
- Public Administration Theory and Practice
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Financial Management
- Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
- Public Budgeting and Finance
- Public Sector Ethics
- Public Sector Law
- Research Methods for Public Administration
Elective Courses:
Students may choose from a wide range of elective courses to tailor their program to their individual interests and career goals. Some popular elective courses include:
- Economic Development and Social Entrepreneurship
- Nonprofit and Mission-Driven Management
- Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- Urban Planning and Development
- Environmental Policy and Management
- Health Policy and Management
- Social Policy and Administration
Course Schedule:
The M.P.A. program is offered on a part-time basis, with classes meeting one evening per week. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
- Case studies
Teaching:
The M.P.A. program is taught by a faculty of experienced scholars and practitioners. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education that is both rigorous and relevant to the real world.
Careers:
Graduates of the M.P.A. program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the public and nonprofit sectors. Some common career paths include:
- Public administration
- Nonprofit management
- Urban planning
- Public policy
- Social work
- Education
- Healthcare
Other:
- The M.P.A.
- The program offers a number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
- The program has a strong alumni network that provides students with opportunities for networking and career development.
