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If you already have a bachelor’s degree and want to prepare for a career in public management at a government agency or nonprofit organization, then a master of public administration (MPA) is the right choice for you.

Five interdisciplinary concentrations allow you to design a course of study targeted to your career goals. If you attend full time, you can complete the MPA program in two academic years. Evening classes allow working professionals to attend classes on a part-time basis.

After completing the program, you will have a theoretical understanding and practical awareness of public policy and of the principles of management and administration in the public sector. The program blends the study of politics and administration with the techniques of modern management.

Four concentrations are offered in collaboration with other departments on campus and allow you to gain substantive training in one of four policy areas:

• Criminal Justice which prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, or other employment within the justice system.
• Community and Economic Development which prepares students for careers with public agencies or nonprofit organizations concerned with community development.
• Information and Communication Technology which prepares students for IT careers in the public sector or with organizations concerned with technology policy.
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security which prepares students for careers with public agencies or nonprofit organizations concerned with security policy.

If none of these policy areas fit your career goals, then our Administrative concentration allows you to design a custom course of study by selecting elective courses in political science or other fields.

If you would like to pursue graduate study in public administration, but aren't sure if you want to commit to a full master's degree, then you should consider our 12-hour public administration graduate certificate, based on our MPA curriculum.

Request information to learn more about graduate study in public administration. Or contact Dr. Charles Taylor, MPA Advisor, at cdtaylor@bsu.edu.