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Wichita State’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program combines theory and practice in public management, public finance and public policy preparing students for positions of leadership in public and nonprofit organizations. The program offers a completely online option. Graduates serve in diverse careers as city managers and department heads, program managers, finance directors, budget and management analysts and agency planners. Preservice students have limited work experience in public or nonprofit management. In-service students seek advancement while working in a public or nonprofit organization.

Curriculum

The Master of Public Administration degree consists of 39 graduate credit hours taken over at least three semesters of study and may be taken completely online.

Core courses consist of 24 credit hours. In addition to the core, students develop a plan of study for 15 credit hours of electives which must be approved by an advisor. Depending on your interests and career goals, your electives may be used to complete graduate certificates in:

• City and County Management
• Economic Development
• Nonprofit Management
• Public Finance

Internships

Internships are an important part of the MPA program. Preservice students are encouraged to take an internship which must last at least nine months. Internship (PADM 890) carries 3 hours of credit and includes attendance at periodic seminars. Intern positions are remunerative and are awarded on a competitive basis. Although placement cannot be guaranteed, the public administration program has an excellent placement record.

Applied Learning

Students in the Master of Public Administration program are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met by successful completion of the capstone course PADM 895 Public Decision Making.

Careers

A Master of Public Administration degree from Wichita State will help you take the next step in your career and open doors to professional opportunities throughout the public and nonprofit sectors.