Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration is a professional graduate degree that focuses on the development of skills and knowledge necessary for a career in public service, non-profit management, and policy analysis. The degree is often pursued by individuals who wish to work in federal government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Institutes of Health, or the Department of State, as well as in state and local government organizations, like the New York City Mayor's Office or the California State Legislature. Many notable figures, including Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, have been involved in the development of public administration as a field, and have influenced the work of organizations like the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute. The degree is also relevant to individuals working in international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

● Introduction

The Master of Public Administration degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of public administration, including public policy analysis, program evaluation, and organizational management. The degree is often compared to the Master of Business Administration degree, but with a focus on the public and non-profit sectors, rather than the private sector, and is influenced by the work of scholars like Herbert Simon and Chester Barnard. Students in Master of Public Administration programs may take courses in statistics and research methods, as well as in public finance and budgeting, and may participate in internships or fellowships with organizations like the National Academy of Public Administration or the American Society for Public Administration. Many universities, including Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and New York University, offer Master of Public Administration programs, and notable alumni include Robert F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, and Coretta Scott King.

● History

The Master of Public Administration degree has its roots in the early 20th century, when the field of public administration was first emerging as a distinct discipline, influenced by the work of scholars like Max Weber and Frederick Winslow Taylor. The degree was first offered in the 1920s, at universities such as University of Chicago and Columbia University, and was influenced by the Progressive Movement and the work of organizations like the National Municipal League. Over time, the degree has evolved to reflect changes in the field of public administration, including the increasing importance of public policy analysis and program evaluation, and the influence of scholars like Aaron Wildavsky and Charles Lindblom. Today, the Master of Public Administration degree is offered by universities around the world, including University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Australian National University, and is recognized by organizations like the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

● Curriculum

The curriculum for a Master of Public Administration degree typically includes courses in public policy analysis, program evaluation, and organizational management, as well as in public finance and budgeting, and may be influenced by the work of scholars like Daniel Kahneman and Amartya Sen. Students may also take courses in statistics and research methods, and may participate in internships or fellowships with organizations like the Congressional Budget Office or the Government Accountability Office. Many programs also offer specializations or concentrations in areas such as non-profit management, urban planning, or environmental policy, and may be influenced by the work of organizations like the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration or the American Planning Association. Some universities, including University of Southern California and University of Michigan, offer online or part-time Master of Public Administration programs, which may be designed for working professionals, and may be influenced by the work of scholars like Michael Sandel and Robert Putnam.

● Career_Outcomes

Graduates of Master of Public Administration programs may pursue careers in a variety of fields, including federal government agencies, state and local government organizations, non-profit management, and private sector consulting, and may work with organizations like the Federal Reserve System, the Internal Revenue Service, or the Department of Homeland Security. Many notable figures, including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Barack Obama, have held public administration positions, and have been influenced by the work of organizations like the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trilateral Commission. Master of Public Administration graduates may also work in international organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme or the World Health Organization, and may be influenced by the work of scholars like Joseph Nye and Robert Keohane. Some graduates may also pursue careers in academia, teaching and researching in public administration programs at universities like Stanford University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

● Accreditation

Master of Public Administration programs may be accredited by organizations such as the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration or the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation, which are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and may be influenced by the work of scholars like David Osborne and Ted Gaebler. Accreditation is important because it ensures that programs meet certain standards of quality and rigor, and may be influenced by the work of organizations like the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration or the American Society for Public Administration. Many universities, including University of Pennsylvania and University of California, Los Angeles, have accredited Master of Public Administration programs, and notable alumni include George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Mitt Romney.

● Notable_Programs

There are many notable Master of Public Administration programs around the world, including those offered by Harvard University, University of Oxford, and University of California, Berkeley, and may be influenced by the work of scholars like Robert Dahl and Charles Tilly. Some programs, such as those offered by Columbia University and New York University, have a strong focus on urban planning and public policy, and may be influenced by the work of organizations like the Urban Land Institute or the American Planning Association. Other programs, such as those offered by University of Chicago and University of Michigan, have a strong focus on public finance and budgeting, and may be influenced by the work of scholars like James Buchanan and Gordon Tullock. Many notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson, have been associated with Master of Public Administration programs, and have influenced the work of organizations like the Brookings Institution and the Council on Foreign Relations.

Category:Academic degrees