Mar 28, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 [Archived Catalog]

Master of Public Administration


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Public Administration

Program Overview: The Ohio University Master of Public Administration Program is a 36-hour interdisciplinary two-year degree program offered through the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. The MPA program is designed to be responsive to students at all levels (from novice to career-service professionals), students in disparate geographic locations, and students in various employment circumstances. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address difficult social problems, meet complex challenges, and enhance public value. The traditional program is designed to provide students with a sound combination of theoretical knowledge and applied learning to build competency in administrative management and policy analysis. A signature part of the program is a year-long practicum experience where pre-service students are provided with unique opportunities to engage in project-based work alongside professional staff at the School. Projects vary in size and scope and students often work directly with area nonprofit organizations and local government.    To apply to the MPA program, submit the application form together with transcripts of previous academic work, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent. GRE scores may also be submitted but are not required. Admission to the program occurs in the fall semester only.

Admissions Policy: Students applying to the program are expected to have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In special circumstances, students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis. Graduate Record Examination scores are not required. International students must submit TOEFL scores. International students must have a TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 213 (Computer based). Alternatively, a student may submit an IELTS; a score of 6.5 is required for admission. Additional requirements include names and contact information for three people who can provide professional or academic letters of recommendation, a resume, transcripts from previous academic institutions, and a letter of intent describing areas of interest and reasons for wanting to study public administration is required of all applicants.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: Program graduates often seek employment in local, state, or federal government; the nonprofit sector; international relief organizations or NGOs; private industry; or in faith-based organizations. A small percentage of graduates continue their education, typically seeking a law or doctoral degree.

 

Executive MPA Program

Program Overview: The Executive MPA program (OEMPA) provides mid-career students with disciplinary knowledge of public policy and administration, public service and leadership, and data management and applications. Our emphasis on combining theory and practice helps students to think critically and creatively, while engaging in problem solving activities that address both real and theoretical situations. The OEMPA program is a unique combination of residency-based classroom learning and on-line interaction. Regular face-to-face class meetings are held at monthly weekend residencies either on the Athens campus or at other regional campuses, with the remainder of the coursework completed on-line.    To apply to the OEMPA program, submit the application form together with transcripts of previous academic work, three letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent. GRE scores may also be submitted but are not required. Admission to the program occurs in the fall semester only.

Admissions Policy: Students applying to the program are expected to have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In special circumstances, students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis. Graduate Record Examination scores are not required. International students must submit TOEFL scores. International students must have a TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 213 (Computer based). Alternatively, a student may submit an IELTS; a score of 6.5 is required for admission. Additional requirements include names and contact information for three people who can provide professional or academic letters of recommendation, a resume, transcripts from previous academic institutions, and a letter of intent describing areas of interest and reasons for wanting to study public administration is required of all applicants.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities: Program graduates often seek employment in local, state, or federal government; the nonprofit sector; international relief organizations or NGOs; private industry; or in faith-based organizations. A small percentage of graduates continue their education typically seeking a law or doctoral degree.

Required Courses


Students are required to take a second methods course in addition to MPA 6010, listed below.

Students can select from MPA 6020 Advanced Research Methods in Leadership and Public Affairs or MPA 6030 Qualitative Research Methods in Public Administration to satisfy the requirement. Links to both of these courses are at the bottom of the list of required courses.

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