Master of Public Administration
Program Description
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the degree for students with professional goals related to public service in areas such as government agencies, health organizations, justice administration/law enforcement as well as not-for-profit organizations and the private sector.
The mission of the Public Administration Program at Columbus State University is to provide professional education and leadership skills for effective, efficient, and responsive public service necessary for individuals preparing for or currently serving in public service careers.
The program structure is designed to accommodate students currently employed in the public sector as well as students seeking entry level positions by offering classes in the evenings and on-line. Columbus State University's Public Administration Program offers curricular tracks in:
- Criminal Justice Track - The Criminal Justice track can be completed entirely online or as a hybrid in class/online.
- Portfolio Model
Career Opportunities
- Uniformed police officer
- Detective
- FBI agent
- Customs inspector
- U.S. Marshall
- Security agent
- Social worker
- Parole officer
- Corrections Officer
Admission Requirements
Admissions Deadlines
Fall: June 30
Spring: November 30
Summer: The MPA program does not admit students into the Summer term
Send the materials below to the CSU Admissions Office:
- Application + $50 non-refundable application fee
- Certificate of Immunization (PDF) (PDF)
- Official transcript from each college and university attended
- Verification and proof of Lawful Presence
- A cumulative minimum grade point average of 2.75 in an acceptable earned baccalaureate degree is required.
- One letter of recommendation (PDF) from an employer, past professor, or another person familiar with the applicant's work.
- Statement of purpose which introduces the applicant to the program, outlines their interest in the program, their personal and professional goals, and the relevant work and/or life experiences that they feel qualifies them for the program.
Learning Outcomes
- To Lead and Mange in Public Governance
- To Participate in and Contribute the Public Policy Process
- To Analyze, Synthesize, Think Critically, Solve Problems, and Make Decisions
- To Articulate and Apply a Public Service Perspective
- To Communicate and Interact Productively with a Diverse and Changing Workforce and Citizenry
Additional Program Requirements
The MPA degree is subject to the following requirements:
- All students must complete the common core for the degree.
- A minimum B average (3.0) in core courses, with no more than two Cs, and a minimum grade of B in elective courses are required for degree completion.
- A maximum of nine semester hours of credit, taken as a graduate student at an accredited graduate school, may apply toward a master's degree provided the credit was earned not more than seven years prior to the date of completion of the degree. Grades of "C" or below will not be accepted as transfer credit.
- Satisfactory completion of the Comprehensive Examination (MPAC 7000) is required for graduation. The examination is based on courses taken, and it is normally completed in the last semester of enrollment.
It is the responsibility of the student to request to be registered for MPAC 7000 in the appropriate semester during an open registration period. Failure to do so will result in an inability to register for the exam during the desired semester. In that case the student will have to wait until the following semester to register and take the exam which may result in a delayed graduation.
The examination is drawn up and graded by a committee appointed by the program director, which includes core and track faculty. The director is eligible to serve on the examination committee.
A candidate who fails the examination will be eligible for re-examination during the next semester. The Comprehensive Exam may be taken up to three times.
Program of Study
Area 1 Core Required Hours: 21
MPAC 7106 Survey of Public Administration
MPAC 7116 Public Personnel Administration
MPAC 7125 Policy Analysis
MPAC 7126 Public Budgeting/Financial Admin
MPAC 7136 Research Meth for Administration
MPAC 7156 Legal and Ethical Environment of Admin
MPAC 7766 Capstone Course in Public Administration
*Note: MPAC 7106 Survey of Public Administration must be taken in the student's first
semester in the program. MPAC 7766 must be taken in the student's final semester and
requires department approval.
Area 2 Concentration Required Hours: 15
Select 15 hours from the following:
MPAG 7698 Internship
MPAJ 6105 Criminal Justice, Race, and Class
MPAJ 7107 Courts and Judicial Administration
MPAJ 7126 Correctional Practices and Problems
MPAJ 7167 Administration and Management in Justice Systems
MPAJ 7555 Selected Topics in Criminal Justice
MPAO 6108 Distributive Justice
Area 3 Additional Requirements Required Hours: 0
MPAC 7000 MPA Comprehensive Exam
Total Hours Required: 36
