Make a difference in your community with Kent State's Master of Public Administration Program. Our program prepares you for leadership roles in public service and equips you with the skills needed to drive positive change.
Public Administration - M.P.A.
Contact Us
- Program Coordinator: Daniel Hawes | dhawes2@kent.edu | 330-672-8923
- Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student
Program Information
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Program Description
Full Description
The Master of Public Administration degree in Public Administration is designed for students wishing to become policy analysts, managers and executives within public and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum provides students with a broad foundation in public and nonprofit management, including the scope and history of public administration, administrative theory, ethical behavior in public management, public financial management, program evaluation, methods, personnel management and information technology management.
The M.P.A. degree can be completed in two years by taking two courses each term, including summers. Courses are offered in an asynchronous online format in back-to-back seven-week sessions. Courses utilize a mix of web-based instruction supported by audio and video technologies direct to the respective student's home.
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Admissions
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale1
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Current résumé
- Writing sample (single-authored paper or manuscript completed in undergraduate or graduate school that exemplifies the applicant's critical thinking skills)
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty or individuals familiar with the applicant's ability to do graduate-level work
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 550 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 79 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 77 MELAB score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 Duolingo English Test score
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
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In some cases, applicants with a GPA below 2.750 may be admitted to the program conditionally provided other supporting materials are strong.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Rolling admissions
- Spring Semester
- Rolling admissions
- Summer Term
- Rolling admissions
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Coursework
Program Requirements
Major Requirements
Course List Code Title Credit Hours PADM 60371 GRADUATE INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3 PADM 60375 PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION 3 PADM 60377 PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 3 PADM 60379 PROGRAM EVALUATION I 3 PADM 60381 METHODS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3 PADM 60386 PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT 3 PADM 60392 INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 1 0-3 PADM 60470 PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE 3 PADM 60475 CAPSTONE SEMINAR 3 PADM 60574 STRATEGIC PLANNING 3 Major Electives 2 9 Minimum Total Credit Hours: 36 - 1
Students without substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("pre-service students") must complete minimum 3 credit hours of internship; they will earn the M.P.A. degree with a total 39 credit hours. Students with substantive full-time administrative experience in a public service organization ("in-service students") may be waived from the internship requirement with the approval of the M.P.A. coordinator. Pre-service students or students wishing to gain experience in a new area will also be placed in an agency for at least 300 hours of experience.
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Student chose elective courses in consultation with an academic advisor. Elective coursework outside of the program may be developed based upon the student’s needs and advisor approval.
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Program Delivery
- Delivery:
- Fully online
- Delivery:
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries
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Chief executives
-10.0%
decline
287,900
number of jobs
$185,950
potential earnings
-
General and operations managers
5.8%
faster than the average
2,486,400
number of jobs
$103,650
potential earnings
-
Legislators
6.2%
faster than the average
53,700
number of jobs
$33,200
potential earnings
-
Postmasters and mail superintendents
-21.9%
decline
13,400
number of jobs
$78,060
potential earnings
-
Social and community service managers
17.0%
much faster than the average
175,500
number of jobs
$69,600
potential earnings
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Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
3.5%
about as fast as the average
139,400
number of jobs
$96,390
potential earnings
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Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.