UAS Academic CatalogPublic Administration, M.P.A.
Juneau, e-Learning
The master program in public administration provides a strong interdisciplinary context in which to pursue the study of policy formation, implementation, and administration.
Application Requirements
Admission to the Master of Public Administration degree requires the following:
- Mandatory advising with the M.P.A. director
- A completed online application at http://uaonline.alaska.edu
- $60 application fee
- Official academic transcript indicating baccalaureate degree sent directly to UAS
- Professional resume or vita
- Two page (approximately 1,000 words) statement of professional objectives describing past public and non-profit experiences, outlining professional goals and stating how the M.P.A. program will help achieve your professional objectives
- Three recommendations addressing professional dispositions on special forms provided by the UAS M.P.A. program
Items 1-7 are required for a complete application file. If you wish, you may submit any other documentation which you feel is relevant. Items 4 and 5 may be submitted by e-mail. See Graduate Study – Admissions for more information.
Candidates for the Master of Public Administration degree must satisfy all University graduate degree requirements in this catalog as well as the specific program requirements in this section. A minimum of 36 approved credits is required for the degree, in addition to evidence of practical experience in public or non-profit administration.
In order to permit students to pursue individual interests, a limited substitution of required courses is possible. Course substitutions must be approved by the student’s advisor and the program dean. The student’s approved program of study is reflected in the Application for Advancement to Candidacy.
| Minimum Credit Hours | 36 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| PADM S601 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 |
| PADM S604 | Applied Research Methods | 3 |
| PADM S614 | Public Policy and Accountability | 3 |
| PADM S616 | Leadership | 3 |
| PADM S622 | Human Resources and Organizational Development | 3 |
| PADM S628 | Public Financial Management | 3 |
| PADM S688 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
| PADM S690 | Public Administration Capstone 1 | 3 |
| Concentration or advisor approved electives | 12 | |
- 1
To qualify for graduation from the M.P.A. program, students must complete the Capstone course with a grade of B or higher.
Master of Public Administration Concentrations
M.P.A. students have the option to use their electives to establish a concentration in Higher Education or Rural Development.
Concentration in Higher Education
This concentration focuses on higher education institutions and the organization development processes, contemporary theories and practical considerations including leadership styles and administrative processes with an emphasis on Alaska and the Yukon Territories.
| Concentration Requirements | 12 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PADM S651 | Introduction to Higher Education | 3 |
| PADM S653 | Organizational Development in Higher Education | 3 |
| PADM S655 | Higher Education and Public Policy | 3 |
| PADM S657 | Higher Education Law | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Concentration in Rural Development
The Rural Development concentration has a special focus on needs of indigenous and other rural communities, including management of tribal governments, community organizations, and indigenous-controlled profit and non-profit corporations. Coursework for this concentration is offered by e-Learning technologies through the Rural Development program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
| Concentration Requirements | 12 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RD F601 | (Political Economy of the Circumpolar North) | 3 |
| RD F651 | (Management Strategies for Rural Dev) | 3 |
| Advisor approved RD F6__ courses 2 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 2
To be selected in consultation with the UAF Rural Development Advisor and M.P.A. Program Director.
1. Competency in Communication
a. Students possess effective professional writing skills appropriate in their fields.
b. Students can make effective presentations supplemented by appropriate technology.
2. Competency in Quantitative Skills -Students recognize organizational contexts where quantitative analysis may provide useful insights, and understand the nature of data needed to use various quantitative analysis tools.
a. Students can select and apply appropriate quantitative techniques.
b. Students understand how to interpret analytical results and formulate logical conclusions based upon the results.
3. Competency in Information Literacy
a. Students understand the role of information in helping organizations operate efficiently and effectively, and in solving management problem
b. Students can define search criteria, locate, and access appropriate information.
c. Students can effectively evaluate the accuracy, validity, and relevance of information for use in management decision making.
4. Competency in Computer Usage
a. Students demonstrate competency in the selection and use of appropriate management technologies.
b. Students understand information systems, their role in management functions and organizational communications, internally and externally.
5. Competency in Professional Behavior
a. Students understand ethical and professional responsibilities of managers. They recognize ethical dilemmas and formulate effective ethical strategies for dealing with those situations.
b. Students can work effectively in various roles with diverse individuals and groups to achieve common goals.
c. Students can assume leadership roles. They can quickly understand what needs to be done, organize, prioritize, and delegate tasks.
6. Competency in Critical Thinking
a. Students are able to identify, evaluate, analyze, and solve diverse and unstructured management problems in unfamiliar settings.
b. Students can use, synthesize, and evaluate data/evidence, exercise judgment, and assess risks in reaching decisions to solve real-world problems.
c. Students understand the holistic and systemic nature of the organization and its internal and external environment. Additionally the Master of Public Administration Program has identified the following discipline related skill areas.
7. Competency in Public Administration
a. Politics and the Constitutional Environment
b. Democracy and the Public Interest
c. Organizational Theory
d. Organizational Behavior and Leadership.
e. Economic Analysis
f. Public Financial Management
g. Human Resource Management
h. The Legal Environment
i. Public Administration Ethics
j. Research and Program Evaluation