M.P.A.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is for students with professional goals related to the management of public service organizations. Areas include government agencies, health organizations, justice administration/law enforcement and nonprofit organizations. The MPA program takes a multifaceted approach to management that includes leadership, personnel management, policy/program evaluation, diversity and ethical governance. This approach links theory, policy and practice, giving students the opportunity to learn and utilize skills required for leadership positions in both the public and third sectors.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:
- Critically analyze and use knowledge of academic theory, legal issues and/or regulations to inform ethical practice and policy formation within public and third sector organizations/agencies.
- Manage and apply effective standards of public and third sector governance within organizational structures.
- Assess and effectively manage sector-specific functions, programs and resources.
- Advance professional communication, public outreach and responsiveness standards in a manner that promotes accountability, inclusion and other public service values.
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration
Credits Core Courses | ||
| MGMT5800 | Effective Leadership | 3 |
| NPM5030 | Financial Management and Budgeting in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| NPM5040 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
| NPM5050 | Resource Development for Nonprofits | 3 |
| NPM6800 | Strategic Planning and Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| PAD5200 | Public Administration and Governance | 3 |
| PAD6200 | Public Personnel Administration | 3 |
| PAD6400 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| RSCH5700 | Research and Inquiry | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Choose 9 credits from CJS, NPM, MGMT or PAD designated courses 5000-level or higher | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 36.0 | |
Johnson & Wales University holistically reviews all elements of a student’s application to identify those students most likely to succeed at the university.
Prior to being considered for admission into an online JWU graduate program, the following must be submitted:
- A completed application for admission
- Official or certified transcripts from all institutions attended, including bachelor's and master's degree conferral (if applicable). When a graduate program application is submitted prior to completing requirements for the bachelor's degree, Admissions will consider the application and, if admissible, will offer an acceptance pending submission of final transcript verifying bachelor's degree conferral. Without such verification, students will not be allowed to register for the current semester or continue enrollment, and will be in jeopardy of losing their academic status with the university.
- Statement of Purpose: An essay explaining your motivation, aptitude and goals related to graduate-level academic study
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to attest to the applicant's potential for success at the graduate level of study. A Personal Reference Form may be substituted for the letters of recommendation.
- A current résumé or CV (required for applicants for conditional acceptance; optional for other applicants)
The letters of recommendation and Statement of Purpose may be emailed.
Conditional Acceptance
Conditional acceptance to the Master of Public Administration program may be extended to students who have a 2.41–2.84 cumulative undergraduate grade point average, and demonstrate significant evidence of professional success. Students granted conditional acceptance may take a maximum of three JWU graduate courses in their first semester (students may not enroll in two 8-week courses at the same time). If an overall GPA of 3.0 is earned in the first conditional semester, the student will be granted full admission to that program. Students who do not earn an overall GPA of 3.0 will be dismissed from the program and will not be accepted to any JWU graduate program.