Public Administration

Overview

During the MPA program, students will participate in foundational courses in:

• administrative ethics and values
• administrative theory and behavior
• public policy
• administrative law and policy implementation
• public budgeting
• financial management
• human resource management
• analytic methods

Career

Whether you are just entering the workforce or looking to take your career to the next step, the MPA will help you advance both personally and professionally. The Public Administration program from Portland State University focuses on integrating theory and practice to ensure that students emerge from this program with an education grounded in research and nourished through real-world experience. We prepare students beginning their careers to be competent and effective leaders in public affairs, and mid-career students to enhance their capacities as managers and leaders through the opportunities provided for reflection and integration of new knowledge. The core curriculum provides the skills and knowledge desired by employers today, while our specialization options allow you to hone your abilities in a 15-credit area focus of your choice.

The students engage in community learning experiences throughout their degree. Many courses pair students with public organizations to complete program evaluations, provide technical assistance, and otherwise analyze public administration in action. These students devote significant hours as part of class teams, engage in short-term internships, and/or work in organizations or public agencies through their culminating field-based organizational experience.