Public Administration

Overview

The Public Administration program from University of South Dakota is designed to prepare students with a strong theoretical background, as well as an experiential component to provide a practical experience for students to test out that theoretical knowledge. The program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduates of the MPA program will develop a communication and leadership strategy appropriate for interacting productively with a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Graduates of the MPA program will demonstrate the ability to propose a plan of action that is consistent with the public interest.  
• Graduates of the MPA program will produce a professional and transparent budget that reflects the needs and preferences of an organization and its stakeholders.
• Graduates of the MPA program will identify the key personnel issues relevant to a particular case or scenario, and utilize best practices in addressing those issues from a public service perspective.
• Graduates of the MPA program will identify key organizational design issues relevant to a particular case or scenario, and utilize best practices in addressing those issues from a public service perspective.
• Graduates of the MPA program will critically assess and synthesize the various decision making tools and strategies utilized by public and non-profit organizations.  
• Graduates of the MPA program will adequately consider the constitutional and legal implications for an organization and its stakeholders in the context of a particular case or scenario.
• Graduates of the MPA program will develop an appropriate assessment methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of a proposed plan of action.  
• Graduates of the MPA program will adequately consider the ethical implications for an organization and its stakeholders in the context of a particular case or scenario.