The Master in Public Administration Program (MPA) is a two-year, 42-credit program consisting of six “core” or required courses, one additional public administration course selected from a list of public administration electives, two elective courses, a two-credit internship and a capstone seminar. Conditionally admitted students, or those with identified skill deficiencies, may be required to complete courses in professional writing, basic computing or administrative systems as prerequisites to further their MPA coursework.
Two courses, PAFF 510 and PAFF 521, are prerequisites for the balance of the MPA program.
Students must also take one course from the following list of electives:
While the MPA Program does not require students to declare a specialization, a nonprofit specialization is available through the department. In addition, students may develop individualized concentrations in a variety of areas taking courses offered within and outside of the department.
Upon completion of the 24 MPA credits (or with the approval of the program), students complete a 300-hour, 15-week internship. Internships are usually done within the area of concentration with a governmental, not-for-profit or for-profit organization. In-career students, such as program managers, case workers with supervisory experience or executive directors with significant professional, policy or administration experience may waive the internship with approval from the program.
MPA students have served internships with agencies of the federal, state and local governments, agencies of New York City, various physical and mental health provider organizations, various county governments, and NYSEG. The internship experience provides an excellent opportunity for the student to “network” in preparation for entering the job market.
Internships have included the following organizations:
Students enroll in the Capstone Seminar after completing the program’s core courses and the internship (unless waived). Completion of the capstone project requires the approval of the project paper proposal and an oral defense if the completed project before a three-person committee comprised of two faculty members and the internship supervisor, or an appropriate organizational representative.
Following the student’s satisfactory completion of coursework, including any required prerequisites, and the capstone project, the program recommends to the Graduate School that the candidate be awarded the Master of Public Administration.
