Estimated Completion
36 credit hours (18+ months)
Application Process
Cost
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- A student has to qualify for distance learner status in order to be charged as a Distance Learner. To apply for Distance Learner status, fill out the Campus Update Request Form. For more information, please email the Registrar.
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M.P.A.
"All Communities Deserve Great Leadership"Overview
The Master of Public Administration degree equips students with knowledge and skills that cover a wide range of topics and disciplines related to the Public Sector. The M.P.A. curriculum includes courses in:
- Public Administration
- Intergovernmental Relations
- Human Resource Management
- Budgeting and Finance
- Public Policy
- Organizational Behavior
- Advanced ethics in public administration
Furthermore, the M.P.A. at Tarleton State University will provide graduates with a unique skill set applicable to all fields related to Public Administration.
Accreditations
Related Programs
Not what you were looking for? Tarleton State University offers over 100 different degrees and certifications that may be of interest to you, including:
Plan Your Future
Career Opportunities
This degree can lead to several different career options, such as:
- Policy Analysts
- County Officials
- City Managers
- Operations Managers
Our Graduate Programs
At Tarleton State University you can find:
- Over 25 Master's and Doctoral level programs in various classroom formats
- Programs with accelerated completion options
- Low tuition rates that are well below state-wide average
- Student-focused support by the Graduate Studies staff
Career Services
Career Services offers students a wide variety of professional development opportunities that can translate into careers. A few of these programs include:
- Career counseling and My Plan
- Hire A Texan - Online Job Board
- Mock interviews
- Resume assistance
And many more!
Request more information about this program in:
Program Objectives
Our Master of Public Administration program aims to:
- Provide students with the skills they need to run programs and implement policies related to Public Administration.
- Provide a solid foundation and vast understanding of budgeting, management, policy/law, and legal processes through coursework and hands-on experiences.
- Equip students with an extensive background in a wide range of topics and disciplines related to the Public Sector.
- Educate students with an exciting, interactive, and rewarding course of study.
Coursework Highlights
| Class | Number | Class Name |
|---|---|---|
| MAPA | 5300 | Public Administration |
| MAPA | 5301 | Organizational Behavior |
| MAPA | 5302 | Human Resource Management |
| MAPA | 5303 | Nonprofit & Public Sector Marketing |
| MAPA | 5307 | Statistical Methods |
| MAPA | 5311 | Intergovernmental Relations |
| MAPA | 5320 | State and Local Government |
| MAPA | 5330 | Advanced Public Budgeting and Financial Management |
| MAPA | 5340 | Critical Incident Management |
For more information on courses, please refer to the university catalog.
Facilities and Features
Distinguished Faculty
Dr. G. M. Cox, the Director of the Public Administration program brings his more than 43 year public service career and the multitude of skill sets and experiences that he has to the Master of Public Administration Degree. He has worked at the federal, state and local levels of government or nonprofits and has designed and directs the PA program to meet the many demands of all sectors of public administration – public organizations, nonprofits and NGOs delivering public goods and services.
Degree Tracks
Students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree after receiving their master's degree should follow the Thesis Track, where they will conduct an original research project as their capstone. Students who choose the Non-Thesis Track will complete the M.P.A. by taking two additional electives. For more information, students should contact their graduate program advisor.
Real Experience
The Criminal Justice program offers internships that provide extensive real-world experience with the following:
- Erath County Sheriff's Office
- Stephenville Police Department
- Granbury Police Department
- Tarleton State University Police
- District Attorney's Office
- Juvenile Probation