University of South Florida College of Arts and Sciences: School of Social Sciences 10 courses
College of Arts and Sciences Department: School of Public Affairs Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information The Public Administration major offers a multi-disciplinary course of study leading to a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree. This degree is designed primarily to prepare students for successful leadership roles and management careers in the public (i.e., governmental and quasi-governmental organizations), non-profit, and private sectors. Students enrolled in the M.P.A. program pursue careers in local, state, or federal agencies of government, non-profit organizations, and special service districts. Those employed in public management positions may wish to pursue an M.P.A. degree in order to broaden their educational backgrounds to prepare for increased job responsibilities, or to change career paths. The Public Administration major also offers courses of study leading to a Graduate Certificate in Public Management or a Graduate Certificate in Management of Non-Governmental and Non-Profit Organizations. These options are designed for individuals who wish to acquire knowledge of public and non-profit management theory and practices, but who do not find it necessary or feasible to pursue the M.P.A. degree. Accreditation: Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA)
Core Requirements
Performance in core courses: Students will only be allowed to have a maximum of two βCβ letter grades in their core courses. Any student who obtains a third βCβ letter grade will be required to retake one of the applicable courses.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PAD 5700 | Research Methods in Public Administration | 3 |
| PAD 6060 | Public Organizational Theory and Leadership | 3 |
| PAD 6227 | Public Budgeting | 3 |
| PAD 6275 | Political Economy for Public Managers | 3 |
| PAD 6307 | Policy Design and Implementation | 3 |
| PAD 6417 | Human Resources Management | 3 |
| PAD 6703 | Quantitative Analysis in Public Administration | 3 |
| PAD 6710 | Government Technology for Decision-Making | 3 |
| Total Core Requirements | 24 credits | |
Internship (if required)
Pre-service students are required to complete a supervised internship in a governmental or nonprofit organization. Internships provide students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the public sector, thereby enhancing the academic course of study. Credit must be earned while the student is in residence and before the student has completed all coursework requirements. Exceptions to this rule can only be made by the MPA Director and must be made in advance. In-service students, who have appropriate managerial/work experience commensurate with their career goals, may not be required to complete an internship. After consultation with the student, the MPA Director may choose to...
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PAD 6946 | Internship in Public Administration | 2-6 |
| Total Internship (if required) | 3 credits | |
Capstone (exit requirement)
This is the final step before graduation. The course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills acquired throughout the M.P.A. program. This course is designed to challenge students to demonstrate their capability in synthesizing and integrating conceptual frameworks, and relate these skills to managerial or administrative situations. To be eligible for the Capstone course, students must have already completed all of their core course requirements prior to enrolling in this course. A minimum grade of βB-β must be earned in the Capstone to pass. No other course can substitute this requirement.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PAD 6056 | Practice of Public Management | 3 |
| Total Capstone (exit requirement) | 3 credits | |
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