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 Graduate Catalog | Undergraduate Catalog | Certificates | Student Learning

Master of Public Administration

 Graduate Catalog | Master's


The Master of Public Administration degree program provides a unique program of study in administrative theory, the program and policy development process, and specific case studies in public policy. This degree program is designed to offer graduates of various undergraduate programs an opportunity to obtain high levels of proficiency of technical and managerial skills to enhance public service work. It aims at broad-level understanding of the goals and challenges of public administration and the relationship of these to more specialized aspects of planning, organization, management, and analysis in the public sector at the national, state and local levels. The degree program is designed to provide advanced study and prepare current and future government employees for management positions in government at all levels. Because of its focus on management and the expanding role of the private sector in providing traditional government services, the degree program is also applicable to industry and the non-profit sector.

Degree Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and degree level learning outcomes objectives, the Master of Public Administration seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates:

  • Apply leading theories and approaches to managing public organizations and administering federal, state, and local levels.
  • Test the concepts, theories and methodologies to conduct research in the public sector.
  • Evaluate the philosophical and practical issues related to ethical decision-making in the public sector.
  • Formulate and articulate positions and issues that intersect the dynamics of politics, policy, economics, administration, and management in the public sector.
  • Compare and contrast the government and private sector budgeting process and the funding of specific government programs and activities.
  • Analyze the role of federal administrative organizations - to include Congress, the president, the courts, and interest groups - in the public policy development and implementation.
  • Assess the emerging trend and implications of the private and not-for-profit sectors providing government services.
  • Formulate a strategy for developing a needs assessment, outcome expectations, program outcome evaluations, and impact assessments.

Degree Program Requirements

Core Course (12 semester hours)
Major Courses (18 semester hours) 

The Master of Public Administration degree program requires the student to take courses from three distinct groupings: Public Administration Theory, Public Administration Process, and Public Administration Policy. By choosing related courses, the student can specialize in a particular policy area:

  • Defense Management
  • Disaster Management
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Policy
  • Global Environmental Change
  • Health Policy
  • Human Resources
  • Security Management

Public Administration Theory (required)
(Select 6 Semester Hours)

Public Administration Process (required)
(Select 6 Semester Hours)

Public Administration Policy
Must select 6 Semester Hours from any of the following areas:

Disaster Management

Environmental Policy

Health Policy

Human Resources

Security Management


Graduate Electives (3 - 6 semester hours)

It is recommended that students take 6 semester hours from courses offered within this program and or a related field.  If you select the capstone option only 3 elective hours are required.  If you select the comp exam option 6 hours are required.



End of Program Requirement - Select either Comprehensive Exam OR Capstone 

Total hours: 36 semester hours


 Graduate Catalog | Master's

APU is a member institution of the American Public University System (APUS), which is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council. 
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