Masters of Public Administration

School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree for those who seek leadership positions in public service. You will learn the skills and techniques to design and implement policies, projects and programs to provide vital daily services and address important societal problems while attending to the day-to-day administrative issues in organizations. Students are prepared for leadership and management positions in the public and non-profit sectors, at local, state and national levels with an emphasis on the development of effective and ethical management of organizations.

 

The University of Wyoming MPA Program is designed for experienced public officials, as well as for traditional pre-career students wanting to enter public service. Most of the students in the program have been or are employed in public or not-for-profit agencies. Pre-career students find this a valuable learning and mentoring environment that also expands opportunities for subsequent employment.

 

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What's an MPA For

Our national, state, and local governments are being asked to perform an increasing variety of functions and services. Today, approximately one of every five persons in the workforce is employed by government, directly or indirectly. Governments must cope with difficult issues and problems that compete for attention and resources. To do this, governments need dedicated, motivated and trained administrators, analysts and specialists.

 

Masters of Public Administration programs provide education and training for these professionals. The MPA is often a prerequisite to advancement in federal, state and local government agencies. The degree program typically covers a broad range of topics, including:

 

  • Political and Legal Institutions/Processes

  • Economic, Intergovernmental and Social Systems

  • Organizational and Managerial Skills/Practices

  • Budgeting and Financial Administration

  • Personnel and Human Relations

 

In addition, MPA programs generally provide opportunities for specialization in some policy area or management practice. Government policies and decisions affect many facets of life - political, social, religious, economic and psychological. Government employees come from a variety of educational backgrounds, and possess a wide array of training and occupational orientations. An MPA program encourages this broad spectrum. Public Administration requires interdisciplinary study.

 

 

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INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS

MPA + CJ

The criminal justice concentration within the Master of Public Administration program (CJ-MPA) is designed for individuals who aspire to take-on the challenges of criminal justice administration and policy reform in the 21st Century. Courses are offered through a online education format, which allows students the flexibility to complete their degree in their community while working full-time. 

MPA + NPO

The Non-Profit focus within the Master of Public Administration program is intended for students hoping to apply their academic and professional experience primarily towards administrative work in the non-profit sector, but many also apply this knowledge in order to work in an academic setting or as an intermediate degree as they pursue further schooling, click the above to learn more. 

MPA + JD

The JD/MPA prepares students for a variety of public sector roles, including leadership, management, and administrative positions in government and non-profit organizations; to instill in students’ public service values and professional ethics; and to promote a commitment to the improvement of government and social institutions. 

MPA + ENR

The Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources offers a unique major that will add a broad interdisciplinary, environmental understanding to any graduate experience at the University of Wyoming. In addition to MPA coursework, students are able to ground their policy and administrative experience in the cultural, legal, and scientific elements of today's most complex environmental challenges. Click the above link to learn more. 

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MPA MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Masters of Public Administration Program at the University of Wyoming is to prepare pre- and in-service students for a variety of public sector roles, including leadership, management, and administrative positions in government and non-profit organizations; to instill in our students public service values and professional ethics; and to promote a commitment to the improvement of government and social institutions. 

 

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