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Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

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(36 credits)

The Master of Public Administration, under the Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership, is a graduate professional degree designed for working professionals seeking a long-term career working for nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), or government agencies. The MPA program is based on an interdisciplinary approach that enables students to lead, implement policy, solve problems, and improve efficiency in nonprofit organizations, institutions, and different levels of government.

The MPA program has two components. The first component requires seven core courses that provide a student with the basic concepts and methods of public administration. The courses offer an experiential learning opportunity in the community as well as an examination of quantitative tools for policy analysis that leads to a capstone project. The second component requires the completion of five elective courses, all suited to the student’s career interests or particular substantive area.

Upon completing the program of study in Public Administration, students will:

  • Lead and manage nonprofit and public sector initiatives.
  • Participate and contribute to the policy process.
  • Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
  • Articulate and apply a public service perspective.
  • Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.*
  • Proficiency in the business application of personal computers.
  • For non-native English-speakers, a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 80 internet-based, or 213 computer-based on the Test of English as a Foreign Language .
  • Proof of immunization in accordance with Connecticut state requirements.
  • For fully online students, a driver’s license or DMV photo identification is required.
  • Applicants intending to use VA benefits submit a copy of their certificate of eligibility to a school certifying official.

The applicant must submit:

    • Official transcripts from all nationally and regionally accredited degree-granting institutions, approved by the USDE or CHEA, attended.
    • An essay (of 500-600 words, double-spaced) on their professional career interests, reasons for entering the program and expectations of the program.
    • Two letters of recommendation from former professors or professional associates.

* Applicants who do not meet the above G.P.A. requirement may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. You may be required to complete preparatory courses or to earn a 3.0 cumulative grade point average before being fully admitted to the program.

Transfer Credits

Albertus Magnus College will accept a maximum of 6 graduate hours from nationally or regionally accredited institutions approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) toward satisfying the program requirements. Such credits must have been completed prior to entrance into the program and must satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits must have been completed with a minimum grade of 3.0 within the last five years. Transfer credits will be considered on an individual basis. Students must submit an official transcript showing proof of completion of the course(s) to be transferred. All requests to transfer credits must be completed prior to starting the program. Internal transfer students from other Albertus graduate programs must complete at least 50% of their requirements (18 credits) in the Albertus M.P.A. program.

Tuition and Fees

Costs vary by graduate program; please consult https://www.albertus.edu/admission-aid/business-office/accelerated-degree-program/graduate-tuition-fees.php.

  • Application Fee: $50.00
  • Tutorial Surcharge: $500.00 (for student requested tutorial)
  • Thesis Continuation Fee: $250.00 per registration period (within seven years of matriculation) until completion of the thesis.

Fees and rates are subject to change.

Accreditation

Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The Tagliatela School of Business and Leadership at Albertus Magnus College has received specialized accreditation for the Master of Public Administration through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. The IACBE grants accreditation for business management, public administration, accounting and finance programs only. Locations for program offerings are at the sole discretion of the Member.

The Master of Public Administration is accredited by the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

Program Format

Classes are offered in an accelerated degree format, which consists of five, eight-week modules during the calendar year. As a FLEX program, students have the flexibility of enrolling full-time or part-time and may choose between blended or fully online options on a course-by-course basis.

Academic Advisement

Admitted students are assigned a faculty advisor, typically the program director. Together the student and advisor will develop a program of study. Throughout the program the advisor will assist students with course planning, registration and regular academic review.

Course Load

Students may register for no more than 6 credits per mod.

Graduation Requirements

  • Completion of all requirements within seven years of matriculation, including completion of the capstone course.
  •  Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  •  Minimum grade in each course of 2.0.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees.

Graduation with Honors

Master’s degree candidates who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.90 are awarded honors and will have the notation included on their transcript and diploma.

 

PROGRAM OF STUDY

REQUIRED CORE (21 credits)

MP 500 - Introduction to Public Administration
MP 504 - Labor-Management Relations
MOL 506 - Organizational Behavior
MP 512 - Ethical Issues in Public Administration
MP 581 - Implementing Public Policy
MP 611 - Research Methods in Public Administration
MP 630 - Applied Research Project

FLEXIBLE CORE (15 credits)

Select five (15 credits):

AC 520 - Accounting Concepts
MB 515 - Economic Theory and Application
MB 646 - Healthcare: Law, Policy and Systems
AC 651 - Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
MOL 505 - Moral Leadership: Defining the Character of Individuals in Organizations
MOL 508 - Servant Leadership
MOL 514 - Conflict Resolution
MP 507 - Urban Policy
MP 511 - Politics and Public Policy
MP 521 - Performance Measurement and Management
MP 550 - Special Topics in Public Administration