<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <p>Gain a recognized industry credential and prepare for leadership roles in the public sector. Expand your expertise in strategic planning, ethics, management, fiscal responsibility, and more. Earn a degree that employers respect 100% online, with the power of Purdue behind you. </p> <p>&bull; Program Highlights: Study research, writing, and law in public administration; public sector leadership and HR management; administering public funds; balancing the budget; program evaluation; policy analysis, and more. </p> <p>&bull; Career Opportunities: City manager, nonprofit director/president, human services assistant director, research/policy analyst, county administrator, medical health service manager </p> <p>&bull; Emphasis on Applicable Skills: Complete a capstone project in which you solve complex real-world public administration challenges. </p> <p>Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. Prior experience may be necessary for leadership positions. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>The online Master of Public Administration program at Purdue Global gives you the chance to learn about public management decision-making processes, policy development, budgeting, and strategic planning. Course topics include resource management, organizational behavior, public fund budgeting, fiscal management, public policy design, administrative law issues, and human resource management in government and nonprofit organizations. You will also learn how to conduct needs assessments and cost analyses for public organizations. In the capstone course, you will draw on your studies to produce an extensive research project addressing current topics and challenges within public administration. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>It is highly recommended that you have completed courses in statistics, public policy, and American government prior to enrolling in the MPA program. Strong leadership and analytical skills are important, as public administrators typically manage staff and analyze existing policies and systems. Applicants to Purdue Global's master's degree programs should already have a bachelor's degree; some programs may have additional requirements. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>You must complete 11 courses (including a capstone) totaling 55 credits to earn this master's degree. One course is an elective that can be chosen from among public administration classes. </p> <p><u>Core Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td>PP500</td><td> Public Administration and Management</td></tr> <tr><td>PP504</td><td> Research and Writing in Public Administration</td></tr> <tr><td>PP510</td><td> Leadership in the Public Sector</td></tr> <tr><td>PP520</td><td> Finance and the Administration of Public Funds</td></tr> <tr><td>PP530</td><td> Human Resource Management in the Public Sector</td></tr> <tr><td>PP600</td><td> Administrative Law in Public Administration</td></tr> <tr><td>PP610</td><td> Balancing the Budget - Budgetary Process</td></tr> <tr><td>PP612</td><td> Program Evaluation</td></tr> <tr><td>PP650</td><td> Public Policy Analysis</td></tr> <tr><td>500/600 Level</td><td> Public Administration Elective</td></tr> <tr><td>PP698</td><td> Master's Capstone in Public Administration</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Once you have earned the MPA degree from Purdue Global, you could apply the managerial skills and knowledge of public organizations to seek leadership positions at the local, state, and federal levels. In these types of jobs, you might oversee building code adherence, zoning regulations, community program development, and city ordinances. </p> <p>A list of potential job titles for graduates might include: </p> <ul><li>City manager </li><li>Public policy analyst </li><li>Urban or regional planner </li><li>Community service manager </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>Should you have the desire to teach at the collegiate level or conduct research in academics or the public sector, you may need to pursue a doctorate after earning the Master of Public Administration. Doctoral studies could provide more in-depth looks at policy-making processes, public organization theory, research methodologies, financial analysis, and strategic management. </p> <p>Doctorates that you might consider as an MPA graduate include: </p> <ul><li>Ph.D. in Public Policy </li><li>Doctor of Public Administration </li><li>Ph.D. in Public Administration</li></ul>