Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities is an online program designed to educate current organizational professionals for leadership in both regional and local public service administration. The M.P.A. with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities is offered in a course-based format with a prescribed sequence. The curriculum covers fundamental public administration theories, and examines organizational environments and the interface of social equity, leadership, and power. Coursework focuses on public administration from a variety of perspectives, and includes economics, financial and human resource management, and policy analysis. Students will examine organizational culture, how to evaluate programs and policies, and fulfillment of organizational missions via strategic planning and collaboration. Specialization coursework analyzes the elements that create thriving communities. Students will also study current concepts in regional and local policy making while learning tools to create viable and sustainable communities.

What Are the Prerequisites?

The program is designed for administrative professionals. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree. Applicants to Walden University's programs should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. The Walden University Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities incorporates 66 credit hours. Some of the required courses are listed below.

Course Requirements

• Introduction to Public Administration
• Foundations for Graduate Study
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Organizational Management and Leadership
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Human Resource Management: Building a Capable Workforce
• Public Sector Economics
• Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Public Policy Analysis
• Applied Research and Evaluation Methods
• Elements of Sustainable and Livable Communities
• Tools for Sustainable Community Development
• Current Issues in Regional and Local Public Policy
• Capstone Seminar

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of Walden University's Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities have the opportunity to prepare for careers in regional and local politics, public policy administration, community development and government, program implementation, management, or consulting.

Positions that graduates may seek include:

• Community development board
• Planning commission
• Historic preservation
• Public policy administrator
• Public policy analyst
• Program director
• Field manager
• City Manager

Advanced Degrees

In addition to seeking public sector management positions, graduates of Walden University's Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities may choose to pursue advanced education. Few schools offer doctoral degrees in sustainability, but earning a doctoral degree in public administration or policy may prepare you for positions in government organizations, education, public administration, or research.

Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Sustainable Development
• Doctor of Resource Management and Sustainable Development
• Doctor of Public Management and Leadership
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs
• Doctor of Public Policy and Management
• Doctor of Public Administration

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.