Program Requirements

Degree requirements (minimum of 36 hrs)

1. Required Core:
    

   Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours
   PLS 673	Policy Analysis	3 hrs
   PLS 676	Quantitative Methods of Political Science and Public Policy	3 hrs
   PLS 752	Public Personnel Management	3 hrs
   PLS 753	Management Techniques and Organizational Behavior	3 hrs
   PLS 756	Budgeting and Financial Management for State and Local Government	3 hrs
   PLS 771	Seminar in Public Administration	3 hrs
   PLS 778	Ethics and Leadership in the Public Sector	3 hrs
   	Total Core	21 hrs

   Note: If the student has taken a 500-level required course for undergraduate credit, he/she shall substitute a 600 or 700-level course selected with the approval of the advisor and the department for the course already taken.

2. Internship: ( PLS 781 In-Service Training in Public Administration). In-service training in an approved local, county, state, federal, non-profit or other approved agency (unless waived for candidate with adequate experience). 0-3 hrs
3. Research:
   1. Non-thesis option. Complete required core courses and up to 18 hours of courses in student’s chosen area of concentration (see #4 below).
   2. Thesis option. Complete required core courses, PLS 799 Thesis (6 hours), and up to 12 hours of courses in student’s chosen area of concentration (see #5 below).
4. Comprehensive Examination. The Director of the MPA Program will prepare and administer a written comprehensive examination covering the general field of public administration, reflected in the required core courses offered. All students except those who choose a thesis option and successfully complete a master’s thesis will be required to take and pass a written comprehensive examination. Students who do not perform at satisfactory level on their comprehensive examination will be required to pass an oral examination.
5. Areas of Concentration: The MPA student will take the required courses in his/her area of concentration that will result in earning a certificate to compliment the core courses. They will also select other courses to fill out the elective requirements depending on whether the internship is waived. Certificate 12 hrs

Local Government Management Certificate

Required Courses - 12 hours total

Required courses - 6 hours

Elective courses - 6 hours

Choose 6 hours from the following courses.

Public Policy certificate

Required Courses - 12 hours total

Required courses - 6 hours

Elective courses - 6 hours

Choose 6 hours from the following courses.

Public Safety certificate

Required Courses - 12 hours total

Required courses - 6 hours

Elective courses - 6 hours

Choose 6 hours from the following courses.

Economic Development certificate

Required Courses - 12 hours total

Required courses - 6 hours

Elective courses - 6 hours

Choose 6 hours from the following courses.