Public Administration 129
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS • A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited college or university • A completed application for admission • Transcripts from all prior institutions attended • TOEFL scores if English is not a first language • GRE scores (this requirement is waived for students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher) or • Students may also be offered “Provisional Acceptance” if their GPA is a minimum of 2.7. Provisional acceptance requires students to earn a minimum of a 3.0 average in the first three Core classes completed in the program within two consecutive semesters. If a student does not earn a minimum grade of “B” in each of the first 9 credits, they will not be permitted to register for further MPA courses. • Three letters of recommendation GANNON’S ONLINE MPA PROGRAM Gannon’s Online Degree Program in Public Administration uses an internet delivery system for a robust teaching and learning experience for students who work full-time and may have travel schedules and/or family obligations. Gannon uses the Blackboard delivery mechanism. With Blackboard, students have access to all their course materials, collaborative workspaces and online resources. Courses require that students work both independently and interdependently with their instructors and with fellow students. Participants in these courses must maintain their own internet access and have Microsoft Word or compatible word processing software. All courses are three credits and will be delivered in efficient sevenweek sessions. There is an expectation that the student will stay current with the course, remain engaged in all learning activities, and if necessary, seek help in a timely fashion. Students can begin their studies in any seven-week session and may either take one class per session as a part-time student or may take two classes in a session as a full-time student. While applications may be submitted at any time, Gannon reviews applications on a rolling basis. Please contact our admissions representative to discuss details about our next start date and how to apply. Students must complete the application process prior to the start date of a given session. Gannon’s Online MPA Program consists of a 27 credit core and a 9 credit with an Administrative Track, a Leadership Track, or a Specialized Track. A student may enroll in the program on a fulltime or part-time basis. MPA Curriculum (36 credits) GMPA 501 Elements of Public Administration GMPA 511 Administrative Decision-Making Skills GMPA 522 Ethics and Public Policy GMBA 525 Statistical Analysis GMPA 531 Administrative Law and Ethics
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GMPA 601 Strategic Planning or GMBA 774 Strategic Management GMBA 531 Management & Marketing Concepts GMBA 631 Organizational Culture, Creativity and Change GMPA 799 Research in Public Administration GMPA Electives
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INTERNSHIPS AND COOPERATIVE EDUCATION In consultation with the Director of Graduate Programs, students may accept field placements related to their interests and academic studies. Placements range from short-term assignments to fulltime positions. If students are looking for experience, internships complement book learning and classroom lectures and are also a great resume builder. If interested, students can consult the Director of Graduate Programs. In some circumstances, elective credits are awarded for these placements. DUAL MBA/MPA PROGRAM A student who has earned an MBA or MPA can obtain a second master’s degree with a reduced number of courses only upon completion of either the MPA or the MBA first. The second degree cannot be declared until completing the first degree. See the Program Director of Graduate Programs for details. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION TRACKS In registering for electives, students have a number of avenues to pursue, such as: • Leadership Track (9 credits). • Administrative Track (9 credits). • Specialized Track (9 credits). Students should consult with the Director of Graduate Programs to determine a systematic plan including their choice of electives and a research project given their prior course work, their areas of interest, and their future career plans. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS The MPA is a professional degree program. Each student begins studies with a wide variety of academic and work backgrounds. As such, the design of the curriculum is dependent upon your experiences and academic background. The MPA curriculum requires 36 credits and is outlined as follows: Core Curriculum (27 credits) This series is designed to give you the basic principles and theories of public administration along with the necessary skills to help students succeed in public administration. GMPA 502 Elements of Public Administration 3 GMPA 511 Administrative Decision Making Skills 3 GMPA 522 Ethics and Public Policy 3 GMPA 531 Administrative Law & Ethics 3