Public Administration – Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional course of study for individuals pursuing careers in government, public service, education and nonprofit organizations. Our MPA program actively engages students in a dynamic learning environment that combines coursework and research. It develops a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and principles of public administration while continuing our students' liberal education. As a result, graduates of the program will possess both the administrative skills and leadership abilities necessary to deal with the myriad of demands placed upon professional administrators. Our program provides a theoretically informed management degree that builds statesmen and public leaders committed to excellence and civic virtue. The MPA is an excellent professional degree for working professionals in government and nonprofit organizations, as well as for preparation in advanced graduate study in the social sciences or preparation for careers in public law, or admission for law school.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences also offers a Certificate in Intelligence Studies as part of the Bluegrass Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence. For more information on the certificate, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/study/intelligence

Admission Requirements

1. General admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to Admission to Graduate Study).
2. Completion of 18 semester hours of undergraduate work in any combination of political science, sociology, economics, geography, psychology, business or related field with GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students with demonstrated excellence in any undergraduate area will also be considered. 
3. Acceptable proficiency in social science, analytical skills and writing ability as determined by the MPA admissions committee from the following: undergraduate transcripts, writing sample, publication record and interview (required at committee's request).
4. *GRE score of 301 or higher preferred (combined for all three scores in verbal, quantitative, and writing sections) and with a writing score of 2 or higher preferred. Lower scores may be accepted by the MPA admissions committee with other evidence of potential for quality work (e.g., GPA, research and writing output, personal statement and interview, references, etc.). 

   *GRE Exemption - Applicants who meet any of the following criteria may be exempt from the GRE:

   • Any applicant who has earned a master's degree or higher in political science, sociology, economics, geography, psychology, philosophy, business or related field from an accredited college or university is exempt from taking the GRE and therefore exempt from criterion 4.
   • Any applicant who has earned a baccalaureate degree in political science, sociology, economics, geography, psychology, philosophy, business or related field from an accredited college or university and a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale is exempt from taking the GRE and therefore exempt from criterion 4.
   • Any current Morehead State University student pursuing a bachelor's degree with a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA who seeks admission into the Early Graduate School Program is exempt from taking the GRE and therefore exempt from criterion 4.
   • Conditionally admitted students will be unconditionally admitted after the successful completion of 12 graduate credit hours in the program with a minimum 3.25 GPA.

   *GRE Waiver Request - Applicants who meet all the following criteria may request a GRE Waiver:

   • An earned baccalaureate degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.
   • 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA
   • Additionally, the GRE waiver request  must include a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a goals statement. GRE Waiver Requests and supporting materials should be sent directly to the Director of the MPA program.
   • Submitting a waiver request and required documentation does not guarantee a waiver will be granted.
5. A two-page typewritten statement of personal, educational, and career goals to be used as a writing sample, or other writing sample if requested.  Additionally, an interview with the MPA director may substitute for this requirement.  This requirement should be sent directly via e-mail or U.S. postal mail to the MPA director.
6. Contact information for at least two references from faculty or supervisors. This requirement should be sent directly via e-mail or U.S. postal mail to the MPA director.
7. As a result of the interview, references, and personal statement demonstrating potential for public leadership, the MPA admissions committee may grant conditional admission to students who do not meet all of these admissions requirements.
8. Preferred TOEFL score of 525 or higher for international students; a lower score may be accepted with evidence of English speaking and writing proficiency.

Program Competencies

1. Students will be actively engaged in research and learning exercises that will develop comprehensive understanding of the concepts and principles of public administration.
2. Students will become familiar with American government and public sector institutions and the processes that are responsible for the formation and execution of public policy.
3. Students will engage in learning exercises and research projects that will develop an understanding of the links between public administration and organizational behavior, public sector management, intergovernmental relations, public finance and governmental policy.
4. Students will participate in courses, seminars and learning exercises that will develop an understanding of the institutions and processes that are responsible for the formation and execution of public policy in sub-national governments.

Assessment

1. Competencies in public administration theory, methods, analytical thinking and professional report writing are assessed in each course in the curriculum.
2. Students are systematically assessed by their thesis or applied research committee and undergo a defense of their research.
3. Program assessment also takes place through alumni surveys in conjunction with program reviews.

Exit Requirements for Degree

1. Satisfy University degree requirements.
2. Complete a minimum of 40 credit hours including a core of 22 hours and a concentration (15 hours).
3. Complete an approved thesis or capstone course, or approved practicum in chemical dependency (3-6 hours).
4. Successfully complete a written or oral examination as determined by the student's advisory committee.
5. Public presentation of thesis or research query, or practicum experience.
6. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
7. Must be unconditionally admitted.

Maintaining Enrollment

All students pursuing the MPA must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. Students falling below a minimum 3.0 will be placed on a one semester period of probation. Students failing to achieve a GPA of 3.0 after one semester of probation will be dropped from the program. Any student who receives a grade of "C" or below in more than two courses taken for graduate credit will be immediately dropped from the program. This will be monitored by the MPA director.

MPA Concentrations

Security Studies, Intelligence and Theory Concentration

Economic Development and Intergovernmental Management Concentration

Counseling and Addiction Services Management Concentration

Public Affairs Communication Concentration