A successful organization—the kind that can contribute to solving big problems—requires strong leadership, particularly at the managerial and executive levels. With a concentration in Public Management, you will be prepared for a leadership role in a variety of public, private, and nonprofit settings. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked us #2 in the nation in this area.
You'll learn how policies are adopted and implemented, how the public bureaucracy operates in a democracy, and what goals, structures, and processes drive organizations. You'll also develop vital skills such as strategic thinking, planning, management, personnel relations, technology, and the design, operation, and evaluation of successful work systems.
15
PUBLIC MANAGEMENT MPA students (Fall 2018)
1:1
Faculty : student ratio
86%
All O’Neill MPA placement rate
You'll begin by mastering the fundamentals reflected in the MPA program's core competencies. These five courses (15 credit hours) will give you well-developed analytical skills and a broad understanding of policy issues and government processes. In addition to these highly transferable core skills, the Public Management concentration requires three of the following five skills courses.
The following is an example of courses. Please work with your advisor as you make your schedule.
The remainder of the coursework comes in a wide range of elective courses. These will allow you to tailor your Public Management program to your own specific interests. Working with your advisor, you'll be able to select from many elective options, including (but not limited to) the following:
Combining your Public Management concentration with another MPA concentration—such as Information Systems or Public Financial Administration—can offer you unique advantages in pursuing a particular career. As they help you design your program, our faculty will work to accommodate your specialized professional interests.
Our MPA offers far more than traditional lectures and lessons. You'll also get the benefit of experiential learning – typically through an approved internship. What's more, your concentration's course work will culminate in a project-oriented course—a capstone—that lets you apply the knowledge you gained throughout the program.
Current and past placements and internships:You can also join any number of professional student organizations that offer networking and current information on events in the industry.
“I’m certain that my investment in my education through the O’Neill School will continue to pay rich dividends through the relationships I built and the skills I gained because I use them nearly every day with the U.S. Forest Service.”
“O’Neill offered a welcoming and flexible environment, with great people who stood by my side to pursue my interests. They saw potential in me and empowered me to become a skilled public and cultural manager for the greater good!”
“The curriculum and programs at O’Neill are all focused on real world application in preparation for your life as a professional. I was able to take the knowledge gained through O’Neill and transform my passion of improving my community and make it into a rewarding career.”
