Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Program Description and Learning Outcomes
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, in the Andreas School of Business at Barry University, focuses on research and scholarship in the public and non-profit sectors. Scholarship is the pursuit of knowledge and truth, which resonates with the authentic Dominican heritage. The pursuit of truth necessitates steadfast commitment to establishing an inclusive and collaborative society working toward the public good.
Consistent with the Barry University mission, the faculty in the MPA program remains committed to the highest academic standards in graduate and professional education. The MPA curriculum focuses on the public and non-profit sectors, and other organizations that serve a public purpose. The MPA considered to be the terminal professional degree for practitioners in the public and non-profit sectors, identifies and applies traditional and evolving theories and practices (Praxis) in the workplace.
Prospective Students
Prospective Students will need to provide the following admission requirements:
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A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university. Official transcripts of all previous college or university studies must be submitted.
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A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required for admissions. Candidates who earn less than a 2.50 cumulative GPA in their bachelor’s degree may be considered provisional acceptance on a case by case basis by the Associate Dean.
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A current professional resume, including work history/experience, and references with phone and email contact information.
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International applicants, with previous college or university studies not taught in English, must contact http://www.barry.edu/future-students/graduate/admissions/grad-requirements.html for additional instructions.
The above documentation must be submitted before applicants can register for courses. Applicants may be granted provisional acceptance, and may be permitted to register for up to six (6) credit hours during the admission review process. Provisional acceptance neither implies nor guarantees full acceptance.
Note:
Falsification of any information in this documentation will be considered a violation of the University’s Academic Dishonesty Policy. Based on the falsification of documents, the University may reject an application or dismiss a student from the degree program.
Program Learning Goals
The MPA program provides students with the theories, principles and practices of public and nonprofit service, instilling in students a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration and social justice.
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
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Apply research methods and techniques to determine organizational effectiveness
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Evaluate the effectiveness of public policies and nonprofit programs
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Analyze human resources management techniques relevant to the public and nonprofit sectors
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Synthesize the concepts associated with ethical behavior and social responsibility that will engage students in a meaningful effort to affect social change and promote social justice
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Evaluate leadership theories and practices in the public and nonprofit sectors
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Analyze the rule of law in administrative procedures, and the outcomes of public administration rulemaking
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Evaluate public planning theories and practices for substantive and equitable change
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Synthesize, analyze, and apply theories and principles of public administration
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Evaluate public budgeting and finance within the public policy-making cycle to protect the public trust and provide transparency to stakeholders.
All students in the MPA Program, regardless of program track, will complete the same 30 credits of MPA core courses. All students in the MPA Program will choose their electives based on their individual program track. The MPA Generalist Track requires 6 elective credits. The MPA Nonprofit Administration Specialization Track requires 12 elective credits. Up to 6 credits are transferable from other accredited programs. Please refer to transfer credits section.
Course Sequencing
Courses should be taken in sequence to the extent that the schedule permits. Students should complete the PUB 500 level classes, followed by the 600 level classes. The capstone course PUB-699 should be completed in the student’s last term prior to graduation.
National Honor Society for Public Administration
Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is the National Honorary Society for Public Administration, Public Policy, and Public Affairs. The National Council of Pi Alpha Alpha has approved the application and constitution for a chapter of the society at Barry University. For more information about Pi Alpha Alpha, visit http://PiAlphaAlpha.org.
The purpose of the society is to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in the fields of public administration, public policy, and public affairs, and to foster integrity, professionalism, and creative performance in the conduct of governmental and related public service activities.
Graduate students who maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.75 will be invited to join Pi Alpha Alpha. Please contact your advisor for the application.
M.P.A. Curriculum (36 - 42 credits)
Required Core Courses (30 credits)
Note: MPA students will choose their electives based on their individual program track, either the M.P.A. Generalist or the M.P.A. Nonprofit Administration Specialization track.
M.P.A. Generalist Track Elective Courses (6 credits)
Choose two courses from the following:
| PUB-622 | NON-PROFIT ADMINISTRATION | 3 |
| PUB-623 | PRODUCTIVITY IMPRV PUBLIC SEC | 3 |
| PUB-650 | PUBLIC/PRIVATE ENTERPRISE | 3 |
| PUB-660 | PUBLIC POLICY & ADMIN PROCESS | 3 |
Specialization in NonProfit Administration
Students who choose to complete the Nonprofit Administration Specialization track must inform their advisor, and complete the appropriate paperwork. PUB 622 must be completed prior to enrolling in the additional nonprofit specialization courses.
To complete the MPA with a Specialization in Nonprofit Administration, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all nonprofit courses. Upon successful completion of the nonprofit administration specialization, a designation will be noted on official transcripts: Master in Public Administration with a Specialization in Nonprofit Administration.
This specialization is currently being offered fully online and at selected sites across Florida.
M.P.A. Nonprofit Administration Specialization Track (12 credits)
Students in the MPA program with an interest in the nonprofit sector have an opportunity to complete the program with a specialization in Nonprofit Administration. As part of the MPA program, the specialization provides distinctive skills needed by those employed in the nonprofit sector, and those working in the private and public sectors.
Required (3 credits)
Choose three courses from the following (9 credits)
| PUB-613 | PHILANTHROPY/FUND NONPROFIT | 3 |
| PUB-616 | HUM RES NONPRFT ORG BRD GOV | 3 |
| PUB-641 | STRATEGIC PLAN/BUDGIT NONPROF | 3 |
| PUB-645 | NONPROFIT PROGRAM EVALUATION | 3 |