Offering Campuses
Argosy University, Atlanta; Argosy University, Chicago; Argosy University, Dallas; Argosy University, Denver; Argosy University, Hawai’i; Argosy University, Inland Empire; Argosy University, Los Angeles; Argosy University, Nashville; Argosy University; Orange County; Argosy University, Phoenix; Argosy University, Salt Lake City; Argosy University, San Diego; Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area; Argosy University, Sarasota; Argosy University, Schaumburg; Argosy University, Seattle; Argosy University, Tampa; Argosy University, Twin Cities; Argosy University, Washington DC
Program Overview
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is designed to develop action-oriented problem-solving managers for the public sector, especially at the state and local levels of government. Students have the opportunity to develop the competencies required to execute the duties and responsibilities of public sector managers, including evaluation and supervision of employees, reinforcement of the organizational mission, and effective management of organizational resources.
Program Outcomes
The MPA degree program is intended to produce graduates as professionals in the public sector and the following program outcomes reflect this goal.
1. Communication
a. Communicate the roles and limitations of government at any level (federal, state, local) in specific circumstances.
b. Deliver oral, visual, or written presentations to educate or promote projects to diverse audiences.
2. Analytical problem solving
a.Gather information, discern gaps, develop, and evaluate possible solutions and alternatives regarding political, social, and financial costs and benefits of public sector initiatives.
3. Leadership and motivation
a. Generate shared goals and lead internal and external stakeholders toward those goals.
b. Motivate employees and other stakeholders to perform consistent with the mission of the relevant work unit.
4. Tactical Management
a.Execute duties and responsibilities such as: evaluate and supervise public sector employees, reinforce organizational mission, and manage unit budgets.
5. Interpersonal Effectiveness
a. Establish, build, and sustain effective working relationships with relevant parties to achieve organizational goals.
b. Exemplify and teach ethical values and behavior.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution approved and documented by the faculty and dean of the College of Business, or an appropriately certified foreign institution
- A 2.7 grade point average for the bachelor’s degree used as the basis of admission, or a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework (including graduate work)
- A minimum score of 550 on the written TOEFL® or 79 on the TOEFL® Internet (iBT) is also required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction
An admissions representative is available to help interested applicants complete the following required documentation:Completed Application for Admission Form.
- Application fee (Non-refundable, except in California and Arizona. In the state of Arizona, the application fee is refundable if the application is canceled within three business days of the applicant signing the Enrollment Agreement.)
- If the basis of admission is an earned bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 grade point average, an official transcript from the degree granting institution
- If the basis of admission is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework, official transcripts from all post secondary schools attended during the 60 hours of study
Exceptions to the Minimum Grade Point Average
Applicants with grade point averages between 2.0 and 2.7 may be considered for admission on an exception basis. Exceptions must be documented, signed, placed, and retained in the student’s academic file. Students admitted on an exception basis will be assigned provisional status. See “Exceptions to Admission Requirements.” See “Exceptions to Admission Requirements” under Admission Policies.
Applications to Multiple Campuses
Applicants who are undecided with respect to the location they wish to attend should submit an application and full set of application materials to their location of first choice. Applicants who are accepted into their location of first choice and who, prior to beginning the program, determine they want to complete the same program at a different location, should notify the initial location of record of that intent. Provided that the same program is available, all previous approvals and credits accepted will remain in force. If an individual requests to change programs, he or she will need to meet all admission requirements of the new program.
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements in the program of study
- A minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) and a grade of “B-” or better in all courses
- Completion of these requirements within five years of matriculation into the program
- A completed Petition to Graduate Form submitted to campus administration
Program Requirements
The MPA degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 36 credit hours distributed as follows: core course requirements, 24 credit hours; concentration requirements, 12 credit hours.
