Master of Public Administration
USD's Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program combines theoretical background with an experiential component, giving you the wisdom to know and the courage to act. You'll experience the highest quality faculty and staff while learning in a supportive environment, preparing you for the challenges of the 21st century.
Our multidisciplinary faculty, diverse student body, and excellent facilities offer a rich and challenging environment for graduate education in public administration.
Graduates of our public administration program serve at all levels of government in the United States and abroad. Many also hold responsible positions in the private and non-profit sectors.
Program Specializations
Our M.P.A. program combines in-depth study of core administration subjects with a specialization area in one of several option areas, or you may choose to create your own option area with the approval of the director of graduate studies. This flexible multi-disciplinary approach enables you, in conjunction with a faculty advisor, to develop a program tailored to your career interests and academic background.
Specializations:
- Criminal Justice
- Health Services Administration
- Leadership Studies
- Nonprofit Administration
- State & Local Government
Joint Programs
Students in the M.P.A. program can simultaneously pursue a Juris Doctor at USD's School of Law. The faculty of both the Political Science Department and School of Law are uniquely capable of offering this joint training. Joint degrees can be earned concurrently in three years. Nine hours of courses offered by the School of Law constitutes the specialization for students enrolled in this concurrent degree program. Students may consult with the director of graduate studies to include additional courses.
See the Graduate Catalog for a Sample Course Listing.
Internships
Internships are required for M.P.A. students who lack significant previous experience or students interested in moving in new professional directions. Students who possess 4-6 years of concentrated administrative experience in public and nonprofit organizations, and who intend to advance in this same area of professional specialization, can apply to do a practicum in place of the internship requirement.
The purpose of both practicum and internship projects is to enable students to gain valuable experience in governmental and not-for-profit agencies, while providing agencies with the services of graduate students with high potential for future achievement. In addition, internships allow for application of classroom learning and service to integrate academics with professional experience.
As an M.P.A .student, you'll have access to a multitude of resources to help you find an internship that's a perfect fit for you.
For more information, please refer to the M.P.A. Handbook.
Helpful Links
For more information contact:
Anthony Molina
Program Director
Farber House 102
(605) 677-5356
Tony.Molina@usd.edu
