Masters
Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the professional degree for individuals preparing for leadership roles in public service such as working for a non-profit, government or higher education.
The program, which is NASPAA accredited and nationally ranked, emphasizes applied coursework and includes ample opportunities for students to engage in projects that serve community clients, providing relevant, real-world experience.
77% of graduates report they're employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation.
Career opportunities
The BSGU public administration master's program is designed to help you develop the skills and techniques required to resolve important societal problems, while addressing organizational, human resource and budgetary challenges.
Recent graduates of the program have been hired as program directors, grant writers, legislative aides, state auditors, policy analysts, human resource directors, city and county administrators, event and social media coordinators, fulfillment analysts and communication directors, just to name a few.
The MPA Student Association promotes professional development and social events, helping to foster community among students and faculty.
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
To obtain a Master's of Public Administration degree, students are required to complete 36 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level.
A core of six required courses in the MPA “core,” of 18 credit hours are complemented by a further 18 hours of advised specializations allowing you to design a master’s program according to your professional or research goals.
Students with specialized interests in a topic may pursue an independent study course with a faculty member to supplement their regular MPA coursework. No more than nine hours of independent study can be counted towards the degree.
Application Requirements
The program strongly recommends that applicants have a minimum of a 3.0/4.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA). Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of official or unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended. Upon admission, final official or notarized copies of transcripts from all institutions where degrees were earned and diplomas from international institutions must be submitted. Applicants are also required to submit official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
All applicants must submit a statement outlining their interests in the degree and public administration. A minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation from individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications and ability to successfully complete graduate study are also required.
International applicants are also required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The Master of Public Administration program is part of the BGSU Graduate College and BGSU College of Arts & Sciences
Accreditation
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022-2023, with our next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2032-2033. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
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Updated: 09/03/2024 03:27PM