Public Administration and Community Management (MA)
Catalog Year 2025-2026
A multidisciplinary degree program oriented toward examining and understanding the broad range of problems and opportunities associated with the nation's urban and regional areas. Students in the degree program may prepare themselves for professional leadership careers in local government management and public administration, or use the degree as preparation for Ph.D. study. The program requirements are designed to provide flexibility while ensuring a multidisciplinary, problem-solving perspective.
Program Requirements
Common Core
Complete a minimum of 15 credits
This course is a survey of the local community--the forces which shape it, the significance of a democratic public, and professional practice of local government service.
Prerequisites:
none
This course is designed to develop the skills needed to gather, analyze, and present information for resolving applied problems in local government and community settings.
Prerequisites:
none
This course will cover the concepts and methods of conducting applied social science research focused on local government and public administration applications.
Prerequisites:
none
An advanced learning experience working in small group settings on applied projects and problem solving. The team project produced in the studio meets graduate student's capstone project requirements.
Prerequisites:
none
Scheduled work assignments varying in length and content under the supervision of selected professional sponsors.
Prerequisites:
none
Restricted Electives
Choose 12 Credit(s).
This course is designed for students preparing for a professinal career in local government or public service, focuses on media relations and building citizen involvement through public awareness projects.
Prerequisites:
none
An examination of modern principles and techniques of leadership and management. Emphasis is placed on the interactive style of leadership and behavioral concepts of management.
Prerequisites:
none
This course provides a set of concepts and tools to consider the design and development of public sector policies and decision making.
Prerequisites:
none
Changing nature of management of urban and human behavior in the municipal organization. Emphasis on the development of decision-making and communication skills.
Prerequisites:
none
Provides an overview of urban administrative services with an emphasis on urban finance systems and human resource management. Examines the economic and human resource environment for local government managers' decision-making.
Prerequisites:
none
Course examines financial management utilizing accurate forecasting, fund accounting and fiscal reporting. Covers budget cycle including legal limitations on local taxation, expenditures, and debt financing.
Prerequisites:
none
Unrestricted Electives
Choose 9 Credit(s). Student chooses courses from URSI, POL, or other departments with consent of advisor
Prerequisites:
none
Degree Master of Arts
Major Credits 36
Total Credits 36
Locations Mankato
Career Cluster Government and Public Administration
Accreditation
NASPAA
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration
