MPA Coursework

The MPA can be completed in five quarters and requires completion of 70 credits including 51 required core competency credits focusing on organization and human resource management, methodology and data management, policy and fiscal analysis and strategic leadership. The remaining 19 credits are electives and/or practicum hours designed to enrich understanding of particular aspects of public service

CORE COMPETENCIES  (51 Hours) 

A. Organization and Human Resource Management 4 courses

• POLS 620 Public Administration
• POLS 514 Organization Theory and Politics
• Choose 2 from:
  • POLS 508 Urban Public Administration
  • POLS 512 Public Personnel Administration 
  • POLS 584 Public Management Skills
  • POLS 589 Nonprofit Management
  • POLS 590L Ethics and Public Policy 

B. Research and Data Applications  2 courses

• POLS 601 Research Methods
• POLS 594A Writing and Citing (1 hour workshop) 

C. Policy and Fiscal Analysis 3 courses 

• POLS 586 Public Budgeting
• POLS 587 Financial Management
• Choose 1 from:
  • ECON 530 Public Finance
  • POLS 510 Policy Analysis
  • POLS 524 Intergovernmental Relations
  • POLS 525 Environment and Natural Resource Policy
  • POLS 568 Nonprofit Fundraising
  • POLS 590I Program Evaluation
  • POLS 602 Advanced Quantitative Methods

D. Strategic Political Management  2 courses

• POLS 680 Seminar Public Administration: Strategic Management
• Choose 1 from:
  • POLS 506 Elections and Campaigns
  • POLS 517 Legislative Process
  • POLS 518 Interest Groups
  • POLS 523 American Political Leadership or
  • POLS588 Public Dispute Resolution

Students entering the MPA program who have taken one or more of the core competency courses as an undergraduate or graduate at Ohio University or another institution may substitute another course in the place of that already taken.  Please consult your advisor in selecting possible substitutions.  Requests for permission to substitute a core competency course are then submitted to the MPA Director.  Forms are available from the Graduate Secretary.  If a core competency course is not offered during a student’s program, then the Department will provide a substitute course to fulfill the requirement. 

Outside-the-classroom credits

Practicum
Pre-service, full-time students seeking an MPA degree at the Athens campus may earn 10 credits in a "practicum" -- a year-long learning experience that weaves together academic curriculum and real-world public sector service work. 
Details here.

Internship
In addition to the practicum, MPA students may acquire experience through internships with public, non-profit, or private sector organizations in a policy or administrative capacity. 
Details here.

Careers and Job Placement

Department faculty and OU Career Services are experienced in helping MPA students get top placements after graduation.
Details here.

Portfolio or Thesis

An MPA student's academic track culminates in a presentation of a portfolio or a research thesis.
Details here.