West Chester University Masters Degrees in Public Policy

The Department of Public Policy and Administration offers the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.). The M.P.A. is a professional degree with areas of concentration in general public administration, human resource management, and nonprofit administration. In addition, graduate certificates, which can be coupled with the M.P.A., are offered in healthcare administration, sport management and athletics, and urban and regional planning.

The degree is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to enhance the field of public service through positions both inside and outside government in the nonprofit and even private sector, e.g., as consultants to governmental organizations or as governmental service providers. The M.P.A. curriculum provides students with a foundation in the practice of public administration. Beyond that, students earning the degree will possess a high level of competency in administrative processes for the public and nonprofit sectors.

The curriculum is designed for individuals with professional work experience who want to enhance their administrative and public management skills, as well as pre-service students who do not have professional experience. Students who lack work experience will incorporate a relevant internship or other job experiences into their programs.

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The certificate in nonprofit administration is designed for those who desire to enhance their management and supervisory skills within the context of a nonprofit organization.

To earn the certificate, students must complete the following with a minimum grade of “B” in each course.

Degree students also may apply for the certificate after completing the administration core requirements with a minimum grade of “B” for each course. Arrangements and requirements are to be confirmed in writing.

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The certificate in public administration is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to enhance the field of public service through positions both inside and outside government in the nonprofit and even private sector, e.g., as consultants to governmental organizations or as governmental service providers. The certificate is designed for individuals with professional work experience who desire to enhance their administrative and public management skills.

The classes are appropriate for the educational and career needs of individuals currently employed in the field of human resources as well as those seeking to transition into the field. The occupational backgrounds of these students cover a wide spectrum of career paths in the public and not-for-profit private sectors. The great array of career paths represented in this program is one of its invigorating aspectsand contributes in important ways to the learning taking place both inside and outside the classroom

This program is oriented, in its setting, structure, and culture, toward accommodating those who want to learn alongside other working professionals.

A program strength is the caliber of the student body and, as a result, the quality of “peer learning.” For this reason class sizes are kept small, 20-25 students (on average).

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