The Master of Public Administration & Policy (MPAP) is offered to students interested in careers in public service. Specifically, this program was created for policy makers and analysts such as legislative aides, and municipal, regional and state policy and planning staff. Courses are offered in a blended format, combining face-to-face and online interaction to meet the scheduling needs of students. As part of a vibrant Urban Studies department, this program capitalizes on Worcester State University’s urban location and supports the development of public leaders for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond.

The MPAP has an interdisciplinary core faculty drawn from many academic disciplines including Urban Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Management, and Criminal Justice.

A two-course Capstone component at the end of the program allows for real-life experience and a synthesis and evaluation of coursework.

University Catalog Details

The Master of Public Administration & Policy is a 12-course, 36-credit degree with the following curriculum:

Ten (10) Required Core Courses:

• PA 901 Policy Analysis (3 credits)

• PA 903 Economics for Policy Analysis (3 credits)

• PA 934 Ethics & Management of Human Resources (3 credits)

• PA 942 Organizational Theory (3 credits)

• PA 945 Public Budgeting & Financial Management (3 credits)

• PA 949 Strategic Leadership & Planning for Public Organizations (3 credits)

• PA 951 Negotiation & Conflict Resolution for Public Organizations (3 credits)

• PA 990 Analysis & Interpretation of Quantitative Data for Public Policy (3 credits)

• PA 980 Capstone Fieldwork I for Public Administration & Policy (2 credits)

• PA 981 Capstone Fieldwork II for Public Administration & Policy (4 credits)

Two (2) Elective Courses Selected From:

• PA 902 Internship (3 credits)

• PA 908 Legal, Regulatory & Ethical Issues in Healthcare (3 credits)

• PA 940 Leadership Skills & Group Dynamics (3 credits)

• PA 944 Politics & Public Policy (3 credits)

• PA 946 Seminar in Program Analysis & Evaluation (3 credits)

• PA 950 Unions & the Public Sector (3 credits)

• PA 993 Public Relations for Public Organizations (3 credits)

• PA 994 Assigned Readings (3 credits)

• PA 996 Public Law (3 credits)