Welcome to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program. Dr. Lois B. Hollis founded the MPA program in 1987 and she served as the program’s first coordinator. Dr. Rita Henry-Brown is the program’s second coordinator and she accepted the position in the fall of 2001. Through Dr. Rita Henry-Brown’s and the MPA faculty efforts, the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) have since accredit the MPA program. There are a total seven concentrations offered in the field of Public Administration. A Southwest chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) has been established to bring practicing professional public administrators, faculty and students together. The Albany State University MPA program has also initiated the Public Administration and Student Association (PASA), which is a student organization where the students have a voice about any curriculum changes, MPA policies and any program activities. Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration and ASU Public Administration Toastmasters Club #5091.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is a graduate professional degree program offered by the Department of History, Political Science and Public Administration. This program is accredited through the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). The program coordinator serves as the institutional representative.
The program requires a total of 36 semester hours with a minimum of 21 hours of Public Administration core courses. There are six 9-hour concentrations: General Administration, Human Resources Management, Public Policy, Community and Economic Development, Health Administration, and Criminal Justice Administration. Additionally, the program offers a 12-semester hour emphasis in Water Resources Management and Policy. The mission of the MPA Program supports the general mission of the university, which places “Students First”.
The Master of Public Administration degree program seeks to educate pre-service and in-service students for professional leadership and managerial positions in public agencies, also designed to enable its graduates to pursue further graduate study or teach. The MPA degree will strengthen students’ ability to think critically, to utilize analytical skills, draw on information technology and develop an awareness of professional ethics.
Thus, the mission of Albany State University Master of Public Administration Program is:
Dr. Rita Henry-Brown
MPA Program Directo
