Students have a choice of several MPA degree paths (click on each to open):
The Traditional MPA requires 39 credit hours, with 24 credit hours of core classes and 15 credit hours of elective courses.
The 15 elective credit hours are the student's choice with the Traditional MPA. Those courses can be classes where the student has a broad interest in public administration OR can be among available courses within a narrower interest area, such as the courses within a concentration or Certificate.
Students may also take elective courses in other academic areas, pending approval of the Graduate Program Director and subsequently noted in DegreeWorks.
Note: No action is required if the student chooses the Traditional MPA. This is the default option.
The MPA Concentration in Nonprofit Management and Governance is designed for students who want to enhance their skills and knowledge in nonprofit management, leadership, and governance. The courses will prepare students to support and influence the direction of a nonprofit organization across a wide range of service areas such as human services, environmental management, arts, and education.
Courses (all are required):
- PADM 716: Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector
- PADM 715: Management and Governance of Nonprofits
- PADM 717: Nonprofit Financial Management
- PADM 713: Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations
Total hours required: The MPA degree requires 39 credit hours; 12 elective hours are required for the concentration (all concentration hours are part of the 39 credit hour total). After either concentration (NP or MSPS), the student still has 3 elective credit hours (i.e., one course) to complete.
Note: an MPA student may take any of the above courses, even though the student is not in a concentration. Students may opt out of a concentration once they begin it, by contacting the MPA GPD.
Students in the MPA with the Multi-Sector Public Service concentration will analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions from a multi-sectoral perspective. They will examine the impact of different social, economic, and political forces/phenomena on multi-sectoral management/policy issues. Students will understand how the changing public service landscape affects policy decision making, management, and governance.
Required course:
- PADM 725: Government, Business, & Society
Elective courses (pick any three):
- PADM 653: Wicked Problems in Public Administration
- PADM 708: Urban and Regional Economic Development
- PADM 714: Public-Private Partnerships
- PADM 716: Introduction to Nonprofit Sector
- PADM 721: Transportation Policy
- PADM 726: Introduction to Public Procurement
- PADM 734: Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
- PADM 740: Community Participation and Civic Engagement
- PADM 760: Collaboration
Total hours required: The MPA degree requires 39 credit hours; 12 elective hours are required for the concentration (all concentration hours are part of the 39 credit hour total). After either concentration (NP or MSPS), the student still has 3 elective credit hours (i.e., one course) to complete.
Note: an MPA student may take any of the above courses, even though the student is not in a concentration. Students may opt out of a concentration once they begin it, by contacting the MPA GPD.
This certificate consists of four core classes (3 credits each for a total of 12 credits) and one elective course (3 credits). These 15 credits can be used to earn the Graduate Certificate in PPCM alongside your MPA degree.
Required core courses:
- PPCM 726 - Introduction to Public Procurement
- PPCM 728 - Public Sector Contract Planning and Formation
- PPCM 731 - Public Sector Procurement Law and Ethics
- PPCM 718 - Public Sector Contract Administration
To view additional Graduate Certificates that can be earned alongside the MPA, please visit: https://www.odu.edu/public-service/academics/mpa/certificates
Note: please be aware that concentrations will show up on transcripts, but not on diplomas (university policy).