The Public Management concentration equips students with a strong foundation in knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively engage public service work. You’ll develop expertise in the organizational structures, managerial practices, and core values that guide public service leaders.

What can I do in public management with an MPA degree?

Careers in public management require the knowledge, practices, and skills needed to implement change in public service sectors. 

Students pursuing the public management concentration will find these skills helpful for careers in local, state, and federal government as well as in specific areas of health services, education, security, public health, and community planning. Graduates will be prepared for the following roles: 

    • Municipal or county manager 
    • Economic development director 
    • Financial manager 
    • Legislative analyst 
    • Strategic initiatives director 
    • Community engagement manager 
    • Government relations manager 
    • Education administrator 
    • Health Services manager 
    • Emergency Management director 
    • Public policy analyst 
    • Federal program administrator 
    • Management analyst 
    • Budget director 
    • Nonprofit development officer 
    • Human Resources director 
    • Public Affairs director 
    • Operations manager 
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Coursework

Students who want to pursue a concentration in public management must complete at least nine credit hours from the list of electives below or other elective courses as approved in advance. 

PUBA 740 Decision Analysis

3 credit hours (on-campus and online)

PUBA 742 Data Visualization

1.5 credit hours (hyflex online)

PUBA 744 Immersion

1.5 credit hours (Weekend Intensive)

PUBA 754 Social Equity in Public Administration: Theory to Practice

3 credit hours (hyflex online)

PUBA 759 Social Capital’s Role in American Communities: From Theory to Practice

1.5 credit hours (hyflex online)

PUBA 768 Mediation Skills

1.5 credit hours (Weekend Intensive)

PUBA 769 Facilitation Skills

1.5 credit hours (Weekend Intensive)

PUBA 772 Mediation Skills for Public Managers

3 credit hours (online)

PUBA 787 Applied Environmental Finance

3 credit hours (oncampus)

Faculty Contact

Willow S. Jacobson