Professional Work Experience

An approved PWE comprises 300–400 hours of work with a public service organization. On-campus students typically complete their PWE during the summer following their first year in the program. Online students can complete their PWE after completing six specific core courses. A typical schedule for a full-time PWE consists of 40 hours a week for 10 weeks (400 hours), while a part-time PWE may consist of a flexible schedule extending over 15 weeks (300 hours).

The PWE gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to a public sector work setting that may align with their unique interests and goals.

The primary objective of the Professional Work Experience (PWE) is to strategically apply the knowledge and skills gained in the MPA program to a professional setting. The PWE is designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful, hands-on work within the public sector, allowing them to:

• Experiment, observe, and apply their learning in a real-world public service environment.
• Refine and enhance the knowledge, skills, and competencies developed through MPA coursework.
• Reflect on how their academic learning informs practical application, and carry those insights forward into future courses and professional experiences.

Students with five or more years of public service experience who are currently employed within a public service organization may, upon completion of the prerequisite coursework, apply for a waiver for the PWE requirement. However, all students, regardless of waiver status, are required to complete PUBA 747: Applied Research Problem I course.