Master of Public Administration Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Vickie Carnegie, Graduate Program Director
Meg Jones, Associate Director
Email: mpa@odu.edu
The mission of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program in the School of Public Service at Old Dominion University is to develop professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead and advance public service in a diverse, multi-sector environment. We expect our graduates to be capable of critical problem solving, effective communication, skillful implementation of policy and programs, and ethical application of management and leadership concepts. The MPA program serves the region, state, and nation; supports the professions of public administration and public service; and advances the state of knowledge through applied and scholarly research. This program is available on-campus and online.
The Application Package
The Old Dominion University Graduate Application is done online at https://odu.edu/admission/graduate. Questions about the online process should be directed to gradadmit@odu.edu or by calling (757) 683-3685
. The system will prompt the applicant to complete all components needed to apply to the Master of Public Administration program. Applications to the MPA program are accepted on a rolling basis in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, though it is recommended that prospective students submit their applications at least three months prior to the start of their intended semester. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following:
- Transcripts of all previous college work. During the admissions process, you may submit unofficial transcripts, but you will be required to provide official transcripts after admission;
- A written statement describing how your experience in work and other settings and your choice of graduate study in public administration will lead to achieving your career goals. The statement must be cogent and have a good demonstration of writing ability; this should be considered a writing sample (1000 word maximum length);
- A resume that includes your education and any/all work experience (the GRE is no longer required);
- Minimum of two letters of recommendation from academic sources and/or employment supervisors. Please do not provide letters from friends, co-workers, or family; and
- For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79 on the internet-based TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS.; conditional admission is not offered for applicants who have not confirmed successful completion of the University English language proficiency requirements.
Linked Master of Public Administration Program
The School of Public Service offers a linked program to high-performing Old Dominion University students from a variety of undergraduate majors. Interested students can complete up to 12 graduate-level credit hours in their senior year, and continue in the Master of Public Administration program upon receiving their bachelor's degree. These 12 credits may be applied to both the undergraduate degree as well as the MPA degree, pending admission. Students who wish to pursue this linked program should submit their application to the MPA program prior to beginning their last academic year of undergraduate study, and should apply for the semester immediately following their expected undergraduate graduation. Undergraduate students enrolling in the linked program must have completed all general education requirements and possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the end of their junior year. Students from all majors are welcome to apply, but some undergraduate majors that relate best to this program include Criminal Justice, Human Services, Management, Political Science, and Sociology.
MPH/MPA Dual Degree Path
To pursue the Dual Master's degree path in Public Health and Public Administration, students must be admitted to both programs separately. Interested applicants should review the Master of Public Health program webpage for more information about the MPH application requirements and degree curriculum. Dual degree students who enroll full-time will complete both programs simultaneously in no less than 5 semesters, and will receive two separate degrees. Part-time and Online enrollment options are available. Please contact the MPA and MPH Graduate Program Directors with any questions: mpa@odu.edu and mph@odu.edu.
Financial Assistance
Financial aid is available to graduate students at Old Dominion University. Financial aid may be available in the form of University fellowships, tuition grants, and research assistantships. The School of Public Service offers a limited number of graduate assistantships each semester. In addition to the financial aid offered by the University, graduate students may be eligible for aid and student loans administered by other agencies. For information about Work-Study programs, scholarships, and student loans, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
For information and forms concerning application, contact:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone: (757) 683-3685
Email: gradadmit@odu.edu
For information concerning financial aid, contact:
Office of Financial Aid
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone: (757) 683-3683
Curriculum Requirements
The MPA curriculum consists of 39 credit hours (13 courses). Courses are required in two categories:
- Core Concentration (eight required courses)
- Electives (five courses)
Core Curriculum
The following courses are required of all public administration students.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PADM 651 | Administrative Theory I: The Context of Public Administration | 3 |
| PADM 671 | Public Budgeting and Financial Management | 3 |
| PADM 701 | Public Policy and Evaluation | 3 |
| PADM 723 | Ethics in Public Administration | 3 |
| PADM 736 | Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: A Public Administration and Public Policy Perspective | 3 |
| PADM 753 | Research Methods in Public Administration | 3 |
| Data Analysis | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Applied Statistics and Data Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Data Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Biostatistics for Public Health | ||
| PADM 746 | Capstone Seminar in Public Administration | 3 |
| Core Requirements | 24 | |
| Concentration Courses | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 39 | |
Electives
Students choose their elective courses in the general area of public administration. With the approval of the MPA Program Director, students may take graduate-level courses outside of the Department. If a student elects to do an MPA-approved concentration or certificate program, those would count as elective hours.
MPA Elective courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 5 of the following: | 15 | |
| Regional Planning | ||
| Administrative Theory II: The Process of Public Administration | ||
| Wicked Problems in Public Administration | ||
| Internship/Field Experience * | ||
| Advanced Topics ** | ||
| Methods of Public Program Evaluation | ||
| Urban and Regional Economic Development | ||
| Tools of Government | ||
| Emergency Management and Policy | ||
| Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Public-Private Partnerships | ||
| Management and Governance of Nonprofit Organizations | ||
| Introduction to Nonprofit Sector | ||
| Nonprofit Financial Management | ||
| Public Sector Contract Administration | ||
| Leadership | ||
| Public Human Resources Management | ||
| Transportation Policy | ||
| Administration of Human Services | ||
| Government, Society, and Business | ||
| Introduction to Public Procurement | ||
| Public Procurement and Project Management | ||
| Public Sector Contract Planning and Formation | ||
| Public Sector Procurement Law and Ethics | ||
| Negotiation and Dispute Resolution | ||
| History of Race and Government Institutions | ||
| Cultural Competency | ||
| Community Participation and Civic Engagement | ||
| Managing Development and Change in Organizations | ||
| Performance Measurement and Management | ||
| Collaboration in Public Administration | ||
| Public Financial Management | ||
| Local Government Management | ||
| Intergovernmental Management | ||
| Social Marketing in the Public Sector | ||
| Public Sector Contract Administration | ||
| Introduction to Public Procurement | ||
| Public Sector Contract Planning and Formation | ||
| Public Sector Procurement Law and Ethics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
- *
Students are required to consult the MPA Graduate Program Director to confirm that a specific internship position or field experience role is eligible for PADM 668 course credit, and to determine if any additional requirements are necessary.
- **
From time to time, courses under the heading of PADM 695 “Advanced Topics” will be offered that students may choose to take as electives. Students may take more than one PADM 695, as long as the course is different.
Recommended Core Course Sequence
Students are required to enroll in Administrative Theory I: The Context of Public Administration (PADM 651) as early as possible in their program of study. The remaining core courses are not required to be taken in a specific order. However, the Capstone Seminar (PADM 746) must be taken after the other core courses have been completed (or in the same semester as the last of the core courses are being completed). Students should note that course offerings are limited during the summer term and should plan accordingly.
Additional Requirements
Internship/Field Experience
Practical professional experience in a public or nonprofit agency setting is an important component of the MPA curriculum. A formal internship is highly recommended for students who lack significant experience in a public or nonprofit agency. Internships give students the opportunity to gain professional level experience and provide government or nonprofit agencies with the services of graduate students with high potential for future achievement. MPA students have the opportunity to earn up to three credits for an internship position, which will count as an elective course. PADM 668 Internship/Field Experience is the course students register for to earn credit for their public service experiences. Because the School of Public Service does not offer a comprehensive internship program within our department, these positions are most often acquired externally, though they must be approved by the MPA Graduate Program Director in order to count for course credit. Please contact the MPA Graduate Program Director with any questions you may have about internships or field experience projects: mpa@odu.edu.
For assistance in searching for and obtaining an internship position, contact the Old Dominion University Career Development Services office.
Phone: (757) 683-4388
Email: cds@odu.edu
For more information relating to this program and its requirements, please visit http://www.odu.edu/mpa