Master of Public Administration | John Glenn

Master of Public Administration | John Glenn
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Master of Public Administration
Graduate Programs
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Choose to make a difference.
The Master of Public Administration degree will provide you with the applied skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. You will be prepared to lead and grow in your career through a solid grounding in the study of public policy, economics, management and data analysis.
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MPA Program Modalities
In-Person
Attend classes with your cohort on Ohio State's Columbus campus.
Online
Earn your MPA from anywhere.
D.C.
Complete year 1 in Columbus or online, with year 2 in D.C.
MPA Core Curriculum
The MPA curriculum is 52 total credit hours. Core coursework (32 credit hours) is designed to provide students a solid grounding in the study of public policy, economics, management and data analysis. MPA students often complete core coursework during the first year of study. During year two, students are able to specialize coursework through skills courses, electives and a Capstone course. (Courses may not be offered every term.)
Explore Sample Course Syllabi
Find More Curriculum Information on the MPA Advising Page
Master's Program Handbook
Public Policy Stream
PUBAFRS 6000 – Public Policy Formulation and Implementation
Analysis of the operating environment of the public administrator: public policy processes, public organization behavior and policy formulation in the U.S. federal system.
PUBAFRS 6010 – Legal Environment of Public Organizations
Examination of public administration within the managerial, political and legal traditions of the U.S. Constitution with the goal of teaching public managers how to work with the law through an understanding of legal concepts, jargon, skills and issues. The course covers federal and Ohio law
Economics Stream
PUBAFRS 6030 – Public Sector Economics
Economic analysis applied to problems of public policy selection and government management operations; efficiency criteria, market failure and public choice applied to administrative decision-making.
PUBAFRS 6040 – Public Budgeting and Finance
Comprehensive survey and analysis of the principal fiscal activities of contemporary governments; logic of public-sector activity; taxation principles and practice, intergovernmental relations and current fiscal problems. Budgeting as analysis of resource allocation, planning evaluation and control; tools of analysis for program budgeting and measurement of program results; case studies.
Prerequisite: PUBAFRS 6030
Management Stream
PUBAFRS 6060 – Managing Human Resources in Public Organizations
Development of analytic and interpersonal skills needed for public sector management. Analytical and experiential learning through reading, lecture, discussion, case analysis, in-class presentations, management decision-making simulations and role-playing.
Choose one:
PUBAFRS 6050 – Managing Public Sector Organizations
Analysis of alternative approaches to the management of public agencies. Examination of alternative strategies that managers may use to link the agency to its operating environment.
PUBAFRS 7553 - Nonprofit Management and Governance
An advanced survey course on nonprofit management and governance, with a concentrated focus on managing the external environment and evaluating nonprofit capacity for organizational performance and social impact.
Decisions Support Systems Stream
PUBAFRS 6070 – Public Affairs Statistics
Techniques and statistics used in the analysis of public policy issues and problems
PUBAFRS 6080 – Public Affairs Program Evaluation
Survey of the conceptual, methodological, bureaucratic, political and organizational issues surrounding evaluation research.
Prerequisite: PUBAFRS 6070
Delivery, Preparation and Work Experience
This accredited master's degree program is now offered in-person and online.
In-Person: No more than one core or elective course can be taken online per term. Availability of online coursework is not guaranteed.
Online: Majority of coursework must be completed online.
Learn more about the MPA-DC program.
This is a sample plan. Courses and timing are subject to change.
Year 1:
Autumn Semester
PUBAFRS 6000: Public Policy Formulation and Implementation (4)
PUBAFRS 6030: Public Sector Economics (4)
PUBAFRS 6070: Public Affairs Statistics (4)
PUB AFRS 6500: (skills) Written and Oral Communication (2)
Spring Semester
PUBAFRS 6010: Legal Environment of Public Organizations (4)
PUBAFRS 6040: Public Budgeting and Finance (4)
PUBAFRS 6080: Public Affairs Program Evaluation (4)
Elective (3 credits each)
Skills course(s) (1 credit each)
Summer Term (Optional)
Elective (3 credits each)
Skills course(s) (1 credit each)
Year 2:
Autumn Semester
PUBAFRS 6050: Managing Public Sector Organizations (4)
OR
PUBAFRS 7553: Nonprofit Management and Governance (4)
Elective (3 credits each)
Elective (3 credits each)
Skills course(s) (1 credit each)
Spring Semester
PUBAFRS 6060: Managerial Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (4)
Elective (3 credits each)
PUBAFRS 79__: Capstone course (3)
Skills course(s) (1 credit each)
Review the MPA Advising Page for more information on curriculum and course requirements
including prerequisite information and elective, skills and capstone course options.
This is a sample plan. Courses and timing are subject to change.
Year 1
Autumn Semester
PUBAFRS 6000: Public Policy Formulation and Implementation (4)
PUB AFRS 6500: (skills) Written and Oral Communication (2)
Skills course (1 credit each)
Spring Semester
PUBAFRS 6010: Legal Environment of Public Organizations (4)
PUBAFRS 6060: Managerial Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (4)
Skills course (1 credit each)
Summer Term
PUBAFRS 6030: Public Sector Economics (4)
Elective (3 credits each)
Year 2
Autumn Semester
PUBAFRS 6070: Public Affairs Statistics (4)
PUBAFRS 6040: Public Budgeting and Finance (4)
Spring Semester
PUBAFRS 6080: Public Affairs Program Evaluation (4)
Elective (3 credits each)
Skills course (1 credit each)
Summer Term
Elective (3 credits each)
Elective (3 credits each)
Year 3
Autumn Semester
PUBAFRS 6050: Managing Public Sector Organizations (4)
OR
PUBAFRS 7553: Nonprofit Management and Governance (4)
PUBAFRS 79__: Capstone course (3)
Review the MPA Advising Page for more information on curriculum and course requirements
including prerequisite information and elective, skills and capstone course options.
Students are expected to be familiar with basic concepts of statistics and economics, and knowledgeable about the workings of the U.S. government. Undergraduate courses in microeconomics, statistics and government are strongly recommended.
Students are also required to have completed a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution to enroll, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you do not meet the minimum requirements set by the university, but would still like to apply, contact the Glenn College to discuss additional options.
Before applying
Complete our Inquiry Form
: Introduce yourself to the Glenn College admissions team, express interest in our programs, and receive additional information about the Glenn College experience and offerings.
Review the step-by-step instructions for applying below, which include important deadlines and other required materials.
PLEASE NOTE: the deadline below is the date in which
all application materials must be received
including online application form, resume, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, test scores (if applicable) and transcripts. Applications that are not entirely complete by the date set below will not be reviewed.
Application Deadlines:
Autumn start:
November 15:
Fellowship priority deadline date
Students who apply by November 15 will be considered for
University fellowship
and College-level scholarship awards. Online students are not eligible for fellowships per Graduate School policy. Details are found on the
Masters Program Funding webpage
.
February 15:
Scholarship priority deadline date
Students who apply by February 15 will be considered for College-level scholarship awards. Priority will be given to in-person students, but online students may be considered based on strength of application.
April 15:
International applicant final application deadline
June 1:
Domestic applicant final application deadline
Spring start:
September 1:
International applicant deadline
November 1:
Domestic applicant deadline
MPA-DC program applicants are encouraged to visit the
program webpage
for additional information.
Master of Public Administration Application
Please note that there are separate applications for
online
and
in-person
modalities.
Program Code:
PUBADM-MPA
The status will first become available two to three days after your application is received. Visit the
Applicant Center
to check the status of your application during the admissions process.
Application Fee:
$60 for domestic applicants
$70 for international applicants
This fee is nonrefundable
University Application Fee Waivers (U.S. applicants only)
If you feel you qualify for an application fee waiver please select the appropriate box(es) under the application fee waiver section of the online application.
You must submit proof in order to qualify for an application fee waiver.
Qualifying criteria are listed on the
Graduate Admissions
webpage.
You cannot submit your online application until your application fee waiver request is approved or your application fee is paid. You will be notified if your application fee waiver request is not approved, at which time you should return to the online application and submit the application fee.
We seek to control cost, increase aid for low- and moderate-income families and enhance programs that support success in and out of the classroom. Ohio State is committed to making an excellent college education more accessible and affordable for Buckeyes everywhere.
University Tuition
College and University Funding Information
Ohio State's ScholarshipUniverse
Statement of Purpose prompt:
Please write a personal statement that outlines your interest in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs and how your education and work experience qualify you for admission.
Things to consider when crafting your statement: your personal motivation for seeking out a graduate degree, which can include academic background, work/professional experience and/or "miles traveled;" your preparation for coursework in the program; what you hope to gain from and contribute to the Glenn College Community during your time here; and how this degree aligns with your short- and long-term academic and professional goals.
While there is no length requirement for this personal statement, the committee expects at least 2-3 pages to adequately answer the prompts.
*If you are an internal transfer student who started an Ohio State degree that you do not plan to complete before entering the Glenn College, please describe why you do not plan to complete your current degree (e.g., unable to pass qualifying exams, change in research interests), and why you think that the Glenn College is a better fit.
Resume or CV:
Be sure to include work experience, volunteer activities, academics and professional honors, honorary societies, extracurricular activities, offices held, any publications and other significant activities.
Three letters of recommendation are required and should reflect the academic and, if relevant, job capability and experiences of the applicant. The letters should speak to the applicant’s ability to excel in an academic professional program.
Requirements:
Letters must be submitted electronically using the
online application
(select “Public Policy and Management”).
While completing your online application, please provide your recommender’s name and email address. The Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions will send an email to the recommenders instructing them to complete a short assessment and upload a PDF recommendation letter.
Inform your letter writers that they will receive an email from Ohio State once you submit the online application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure letters of recommendation are completed by posted deadlines.
If recommenders experience difficulties accessing the link or using the online system, please contact the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions directly at
gpadmissions@osu.edu
.
Letters of recommendation sent directly to the Glenn College will not be accepted.
Upload transcripts from
ALL
of the universities and colleges you attended with your online application as an attachment.
Transcripts are required, even for classes transferred from another institution, including classes attended during high school or completed through a study abroad program.
Transcripts are not required for coursework completed at Ohio State.
Submit copies (front and back) of official transcripts. Please submit only scanned images of official transcripts issued by your institution’s registrar. Ohio State will not accept web reports, advising reports, self-reported scores or transfer credit on another school’s transcript.
Transcripts submitted with the online application are considered unofficial and, if admitted, you will be required to submit an official set of transcripts with statement of degree (if appropriate) prior to enrolling at Ohio State.
GRE Scores are no longer required
for any applicant to a master's level program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Applicants with a GPA that fall below a 3.0 are encouraged to contact the
Glenn College
for further direction in strengthening their application.
Official GRE Codes:
Institution Code: 1592
Department Code: 2204
International Students:
International students must submit
TOEFL or IELTS
test scores; scores should be above the equivalent of a TOEFL iBT Total Score of 100 for consideration
.
All test scores (if needed), including GRE and English proficiency, must be sent directly to
Graduate Admissions
.
The proof of English proficiency requirement is handled by the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. You can find out more information, including potential exemptions to this requirement, on their
International Additional Requirements to Apply
webpage.
Connect with Us!
Visit the
Connect with Us
page to learn more about how to get in contact to learn more about our graduate programs, attend an information session or find out if we are visiting your college or university this Fall!
Connect with Us!
Live, learn and work in Washington while earning your degree.
The Glenn College MPA-DC program allows you to complete your MPA while gaining professional experience in the nation's capital.
Master of Public Administration Washington, D.C.
We're here to help.
Contact
glennapply@osu.edu
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