Program Objectives
The objective of the MPA program at WVSU is to develop public managers and administrators to become visionary leaders in public service. Graduates will be able to:

1. Apply appropriate management practices to the public and non-profit sectors.
2. Analyze and apply to “real world” scenarios, competing policy proposals and management techniques by utilizing evidence-based decision-making.
3. Evaluate the quality of management practices and public policy proposals.
4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate professionally within the setting of public and non-profit organizations.

Careers
Having completed the required coursework for the graduate program in public administration, graduates of the MPA program are well prepared for a wide range of careers, including:

• Program Director
• Program Coordinator
• Program Manager
• Budget Analyst
• Research Associate
• City/Urban/Regional Planner
• City Manager

Benefits of this program include:

• Value – WVSU offers some of the most affordable graduate programs in the area
• Flexibility – all classes are either in the evening or online
• Location – close proximity to the State Capitol provides experiential education and professional development activities
• Opportunity – professional growth enabling career advancement, salary increases, and career change

Students with relevant professional experience will complete the Program in 36 credit-hours, while pre-professional students will be encouraged to take an additional 6 credit-hours of internship for a total of 42 credit hours. In order to graduate with the degree in Public Administration from WVSU, every student must complete all coursework with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students who fall below a 3.0 CGPA will be placed on academic probation until such time as they regain a 3.0 CGPA. Students who accumulate more than two (2) “C” grades, or students on academic probation who fail to regain a 3.0 CGPA, will be dismissed from the WVSU MPA.