The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences offers students a traditional liberal education to meet the needs of the 21st century, allowing them to compete for a variety of careers in an increasingly complex and evolving world.

Master of Science in Public Administration

 

Top Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as Best Public Affairs School - 2019

Public administration graduate earns Local Government Management Fellowship

 

The AUM Master's Degree Program in Public Administration prepares students for management positions in the nonprofit sector and various administrative and management opportunities in local, state, or national government. The program equips students to be effective administrators in today's complex and changing public policy environment. 
 
The twelve-course (thirty-six credit hours) program provides students with broad training in public administration and policy, thereby positioning students for opportunities across the public, non-profit, and private sectors and in federal, state, and local government. The program also offers a four-course concentration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year and applicants should make certain to follow the program's Application Instructions. The program also awards scholarships to new and continuing students who meet certain requirements.

MPA Program Fact Sheet
MPA Plan of Study
MPA Brochure
 
Career Possibilities 

For more information about career opportunities in public service visit publicservicecareers.org. Recent graduates have been admitted to various graduate programs and/or taken positions at the local, state, and national levels as:
Policy Analyst
Budget Analyst
Human Resource Specialist
Government Affairs Specialist
Development Officer
Communications Specialist
Project Manager
Public Relations Professional
Grant Writer

Certificate in Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation

The MPA program offers a four-course certificate in Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation as an option for current students as well as individuals not enrolled in the AUM MPA program. The Certificate Program in Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation provides students with the essential training they need to land the jobs they desire: strong data analysis skills—both with respect to the ability to analyze data and the ability to explain their data analysis in written, visual, and verbal communication. Students work closely with faculty members who are experts in this area. Four courses are currently offered for the certificate: PUAD 6060 Research Design; PUAD 6080 Statistics and Data Analysis; PUAD 6260 Program Evaluation; and PUAD 6540 Public Finance for Policymakers. The courses can be taken in consecutive semesters so that students can earn the certificate in a timely fashion. Students seeking the certificate must earn at least a B in each course that counts toward the certificate.

Certificate in State and Local Administration

The MPA program’s Certificate in State and Local Administration focuses on the policymaking and implementation challenges affecting state and local governments and provides hands-on training in grant writing and grants administration. This certificate requires four courses: PUAD 6130 State and Local Government, PUAD 6160 Intergovernmental Relations, PUAD 6310 Policy and Politics in Urban America, and PUAD 6720 Grants and Contracts. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required across the four courses to earn the certificate.

Program Mission

The mission of the Auburn University at Montgomery M.P.A. program is to prepare students with diverse backgrounds and experiences for successful policymaking and administrative careers at the local, regional, and national levels. Through excellent teaching, research, academic collaboration, community engagement, and service the program provides students with the critical knowledge, professional skills, and public service values required to assume leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. Key hallmarks of the program are its emphasis on the importance of an understanding of the normative, constitutional, and participatory aspects of active citizenship, and the broader challenges facing public policy and administration in the contemporary world. 

Program Faculty

The program’s faculty members have expertise across several areas of public administration and public policy including ethics, program evaluation, organizational behavior, budgeting, financial management, urban politics, state and local government, policy analysis, and non-profits. For more information, please contact the faculty and staff of the Master's Degree Program or please email politicalscience@aum.edu.