San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192
(408) 924-1000
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General Description
Mission Statement: The mission of our Master of Public Administration program is to educate and train individuals to become the leaders, managers and analysts in public and non-profit agencies that serve the Silicon Valley and its diverse population, using tools that enable them to recognize and value diversity and equity, behave with high ethical standards, manage personnel resources equitably, recognize and manage risk, and manage programs and policies efficiently and cost-effectively. Upon completion of the degree students will employ critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and public service focus in the delivery of community services through the city, county, special district, state agency or non-profit agency.
The program includes core courses, advanced seminars and elective courses from within the program and also from related areas, such as communications studies, political science and urban planning. A faculty of academically and professionally-qualified professors imparts both education and inspiration leading to a community-focused view of a public service career. The curriculum emphasizes the values of social equity, transparency, and community engagement, and includes:
• Core courses in the theory and practice of public management at the local and state government levels, and in locally-focused non-profit agencies, focused on management skills and tools, and policy development and analysis recognizing community needs;
• Opportunities for practical experience through internships in local public and non-profit organizations for those without public or non-profit agency administrative experience;
• Encouragement to use the culminating experience project as a service to a public or non-profit agency, providing research and survey services, analysis and recommendations for implementation of policies and programs to enhance their service delivery. The program is focused primarily on expanding the knowledge and skills of fully employed professionals in public and non-profit agencies, on adults seeking career changes, and on selected recent graduates who are highly motivated toward a career in public service or non-profit agencies. The MPA Advisory Committee, made up of leaders in community public and non-profit agencies, provides guidance on curriculum development to meet the evolving needs of their organizations and communities.
The MPA Program Stresses:
• The special environment and problems of administration in local government.
• Government’s place in the social and economic systems.
• The human side of administration, including theories of motivation and leadership.
• Techniques and strategies for program analysis, planning, evaluation and implementation, including the application of information technology and awareness of cybersecurity challenges.
• The nuts and bolts of budgeting, public personnel management, non-profit management and regional governance. Emphasis is given to the practical application of administrative theories and skills. The courses require students to master written and oral communication, interpersonal relations, computer applications for policy development and budget administration, and the art of problem solving.
Areas of Research
Civic Education, Equity & Inclusion, Finance & Budgeting, Human Resources, Legal Issues, Management, Organizational Development, Public Policy
Other Programs Offered
Master of Urban Planning
Type or Delivery Method Available
Traditional, in person