Government Product News has profiled a variety of MPA offerings in its series on graduate degree programs and their value to government administrators. The University of Phoenix program is the latest profile in GPN’s MPA series.

The University of Phoenix Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program helps students develop the skills necessary to create and implement public policy. Courses such as Law and Public Administration, and Public Budgeting help students go beyond theory and gain real-world insight into how governments operate.

The MPA program helps students develop the managerial skills necessary to manage in the public sector. This program focuses on an entrepreneurial approach to issues and opportunities at the state and local government levels. The university offers MPA courses at campus locations in 39 states. The university also offers online MPA program courses.

Garland H. Williams, who is Dean of Academics at the University of Phoenix College of Criminal Justice and Security, offers his views here on the University of Phoenix MPA program.

GPN: Can work experience be considered for credit in the MPA?

Garland H. Williams: Prior Learning Assessments are considered for any relevant work experience that may equate with our Master of Public Administration courses. The assessments will be evaluated through the use of experiential essays, the American Council on Education evaluation of military training, evaluation of corporate training from our corporate partners, and national testing.

GPN: Can a University of Phoenix MPA degree offer new opportunities to readers of Government Product News and visitors to our GPN web site?

GHW: Our MPA program provides a solid education in advanced public sector theory and how it relates to today’s world. Most of our students are working learners who discuss how to apply these fundamentals to real-world problems. This combination of theory and practical application provides access to the workings within ever-changing public administration requirements.

Upon completion of our MPA program, students understand strategic policy planning and implementation in a political environment. They can identify public sector leadership competencies in public organizations, and can leverage public/public and public/private strategic partnerships in inter-governmental relationships. They also can comprehend the application of a significant amount of knowledge within the domains of Public Administration including:
•    Communications for Public Administrators
•    Human Capital Development in the Public Sector
•    Law and Public Administration
•    Data Analysis for Public Policy and Management
•    Public Budgeting and Finance
•    Leading Organizational Development in the Public Sector
Public Policy Planning and Implementation

GPN: Is 2014 a great time to earn an MPA for government administrators?

GHW: The University of Phoenix MPA program prepares individuals to serve as managers in the executive branch of local, state/provincial, and federal/national government, and increasingly in nongovernmental organization (NGO) and nonprofit sectors. The degree explores current domains in public administration including institutions, processes and human capital development. Additionally, the student learns how to apply technology in the public sector and develop an understanding of the tools used in public budgeting and accounting.

At the University of Phoenix, students can complete the MPA in as little as 18 months. Graduates will then be able to demonstrate an understanding in many fields of public administration, including:  
•    Strategic policy planning and implementation
•    Innovative public sector leadership competencies
•    Strategic partnerships with other public agencies, as well as private organizations

The MPA requires a minimum of 36 credits, which may come from a combination of required and elective courses. Working learners who are seeking additional knowledge in a particular subject area can take individual courses that relate to their needs. The coursework goes beyond theory to offer real-world insight into how governments function.

GPN: Does the University of Phoenix have any advice for our readers on choosing an MPA program?

GHW: There are many quality MPA programs. The curriculum in the University of Phoenix program is based on current standards set forth by NASPAA, the Global Standard in Public Service Education. Courses are typically reviewed every 18 months to ensure the information presented is vital and valuable to our students. At the university, our faculty members have on average 20 years of experience in the field and hold leadership positions in those fields. The combination of curriculum, faculty experience and flexible learning schedules is very desirable to today’s working adults who will develop relevant in-demand public administration skills.

GPN: Thank you, Garland H. Williams, for your views.

This video describes the University of Phoenix Alumni Mentor program.

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