Students in Clark University’s Master’s in Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree program develop the executive skills needed to manage operational issues, policy, organizational challenges, communications and politically sensitive concerns. The institution’s School of Professional Studies offers the program. The university is based in Worcester, Mass.

The school’s MPA delivers an individualized curriculum with evening and online classes to accommodate professionals’ schedules. The program provides hands-on experience in public policy and regulatory matters. The required core competencies in the curriculum are drawn from those identified by NASPAA, the Global Standard in Public Service Education.

GPN reached out to Mary M. Piecewicz (photo below to the left) to learn more about the Clark MPA offering. Piecewicz is the program lead at Clark’s School of Professional Studies. Her views are below.

GPN: Can your school’s MPA degree offer new opportunities to our readers?

Mary M. Piecewicz: The Clark University School of Professional Studies MPA program provides students a variety of options to tailor their graduate degree, whether their interest is in nonprofits, public administration, human services management, ethics or leadership.

Our program offers on-campus and online classes for the busy professional. Over the course of the MPA degree program, students will:

— Learn from thought leaders in the field of public administration and nonprofit management,
— Cultivate relationships with international students and working professionals,
— Experience professional and personal development,
— Achieve greater career advancement,
— Attain professional recognition and credibility, and
— Participate in a unique and collaborative environment that fosters academic and professional success

GPN: Is 2017 a great time to earn an MPA for government administrators?

MP: At the Clark University School of Professional Studies, we focus on addressing today’s critical issues in nonprofit and public settings. Our MPA program provides students with advanced managerial and analytical skills needed to be a highly effective leader in government administration.

Today, government professionals need to keep current with a host of changes – technological, societal and political. Our MPA program helps professionals navigate this ever-changing workplace environment. Our faculty are professors of practice – thought leaders in the sectors where they work. They bring current issues and ideas to the classroom. This allows students to challenge the status quo and formulate impactful solutions.

GPN: Do your school’s MPA program administrators have any advice for our readers on choosing a MPA program?

MP: In choosing a master’s program, prospective students should think “broad” and “focused.” First, look for a good foundation — core requirements that interconnect to provide a broad view of how government functions. Secondly, look for a program that offers electives with a specialized focus. Specialized areas of study can be applied to other career tracks. For example, Clark’s MPA program offers four areas of specialized concentration: Nonprofit Management, Public Administration Leadership, Educational Leadership and Healthcare Administration.

In the video, Shaun Holt, assistant director of admissions for marketing and communications at Clark University, and student Ted Randich ’16, take viewers on a tour of some of Worcester’s green spaces. Stops include Bancroft Tower and hiking trails located minutes from Clark’s campus.

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