Master of Public Administration
Lamar University offers the Master of Public Administration if you are interested in careers in public service – from management of public agencies to administration of non-profit organizations. Available programs of study prepare you with the professional training, knowledge, skills and experience needed to successfully become an integral part of the operation of the government. The program is designed so that practitioners can apply the knowledge gained to their daily activities of management in a public organization as well as advising elected officials.
Delivery Methods
The Department of Political Science offers an on-campus and online delivery format. There is no difference in the quality of education that you receive, only the delivery format. We expect you to perform at a level that employers highly respect and value, regardless of the delivery method. The admission requirements and degree requirements are the same for both on-campus and online delivery methods.
ONLINE
ON CAMPUS
Career Opportunities
A variety of career opportunities is found in government and non-profit agencies, as well as in private businesses and corporations, especially those subject to government regulation. Employment in municipal government includes:
- positions as city managers and assistant city managers
- regional transportation and metropolitan planning agency directors
- water, drainage, hospital and housing district management positions
- legislative assistants at the state or national level
- representatives for private organizations
Admission Requirements
If you are seeking admission to the Public Administration degree program, you must first meet the required standards of the College of Graduate Studies. You must also have the approval of the Department of Political Science.
To apply to the program, you must submit the following documents for the approval of the College of Graduate Studies:
- Completed application form
- Official transcript from each college or university attended
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
- All applicants must meet the university's GRE and GPA standards according to the formula: (GPA x 50) + (GRE Verbal + Quantitative) >/= 428
- (Old (GPA x 200)+ (GRE Verbal + Quantitative) >/=1350)
- A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Political Science, Public Administration, Emergency Management or the equivalent. Degrees in other fields are required to have taken the prerequisite American Government Course.
Academic Prerequisites
The following political science courses or their equivalents are prerequisites:
- POLS 2301-2302 American Government and Politics
The following courses are not mandatory, but are helpful:
- POLS 3316 Introduction to Public Administration
- POLS 2351 Statistics for Social Sciences
- POLS 3340 Formulation of Public Policy
- POLS 3390 Urban Politics
- POLS 4341 Organizational Theory and Behavior
Faculty
Dr. Terri Davis
Dr. Bianca Easterly
Dr. James Nelson
Dr. Brian Williams
Lamar University's graduate level political science faculty hold doctoral degrees and have extensive teaching experience. They are recognized in their profession and by their peers for publications, presentation and professional service.
To discuss graduate opportunities in Public Administration or obtain additional information about degree requirements contact the Department of Political Science at (409) 880-8526 and the Office of Graduate Studies and Research at (409) 880-8229. International students are recommended to contact International Student Services at (409) 880-8356.
MPA Program Director
Dr. Brian D. Williams, Director
Social and Behavioral Science Building
Room 201K
Tel: (409) 880-8110
E-mail: bwilliams9@lamar.edu