Spring classes begin January 11, 2010.
Do you want a rewarding career - providing strong leadership; while having a positive impact on society. With an MPA, career opportunities await you as a budget director, city manager, county administrator, court administration, executive development director, policy analyst. Start advancing your career today.
Can I enroll in MPA classes without formal admission?
Yes. A student may take up to 12 graduate level credits before you need to apply for formal admission to the MPA program. You can gain admittance to the Graduate School as a non-degree seeking student for your first semester. Choose either the online or pdf Graduate Studies application. There are no-fees associated with the non-degree seeking application and you can apply for formal admission the following semester provided you meet current enrollment requirements.
Why choose Minnesota State University Mankato at 7700 France, Edina?
- Convenient location.
- High-tech classrooms.
- Quality instructors.
- The program is designed for working professionals. All courses are offered one evening per week for eight weeks.
- Superior educational investment.
- Respected program, with innovative and engaging faculty who mentor and challenge you to go further than you thought you possibly could on your own.
Spring 2010 Courses
| Course Title (Each course = 2 credits) |
Course/Section |
Day |
Time |
Course Begins |
Course Ends |
Instructor |
| POL 562 Collective Bargaining: Public Sector |
562-82 |
H |
6:00 pm - 8:45pm |
8/27/2009 |
12/3/2009 |
Zellmer, Gary |
| POL 660– Seminar: Public Administration |
660-82 |
W |
6:00-8:45 pm: |
8/26/2009 |
12/2/2009 |
Parsneau, Kevin |
Formal Admissions
The deadline for applications into the MPA program in the fall semester is March 1st. Applicants who are planning to take classes at the Twin Cities campus can obtain a deadline exemption by submitting a deadline exemption form with their application.
Admission Requirements for the MPA (Master of Public Administration) are:
- An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last two years of undergraduate coursework, OR: Other factors (e.g. promising public or private sector work experience) demonstrating that the program can be successfully completed.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
- All students need a reasonable background knowledge in government and quantitative methods. In some cases, the student's advisor may require that knowledge and skill deficiencies be remedied.
The GRE is not required for admission to this program. All applicants are required to submit the following information to the College of Graduate Studies by the deadline for the semester applied:
- Completed Application for Graduate Study located on the College of Graduate Studies and Research website.
- Two official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- Completed immunization form.
- $40 application fee.
- Verification of baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Required information from international students.
Send Information for items 1 - 6 above to:
College of Graduate Studies and Research
Minnesota State University, Mankato
115 Alumni Foundation Center
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-2321
Fax: 507-389-5974
Upon receipt of the above information, the College of Graduate Studies forwards the student's file to the department for admission recommendation. After the graduate coordinator of the Political Science/Law Enforcement Department has recommended the student be admitted to the program, the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies will certify that the student meets the admission requirements and will then admit the student to the program and the College of Graduate Studies.
MPA Contact
Political Science Department
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Dr. Scott Grandberg-Rademacker
109 Morris Hall
Mankato, MN 56001
507-389-2721
Tuition
For information related to tuition, including convenient payment plan options, click here.
Program Outline
There are 34 credits required for both the American Administration Track and the International Administration Track of the MPA. In order to complete the required 34 graduate credits, students must take the following courses:
Common Core Courses: 19 credits
- POL 600: Research Methods (3 credits)
- POL 606: Organization Theory (3 credits)
- POL 611: Orientation for Graduate Students (1 credit)
- POL 622: Seminar: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
- POL 628: Seminar: Public Management (3 credits)
- POL 662: Human Resource Management (3 credits)
- POL 663: Budget and Fiscal Management (3 credits)
American Administration Track: 9 credits
ONE of the following (totaling 3 credits):
- POL 550: Topics in Public Law (with permission)
- POL 560: Topics in Public Policy/Administration (with permission)
- POL 562: Collective Bargaining: Public Sector
- POL 570: Topics in Institutions & Process (with permission)
- POL 571: Public Opinion and Polling Methods
- POL 572: Urban Government
- POL 573: Legislative Process
- POL 574: Executive Process
- POL 580: Topics in Political Methodology (with permission)
- POL 660: Seminar: Public Administration
- POL 670: Seminar: Public Law
- POL 680: State-Urban Governance
TWO of the following (totaling 6 credits):
- POL 610: Seminar: American Politics
- POL 650: Seminar: Ethics and Values in Administration
- POL 691: Internship (with permission)
International Administration Track: 9 credits
ONE of the following: (totaling 3 credits):
- POL 530: Topics in International Relations (with permission)
- POL 532: International Law
- POL 533: International Organization
- POL 534: US Foreign Policy
- POL 535: Capitalism, Nationalism and Democracy
- POL 536: International Political Economy
- POL 537: International Conflict Resolution
- POL 539: Comparative Social Policy
- POL 540: Topics in Comparative Politics (with permission)
- POL 548: Political Change and Development
- POL 549: Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
TWO of the following: (totaling 6 credits):
- POL 620: Seminar: Issues in Comparative Government and Administration
- POL 630: Seminar: International Relations
- POL 650: Seminar: Ethics and Values in Administration
Required Electives (0-5 credits, depending on Thesis/APP)
Choose any 500/600 level electives selected in consultation with an advisor.
Research/Language Tool (Graduate College Requirement)
As required by the Graduate College, MPA students must demonstrate proficiency in an advanced research methods area. This research requirement may be satisfied by taking POL 669: Seminar in Public Policy Analysis, or with the approval of the students advisor, by taking some other advanced research course or by demonstrating a foreign language competency. These credits may not be applied toward the Masters degree.
Required Thesis or Alternate Plan Paper
POL 694: Alternative Plan Paper (1-2 credits)
POL 699: Thesis (3-6 credits)
A thesis prospectus and a thesis defense are required for all students taking the thesis option.
All MPA students must pass comprehensive exams. The policy on comprehensive exams can be found here: Comprehensive Exam Policy
Check out the Registration page for additional details and rules as they apply to the current semester.
