Master in Public Administration (M.P.A.)
The Rutgers University-Camden M.P.A. degree prepares graduates to think critically, serve and lead with empathy and understanding, and promote a democratic way of life through
civic engagement. As a critical component of a public research university,
Rutgers-Camden provides pre-service and in-service students opportunities to
learn by applying classroom and extramural experience to real-world governance
challenges facing Camden, the South Jersey/greater Philadelphia region, and the
world. Students have opportunities to participate in community
outreach and conduct research, in particular through the Senator Walter Rand
Institute for Public Affairs, the Community Leadership Center, and the Center
for Urban Research and Education.
The Rutgers-Camden M.P.A. degree is accredited by the National Association for Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. The program provides students a firm foundation in both public administration and public policy and stresses the public service values of justice, equality, diversity, and transparency. The core curriculum emphasizes managerial professionalism, leadership, decision-making, analytic skills, substantive knowledge, and ethics as well as specific competencies in such areas as public finance and public information systems.
The 42-credit degree program requires students to take the common core of coursework in public policy and administration. In addition, all students must select a specialization in public management, community development, or education leadership. Both the public management and community development specializations also offer an optional policy focus in education policy or international public service and development as a way to structure the elective course requirement.
The public management specialization prepares candidates for government service and work in the nonprofit sector. The community development specialization provides students with theoretical and applied exposure to domestic and international aspects of power, policy, advocacy, and resource allocation to address urban public administration.
The optional policy focus in educational policy is designed for students with an interest in public administration or community development and education policy. The optional policy focus in international public service and development is designed for students interested in pursing careers in foreign service or work with international nongovernmental organizations. Coverdell Fellowships for full and partial tuition are available to Returning Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) admitted to the M.P.A. program.
The educational leadership specialization prepares students with professional experience in education for leadership positions. Students complete a rigorous program to complete both the M.P.A. program requirements and the New Jersey Department of Education principal and supervisory certification. Students who may already possess master's degrees in education or related fields may earn a Post-Degree Education Supervisor Certificate as nonmatriculated students by completing four curriculum and leadership courses.
Executive Master in Public Administration
The executive master in public administration program (in South Jersey) is offered in collaboration with Rutgers Center for Executive Leadership in Government. This highly selective, 42-credit program targets mid- to upper-level
managers with at least five years of administrative and/or
managerial experience for executive leadership positions. Students are admitted as a cohort each fall, and classes are held on Saturday mornings in West Windsor, New Jersey. Courses are designed to develop and enhance
students' leadership, organizational, policy, and public management
skills, and are taught in a hybrid-learning format. Degree requirements can be
completed in 24 months with one-week summer residencies offered over two
summers. Additionally, up to 12 credits may be awarded for
professional experience.
