The MPA degree program is designed to help students satisfy a set of "universal required competencies" developed by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). These competencies drive the program's mission and they clearly support public service values. The required competencies are organized as five domains.

Domain 1 - Leadership and Management: Students will demonstrate the ability to lead and manage in public governance;
Domain 2 - Public Policy Process: Students will demonstrate the ability to participate in and contribute to the policy process;
Domain 3 - Critical Thinking and Decision-Making: Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions;
Domain 4 - Public Service Advocacy: Students will demonstrate the ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective; and,
Domain 5 - Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Course-Specific Student Learning Outcomes

The program of study for the MPA degree is 40 credits. Each course in the program will have 3-5 course-specific student learning outcomes with accompanying learning opportunities, and learning targets.

Student-Selected Learning Outcomes

The program is also designed to comply with principles of learner-centered and project-based teaching and learning. Students are advised to design a Personal Learning Plan soon after they are admitted to the program. That plan should include student-selected learning outcomes that must be clearly aligned with the program-level and course-specific learning outcomes.

Program Contact Information

Geoffrey Whitebread – geoffrey.whitebread@gallaudet.edu