Program Description: The Master of Public Affairs degree is designed for managers, executives, and other leaders looking for career development. While their undergraduate training varies, many M.P.A. students are usually employed in public agencies. For those with limited experience, the program is an opportunity to obtain advanced training to prepare for leadership and management positions.

The curriculum leading to the degree combines a core of general public managerial courses with others in a specialization chosen according to the student's career plans. The core classes emphasize applied skills in management, budgeting, policy analysis, and quantitative methods. Specializations include management, public finance, criminal justice, health care, arts management, and human resources management.

Required Standardized Test: GRE General Exam

Minimum Admissions Requirements: Same as the Graduate School

Additional Admissions Criteria: None

Application Deadline: None

Prerequisites: None

Number of Graduate Faculty: 6

Number of Students: 43

Location of Course Offerings: Asheville

Graduate Program Director:

Dr. Chris Cooper
Department of Political Science and Public Affairs
828-227-3861
ccooper@email.wcu.edu

Departmental Website: Public Affairs - M.P.A.