Public Administration

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Public Administration
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372

Phone: 910.521.6637
Fax: 910.775.4423
Email: pa@uncp.edu
Email: mpa@uncp.edu

Location: Business Administration Building, Room 215
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what is public administration?

Public administration is a discipline drawing from political science, economics, sociology, and other fields to enhance understanding of public bureaucracies and administrative behavior.  It has broad applicability to non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, even to the private sector.  Public administration uses a combination of theory and skill development to prepare individuals to work within and work with public organizations.  Although it obviously provides superior preparation for those interested in public service, a public administration education offers value for anyone with an intellectual interest in public affairs.  A quality public administration education enables individuals to move freely between the public, private, and non-profit sectors, creating exciting and significant career opportunities.

The MPA degree builds on the breadth of knowledge and insights generated by the public administration discipline, combining this with skill training typically required of leaders in all sectors, especially within public organizations.   Students receive both solid conceptual and theoretical grounding in all subject areas we expect leaders to master, and in-depth training in key analytical and managerial skills required in all organizations. 

At the undergraduate level, public administration complements the liberal arts training typical in a student’s early college career, allowing students to develop a greater understanding of the public sector and public organizations.   Students enhance those skills learned in their general education courses, ranging from analytical to communication skills, and supplement them with introductions to leadership skills, quantitative analysis, and financial management.    Career options for students completing an undergraduate public administration program are limitless – although students often pursue further training in graduate or professional programs, they can move easily into practically any organization, engaging in almost any kind of occupation requiring well-trained, intelligent individuals.

Updated: Friday, October 1, 2010