Public Administration
The public sector plays a vital role in the economy of Alaska. One fifth of Alaska’s GDP is directly due to the public sector and over a quarter of Alaska’s employment is provided by the public sector. For many businesses, the public sector is the largest customer base around. Whether students work for themselves, a business, or in the public sector, understanding how the government works will be critical to student success.
The public sector builds the key social and economic infrastructure that makes Alaska such a wonderful place to live. There are fantastic career opportunities in a wide range of areas such as technology and telecommunications, transportation, energy, natural resources, and education or training. Having a Master of Public Administration (MPA) will help students develop their career in these and other areas. Networking is an important part of career development, and in the MPA program, students will have the opportunity to meet public sector leaders from across Alaska. The program teaches the value of community, and the importance of public service. Our communities thrive when the public and private sectors work well together.
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) MPA program, delivered 100% online, is available to students Alaska and the Yukon Territory.
Mission
The University of Alaska Master of Public Administration program prepares students to be competent, ethical, and effective public and nonprofit administrators and leaders for a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry. The MPA program is committed to practitioner-oriented instruction, flexible and convenient online learning, and offering courses relevant to students in the State of Alaska and the Yukon Territory.Values
The core public service values of the MPA Program are reflected in the five commitments articulated in the Code of Ethics of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA):
- Serve the public interest
- Respect the constitution and the law
- Demonstrate personal integrity
- Promote ethical organizations
- Strive for professional excellence
- Value equity, inclusion, and dignity for all
Program Level Competences and Student Learning Outcomes
The MPA Program’s learning goals are based on the program mission, our public service values, and competencies required by professional standards (NASPAA – Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration). A set of more detailed student learning outcomes for each of our courses are associated with our program-level competencies.
The MPA curriculum is developed to include required workplace competencies in five domains, including the ability:
- To lead and manage in public governance.
- To participate in and contribute to the policy process.
- To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.
- To articulate and apply a public service perspective.
- To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.