Public Administration Mission and Objectives

MPA Program Vision Statement:

The Texas Tech University Master of Public Administration Program addresses public service in an integrated manner. We prepare the next generation of public service leaders who administer domestic and international governmental, non-profit, and environmental, organizations with professional and disciplinary expertise. We prepare public administrators to: (1) practice skillful and evidence-based public service; (2) conduct and communicate program evaluations and policy analyses that inform the diverse fields within public service; and (3) provide interdisciplinary expertise in the service of academic, professional, and community-based public service organizations.

MPA Program Mission Statement:

The Master of Public Administration Program is designed to provide students with the highest quality education in preparation for careers, or advancement of careers, in public, non-profit, and environmental organizations. The program stresses the acquisition of academic theory and practical skills to foster an ethical and enduring commitment to the public service values of serving the public interest with accountability and transparency; serving professionally with competence, efficiency, and objectivity; acting ethically to uphold the public trust; and demonstrating respect, equity, and fairness in dealings with the public and fellow workers.

The program provides students with a public service perspective to:

• Lead and manage organizations
• Understand and contribute to public policy
• Critically analyze policies, programs, problems, and issues and make pertinent recommendations
• Communicate effectively in oral and written discourse with a diverse and changing workforce and public 

MPA Core Course Learning Objectives and Areas of Emphasis

Core Courses

SLO 1: Demonstrate that students have enhanced their basic understanding of theories, concepts and practices relevant to public administration and its sub-fields through the MPA coursework.

SLO 2: Demonstrate that students have acquired critical thinking and problem-solving skills in making decisions that are informed by data and/or other evidence-based material.

SLO 3: Demonstrate that students have developed the appropriate skills to be able to administer public programs related to management, human and fiscal resources.

SLO 4: Demonstrate that students improved their capability to assess their knowledge and experience of ethics and integrity in public service

SLO 5: Reflect on ways to incorporate public service values and professional norms in administering agencies, policies and/or programs.

SLO 6:  Demonstrate that students have enhanced their basic understanding of theories, concepts and practices relevant to the policymaking and implementation process.   

SLO 7:  Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in clear written communication by presenting succinct, well-organized materials and analysis tailored to the needs of relevant stakeholders and/or a diverse society. 

 SLO 8:  Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in clear oral communication by presenting succinct, well-organized materials and analysis tailored to the needs of relevant stakeholders and/or a diverse society.