MA/MS in Public Administration

This professional master's degree prepares students for public service careers managing government and nonprofit organizations locally, statewide and nationally. The program dates to the late 1980s. Students complete a core of public administration courses that includes a capstone report and a professional internship, plus a concentration. Concentration choices are administration of criminal justice, public management, health policy and administration, and human resources. The education philosophy centers on competencies set by the national accreditation network, such as leading in public governance, shaping public policy, solving problems critically and working with a diverse citizenry. Instruction combines practice with theory. Prospective students should review the full catalog entry for course sequences, prerequisites and grade rules, and speak with an academic advisor at Albany State University before building a schedule.