Public administration focuses on the delivery of public goods and services, the implementation of public policy, and the execution of laws and degrees. Its studies, however, are much broader to include the functioning and leading of large and complex organizations. By definition and necessity, public administration is both science and art: science in that it is a study of how bureaucracies function and art in that it is a study of how to steer and manage organizations. Political appointees of the past are rapidly being replaced by a new types of public sector managers, more similar to executives, engineers, and accountants of the private sector. Governments, agencies, foundations, and authorities are seeking highly motivated individuals with communication, critical analysis, marketing, finance, strategic planning abilities, grant-writing experience, program development capabilities, organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems creatively. To meet this demand, the Gannon Master of Public Administration and Master of Business Administration programs share resources. This encourages public administration students to pursue management skills training with the rigor and dedication frequently associated only with business school training. It also provides opportunities to specialize in selected concentrations. Our experience as the region’s first and largest graduate school of management and administration has taught us some important lessons. Simply having a master’s degree is no assurance of success or happiness. To succeed, you need real skills; an understanding of the worlds of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors; practical experience, and a moral compass. Our mission is to provide you with the vision, values, and leadership skills required for successful professional and rewarding personal lives. Our central location to city, county, state, and federal government offices makes Gannon a virtual public administration laboratory. Our close proximity allows for continuous interaction with government and agency leaders who visit classes on a regular basis and often serve as instructors themselves. This is a program in which real world case studies are often the focus of seminar deliberations and class projects. In addition, internship opportunities abound. This practical experience adds balance to academic life.

Outcomes of the Foundation Curriculum Upon completion of the MPA Program, students should be able to: appreciate broader environmental and contextual backdrops apply both theoretical and experiential perspectives leverage technology understand global cultures and concepts understand public policy practices valuate policy outputs understand strategic planning and budgeting understand basic legal principles affecting all facets of public administration understand the worlds of government, profits, and for nonprofits and how they interface act with integrity and ethics in all aspects of daily life interact with leaders and managers