Kansas State University offers flexible MPA program

As part of its series on Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree programs, Govpro.com recently talked with Krishna Tummala, professor of political science and director of the Kansas State University (K-State) MPA program. The K-State main campus is in Manhattan, Kan. More than 23,000 students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries attend K-State.

The most recent Govpro.com MPA discussion is here, about the University of Akron’s MPA program.

Offered through the K-State Political Science graduate program, the MPA degree is a professional degree for those who wish to hold administrative positions primarily in the public sector. The degree prepares individuals for administrative careers in a wide range of environments — international, national, sub-national, not-for-profit — by offering a program of study that is comprehensive, flexible and interdisciplinary.

The degree requires 42 hours of graduate credit (view catalog here), including core public administration courses; an area of specialization; electives; and, for pre-service students, an internship. Full-time students normally can complete the degree in two years.

Govpro: How can a K-State MPA degree offer new opportunities to public employees?

Krishna Tummala: Unlike other programs that train students for one or the other position, our program is a generic professional degree as it trains students to serve in any administrative position — be it federal, state, local or international and non-profit. Our graduates have been successful in getting placed in several positions accordingly, including becoming city managers/administrators.

Govpro: Is 2011 a good time to earn an MPA for government administrators?

KT: The demand for public servants is pretty inelastic, which means that the number of public servants is not going to change dramatically. Moreover, one may notice that government intervention now has become imperative, what with the economic and financial crises. So, this is as good a time as any to get trained as a professional administrator.

Govpro: Does K-State have any advice for Govpro.com visitors on choosing an MPA program?

KT: I encourage Govpro.com visitors to think about our program at K-State as it is set for after-hours, so that those who are already employed may pursue an MPA degree more easily.