Public Administration Program FAQs

What courses can I take in the public administration program?

Students can choose from a variety of courses specific to the field of public administration. Course topics include strategic planning, finance, organizational leadership, public policy development, and evaluation.

What concentrations may I specialize in?

Students can choose from one of seven concentrations: criminal justice and public safety, public administration leadership and crisis management, fiscal management, nonprofit management, municipal governance, policy analysis and analytics, and procurement and government contract management.

Is there a thesis or capstone option?

The final seminar offers students the opportunity to apply their learning in two tangible ways: the preparation of a capstone paper that offers a practical or theoretical solution to a program, operation, or policy; and the writing of a paper suitable for publication in a professional journal.

How long is the public administration program?

The program’s six courses (each six credits) take approximately 18 months to complete. Depending on when you start the program, you can expect your degree to be conferred in 18 to 24 months.

How have graduates of the program applied their degree?

Master of Public Administration alumni are employed by organizations such as the Air National Guard, Barnes ANGB, Catholic Charities, City of Houston, Department of Defense, United States Senate, USAID, and U.S. Navy.

How are public administration program faculty members selected?

All public administration program faculty members have advanced degrees (most are terminal) and are subject matter experts in public administration. They represent a wide variety of academic disciplines including: public administration, justice administration, philosophy, public affairs, criminology, education, law, and human services. They must demonstrate a wide range of university/college-level teaching experience and a history of leadership in academia, the private sector, or the public sector.

What are the eligibility requirements for applying to the program?
  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF, or SpanTran.
  • The GRE is not required to apply, but may be requested based upon an applicant's undergraduate GPA.
  • If English was not the language of degree study, proof of English language proficiency and a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test (iBT)) on the TOEFL are required, unless otherwise noted in specific articulation agreements.
How much will the online Master of Public Administration program cost?
  • Price per Credit: $719
  • Term Tuition: $4,314
  • Technology Fee: $300/term
  • Library Fee: $75/term
  • Graduation Fee: $150/one-time   
  • Total Program Cost (6 terms): $28,284

 

Does Norwich accept transfer credits?

When you apply for admission to the Master of Public Administration program, you can submit transcripts and course outlines from previously attended institutions of higher education to be considered for transfer credits. Transfer credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be accepted for up to 12 credits. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as they pertain to transfer credits.