The University of Missouri is now accepting applications for its inaugural class in the online Master of Public Affairs program. Classes begin in January 2014.
The online master's degree from the Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs is designed for busy professionals with three to five years of experience. Those working in local, state or federal government; nonprofits; social enterprises; environmental agencies; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); education, health care and financial institutions; and the private sector are encouraged to apply.
Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), Mizzou's long-standing MPA program also is offered as a traditional on-campus program in Columbia, MO, as well as a mid-career option taught in the evenings in Jefferson City, MO. "The need for innovative problem-solving among leaders in the public sector is ever growing," said Bart Wechsler, dean of the Truman School of Public Affairs. "Adding the fully online option is our response to the demand from students across Missouri and other states who are seeking to be part of this expanding field but cannot join us on campus."
Courses in the program are 100 percent online, offered in nine-week terms and feature instructor and classmate interaction that will have students discussing current issues and trends in leadership, human resources, strategy and policy development.
"Students will be diving into topics relevant to organizations of all sizes and coming away with practical solutions," Wechsler said. "We show leaders how to dissect issues and situations as individuals and in teams. Our faculty are intent on equipping public service professionals with the tools they need to lead their organizations through current and future challenges."
The Truman School also is launching online graduate certificates in public management and nonprofit management.
Applications are due Nov. 15 for the January classes. The GRE is not required for admission to the online program. Graduate students enrolled in the online program pay in-state tuition regardless of where they live.
"This is an important, professional degree for Mizzou to offer online," said Jim Spain, interim vice provost for e-Learning. "Providing access to those seeking to advance their careers in the public and nonprofit sector is at the core of our land-grant mission as a public university."
For more information see online.missouri.edu/MPA.