Arizona State University Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions 10 courses 42 total credits
ASU ranks No. 5 for best graduate public management and leadership program by U.S. News & World Report, 2025. The Master of Public Administration program equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage in the public sector. It emphasizes the development of competencies in management, public policy analysis, administrative leadership and the ethical governance of public institutions. The program offers you a strong foundation in public service values, organizational behavior, budgeting and program evaluation. With a flexible curriculum, you can tailor your studies to focus on areas such as nonprofit management, urban affairs or policy implementation. ASU's MPA program is known for its interdisciplinary approach and its alignment with the challenges faced by contemporary public administrators, fostering innovation and evidence-based decision-making. You may also elect to specialize in one of four approved concentrations: emergency management nonprofit administration public finance urban management This program can be completed full time or part time.
| Required Core | 27 credits |
| Electives or Research | 12 credits |
| Culminating Experience | 3 credits |
| Total Credits | 42 credits |
Required Core
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PAF 501 | Public Service Research I | 3 |
| PAF 502 | Public Service Research II | 3 |
| PAF 503 | Public Affairs | 3 |
| PAF 504 | Microeconomics of Public Policy I | 3 |
| PAF 505 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PAF 506 | Public Budgeting and Finance | 3 |
| PAF 507 | Public Human Resource Management | 3 |
| PAF 508 | Organization Behavior | 3 |
| PAF 574 | Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public Change | 3 |
| Total Required Core | 27 credits | |
Electives or Research
Culminating Experience
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PAF 509 | Public Affairs Capstone | 3 |
| Total Culminating Experience | 3 credits | |
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives. Approved elective credit hours may include courses offered by the school or other academic units in the university.
Click a course code or title to read the full course description.
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