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Programs
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
| University | Walden University |
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Learning type | Online |
Improving your community requires knowledge, confidence and out-of-the-box thinking. Access an international community of students and faculty, and get the freedom to shape curriculum around projects that matter to you. This online degree program prepares you to succeed in today's increasingly complex public, private and nonprofit organizations.
Graduate Degree Specializations
- General Program
- Criminal Justice
- Health Services
- Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
- International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Knowledge Management
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Public Management and Leadership
- Public Policy
- Public Safety Management
Criminal Justice
This specialization is designed for criminal justice professionals, including supervisors and managers in policing, courts, corrections, security, and associated support agencies, who aspire to move into upper-level management and administrative assignments. The coursework includes an in-depth review and discussion of contemporary decision-making models and issues confronting the American criminal justice system. Available starting June 2007.
Health Services
Americans have seen radical changes in the health care industry over the past several years. They’ve watched it go from an independent structure to a collection of major business enterprises, which in turn have changed the way health care is delivered. As the health care environment changes, managers must quickly adapt to succeed. Walden’s M.P.A. program with a Health Services specialization will help you gain valuable knowledge about health delivery systems, health policy, health administration, and health finance centers so you can manage effectively and successfully in this unique environment.
Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
Today’s complex public safety environment demands smart policy on emergency response strategies. Walden’s specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination prepares homeland security professionals to implement protective measures without compromising individual rights and freedoms. With this knowledge, students are equipped to effectively develop policy to protect individuals’ safety and freedom.
International Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
In an era of increasing globalization, it is important for leaders of nonprofit organizations and government departments at the local, state, and national level to know how to operate in an international environment. This specialization explores how countries organize, regulate, and foster nongovernmental activities; how international intergovernmental organizations operate; and how representatives of these organizations can learn from, partner with, and work within organizations worldwide. By focusing on the effects of globalization and the cultures and sociopolitical environments of diverse nations and organizations, students in this specialization learn how to work effectively with nongovernmental , voluntary, and intergovernmental organizations around the world.
Knowledge Management
This specialization prepares students to develop innovative solutions to their organizations’ most critical challenges through the comprehensive creation, sharing and use of knowledge, and the effective education of adult learners. The curriculum is focused on organizational change (e.g., Total Quality, Six Sigma, re-engineering, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award) and organizational learning.
Nonprofit Management and Leadership
This specialization prepares students to develop innovative solutions to their organizations’ most critical challenges through the comprehensive creation, sharing and use of knowledge, and the effective education of adult learners. The curriculum is focused on organizational change (e.g., Total Quality, Six Sigma, re-engineering, Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award) and organizational learning.
Public Management and Leadership
Fundamental, rapid, and unpredictable change is ubiquitous in public administration, making leadership more critical than ever before. This specialization provides professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills to assume the interrelated responsibilities of managing and leading during a time of change in any area of public administration. This specialization prepares individuals to take leadership roles in large governmental organizations.
Public Policy
Policy shapes the workings of government and its partners. This specialization provides a critical context within which organizations and individuals act in a democratic society. It will prepare you to function knowledgeably within this context and to work collaboratively to help shape public policy development and implementation.
Public Safety Management
The emergency situations we face in today’s complex environment call for a new leadership approach. Walden’s specialization in Public Safety Management offers emergency response professionals the skills to lead, manage, and motivate others during emergencies; to build confident and capable teams; and to address challenging ethical situations that may arise during the course of duty.
