Philosophy

The Department of Public Administration offers a PhD in Public Administration, an MPA degree, and an undergraduate major in public administration.

The Master of Public Administration degree has long emphasized state and local government, although graduates work in all areas of public service. Since Edwin O. Stene welcomed the first class in 1948, graduates have become city managers in municipal governments across the country from Falmouth, Maine; to Santa Barbara, California (including along the way, Washington, D.C.; Kansas City; Fort Worth; Dallas; Wichita; and San Antonio, to name a few). Four graduates of our program have been elected president of the International City/County Management Association.

The program strives to build upon three attributes expected of all students:

• Willingness to accept leadership responsibility


• Dedication to public service


• Commitment to efficiency and equity in advancing the public good

The full-time Internship Option is designed for those who have little or no public administration experience. Admission is competitive and limited to 12 to 15 students per year.

The Career Option is for those who are already working in a public service related career and desire an MPA degree for career development and advancement.

In 2004 the Department made significant investments in a PhD program and an undergraduate major to advance its goal of becoming a full service academic public administration department. Doctoral studies are designed for students who will pursue careers as university faculty or in other research settings. The undergraduate major is offered at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park, and is designed around a liberal arts approach to understanding public administration.

• PhD in Public Administration
• MPA degree
• Undergraduate major in Public Administration