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          Public Administration

Public Administration is a graduate program that prepares people for managerial roles in public service, including governmental and non-profit organizations. Professional preparation in public management is critically important for three reasons.

First, the public service constitutes a high calling. Those who carry the responsibilities for managing in government and public organizations, no matter what level, should be highly motivated, dedicated, and have a keen interest in accomplishment. Competence is a goal worth achieving. And its widespread application, threaded through the intricate arrangements that we use to make and administer public policy, has enormous consequences for the well-being of all.

Second, professional performance in the public sector can literally "make or break" the character of democratic government. Lack of performance not only undermines our public institutions; it has the potential to destroy them. Third, the multiple impact of successful careers in public management permeates every facet of our lives as citizens. Very important functions and services are carried out in public sector organizations. Public administration is oriented to providing these more effectively, efficiently, and responsibly.

There are many reasons, too, for financially supporting WVU's Masters of Public Administration program. It is a high quality public management program; the MPA degree program is one of eight programs at WVU ranked nationally by US News and World Report. It focuses on preparing professionals for public service. It has a highly motivated and involved student body and faculty. It is particularly responsive to the needs of state and local governments in West Virginia and of third sector organizations. It provides students with the tools and approaches needed by effective public managers: leadership, financial management and budgeting, human resource management, understanding of the political and legal environment, and applied research methods.

You can help us strengthen a program which is already making a difference at WVU.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES

• Graduate Assistantship funds to provide training and student support
• Endowment to help faculty with public service travel and State of West Virginia research projects
• MPA Student Enrichment Endowment to assist students in professional development, academic projects, and career skills
• Opportunity Funds to enable the Division of Public Administration to respond quickly and effectively to opportunities to enhance its teaching, research, and service mission. Such funds could help faculty with released time for special projects, help the division with recruitment, encourage practitioners to link with the division, and support visiting scholars and speakers