The Master of Public Administration program has the following general goals:<br><br> To prepare people for careers in public administration and policy analysis<br> To improve managerial competence of persons presently in public service through the advanced study of administrative processes and problems and through an increased understanding of policy issues and research skills<br> To support additional University-based research in public administration and policy analysis<br><br>The courses in public administration are designed to increase the student's understanding of the internal organizational environment and to help the student develop needed managerial skills. Courses in public policy give the student an understanding of the social, political and economic environment in which public programs develop and operate. Courses in research methods provide the skills necessary in today's complex government agencies and activities. A track of specialization provides the student with additional competence in an area linked to individual interests and/or career goals.