Political science is a multifaceted discipline that focuses on the functions of governments. The topics studied by political scientists range from public opinion, elections and interest groups to comparative government, international relations, security studies, political philosophy, constitutional law and legislative behavior. With such a wide range options, political science students have substantial freedom to tailor their courses of study to meet individual goals and interests. The program is flexible and students are encouraged to do internships as well as study abroad. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Kansas State University prepares both pre and in-service students to serve the public interest and establish themselves as civic leaders. The program emphasizes a theoretically informed and research driven skills based approach to learning designed to insure that our students develop specific competencies which prepare them for the challenges of work in the public and non-profit sectors immediately upon graduation. Our faculty's approach to education begins with a broad exposure to policy systems, political environments, administrative principals and research methods. Additionally, our students are required to think critically, apply knowledge and seek practical solutions to real world problems. Our low faculty to student ratio contributes to a student-centered learning environment in which we are able to instill in our students the ethics of public service and professional management that are critical to the diverse and changing modern workplace.