The MPA prepares students for a diverse group of positions in government such as public policy, personnel administration and strategic planning, as well as a range of jobs outside of government service, such as not-for-profit organizations. MPA students may already be employed in these areas and are seeking this degree to advance professionally in the field. These students can expect to hone their skills and receive further training. Alternatively, the Master of Public Affairs degree is also appropriate for students who would like to shift their career tracks and obtain a position in the public and non-profit sector.<br><br>The MPA seeks to develop the skills of present and future public administrators and policy analysts in the region to provide them with the tools to meet the challenges of government. In an age when governmental philosophies are continually being redefined, the MPA program is designed to promote professionalism, leadership, inventiveness, and a commitment to public service for government employees in the area of public administration, applied policy studies and health policy administration.<br><br>The Master of Public Affairs degree at WSU is designed to accommodate the needs of working students. The degree can be completed entirely in the evenings, and most students often continue to work full time during the day when completing their degree. Seminars are small, ranging from 5-20 students, and typically meet one or two evenings a week over the course of the semester. Class structure includes lectures, small group discussions, and individual and group presentations. The program takes two or more years to complete, the exact length of time required to complete the degree depends on how many classes a student takes each semester.