The mission of the MPA program may be translated into teaching, research and service missions with the following objectives:
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Teaching Mission: To educate current and future professional public administrators to meet the challenges of working in the public service in a dynamic and changing environment by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the field of public administration.
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Service Mission: To serve public sector organizations in the Hampton Roads region and the profession of public administration
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Research Mission: To advance the state of knowledge in the field of public administration through applied and scholarly research
: As the basis for its curriculum, the program will adopt a set of required competencies related to its mission and public service values. The required competencies will include five domains: the ability
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to lead and manage in public governance;
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to participate in and contribute to the policy process;
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to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions;
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to articulate and apply a public service perspective;
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to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
Students will learn to:
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Participate, analyze and solve problems in a team environment
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Employ analytical tools for collecting, analyzing, presenting and interpreting data, including appropriate statistical concepts and techniques
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Knowledge & understanding of budgeting/financial management
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Read and interpret financial statements
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Understand the budget process
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Prepare a budget reflecting policy priorities
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Describe and analyze the policy process (from problem definition, agenda setting, policy formulation, policy implementation and policy evaluation)
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Communicate effectively in writing (Preparing clear, concise and well organized written materials tailored to the audiences level of expertise and needs)
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Communicate effectively in speech (Presents oral information accurately, clearly concisely and persuasively tailored to audiences level of expertise and needs)
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Understand and apply theories of decision making and models
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Think critically about policy and administration issues to make decisions
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Appreciate history & development of PA and apply historical themes/concepts/elements to current issues in public administration
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Apply ethical criteria for making decisions and analyzing ethical dilemmas within public administration
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Understand critical human resources concepts and issues
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Appreciate the complexity of operating in a multi-sectoral environment
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Appreciate and understand the issues related to operating in a diverse workplace
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Appreciate diversity issues as they impact communities
Mission of the School of Public Service — The mission of Â鶹¹ú²úAV School of Public Service is to lead in educating public service leaders, build and disseminate the public service knowledge, and directly address community challenges in the multi-sector environment.
Mission of the Strome College of Business — Strome College of Business engages participants in scholarly exploration and active learning, solving business and community challenges in a global arena to accelerate success.
Mission of Â鶹¹ú²úAV — Â鶹¹ú²úAV, located in the City of Norfolk in the metropolitan Hampton Roads region of coastal Virginia, is a dynamic public research institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement.
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