MPA Curriculum

Knowledge and Skills

In addition to gaining solid general management skills, Romney Institute MPA students gain area-specific training while pursuing one of the following emphases: local government, financial analysis, management analysis, human resource management, nonprofit management, nonprofit management - international, or MPA/JD. Romney Institute MPA students graduate with the fundamental management skills and specialized training needed to positively impact the organizations they enter and to contribute to the improvement of society throughout their careers.

First Year

The first-year MPA curriculum is designed to strengthen skills in public-sector accounting, communications, organizational theory, statistics, economics, financial management, human resources, ethics, and the environment of public administration. Students participate in group work, research projects, job shadowing, and professional development workshops, while carrying a 15.5 credit-hour class load. Classes are spread out throughout the week, mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Students also spend time preparing and interviewing for summer internships. As a result, MPA students are strongly discouraged from working during the first year of the program.

Because team work is an essential element of working in the public sector, team work is emphasized in our program. First years will be assigned to a group of people with whom they will work during the first semester on projects in many of their classes. Group work is a priority and other group members should not be asked to schedule meeting times around a student's work schedule.

Internship

Students complete an internship between the first and second years of the program. The school's career placement center and faculty provide assistance in finding internships in each student’s field of interest. Interns gain skills necessary to help them succeed in their future career path. The primary purpose of internships is to gain experience and contacts in a specific field of interest.

Second Year

Returning to the program with increased perspective gained during internships, MPA students apply and contribute their new knowledge in both elective and required courses. Second-year required courses include management strategy and law. The MPA curriculum allows for twenty-one units of elective credits. A broad selection of elective courses allows students to develop specialized knowledge in a specific area or sector of management. Elective offerings change according to students' interests and market demands.