Department of Management, Marketing & Public Administration
Public Administration (MPA)
Dr. Kavita Kapur
Program Coordinator
Center for Business and Graduate Studies, room 2340
301-860-4157
kkapur@bowiestate.edu
A Modern Program Located in the Epicenter of Public Policy in America
The Master of Science in public administration at Bowie State University prepares you for a new era of public policy. Our unique approach emphasizes justice and equality and is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, the global standard for public service education. You gain access to real-world events happening in the heart of the country’s public policy sector while learning from academically and professionally distinguished faculty members. You can advance your careers in government, nonprofit, special interest groups or private organizations.
Why a Master of Science in Public Administration at Bowie State?
Getting your Master of Science in public administration from Bowie State gives you distinct advantages for advancing your career. As Maryland’s first HBCU, our affordable program continues a historic legacy of educating bold leaders who are ready to succeed. Our comprehensive program gives you the educational foundation to pursue an impactful career in fields ranging from grassroots activism to corporate lobbying. You gain insights on important topics such as fundraising and turning allies into advocates. Our Master of public administration program gives you the flexibility to grow your career in the direction most important to you.
What Can You Expect?
The Master of Science in public administration requires 36 credit hours for completion. This includes 18 credit-hours of core curriculum and 18 credit-hours in a selected area of concentration. See course breakdown.
You grow your capacity for conceptualizing and interpreting the social, economic and political environment of public administration and public policy.
You are well prepared for this program if you:
- Have taken classes in statistics and macro and microeconomics.
- Have an undergraduate degree in political science, sociology, economics, engineering, nursing or similar applied or social science.
Get Your Career Started Here
Build Your Career Skills
Grow your networking skills by joining the Graduate Student Public Administration Association. This organization connects you to industry professionals, provides a pathway to attend conferences and directs you toward scholarship and internship opportunities.
Pi Alpha Alpha is the international public administration and public affairs honor society dedicated to public service. You can join by maintaining a 3.7 GPA and completing at least half of your coursework. In this group, you commit to a public service project and are recognized after the academic year. As a member, you are eligible to use its international job search database.
Handshake
After enrolling, take advantage of Bowie State's many opportunities and get familiar with Handshake. Handshake is an online database for Bowie State students that allows thousands of employers to post internships and job openings. Use this tool to secure an internship while you study or to jump-start your career after you graduate.
Career Outlook
You can secure a position as a government relations specialist, development director, lobbyist, nonprofit coordinator, public health administrator and more. Public administration is an ever-changing field, and Bowie State University prepares you for the next step.
When you choose Bowie State, we will connect you with our many partnerships to help you access internships, immersive learning opportunities, and career pathways to help kickstart your future.
My time at Bowie has introduced me to resources and a community I never imagined I could access. I am equipped to navigate the world independently, ensuring my actions match my words.
- Cierra Gamble
Graduate Resources
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you navigate your graduate studies and get the most out of your educational experience. Make an appointment to receive writing assistance, reserve a private study space or contact Disability Support Services for additional accommodations.
Graduate Assistantships
You can apply for a limited number of graduate assistantships and receive a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver for 9 credit hours a semester. You will work 20 hours a week as a researcher, teacher, or administrative assistant.
To qualify, be a full-time graduate/doctoral student with at least 9 completed credits and a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Deadlines:
- Spring Appointments: Second Friday of November
- Fall Appointments: Last Friday in March
Fellowship Opportunities
The Bowie State Philanthropy Fellowship Program prepares you for a career in non-profit management by pairing you with a C-suite executive mentor. You will be involved in strategic planning, grant-making, impact assessment and evaluation. The program pays you a salary equivalent to entry-level professionals with access to health care.
If interested, contact Dr. James Hyman
Email: jhyman@bowiestate.edu
Phone: 301-860-3637
Meet Faculty and Staff
Get to know the expert faculty and staff who’ll be instructing you throughout your time at Bowie State. Build connections, ask for mentorship and receive guidance as you prepare to embark on your career.
Get Involved With Bowie State
Clubs and Organizations
No matter what your interests are, there is a student organization for you here at Bowie State. You have options ranging from academic and spiritually focused organizations to student leadership, Greek life, student government and commuter involvement. Find your people and get involved today.
Community Service
Gain a greater understanding of your roles in the community, as well as the impact of your contributions toward those in need. Connect with others who understand the importance of community service and build a network of friends, colleagues and team members. Together, we can make a positive impact.
