Master of Public Administration at TAMIU Offers Career Options

If you are looking for a career that can improve the lives of others and allow you to work for the betterment of society, you might consider the Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Texas A&M International University. This degree program, now in its third year, currently has 38 students and 11 graduates.

Dr. Carol Waters, interim chair of the Department of Social Sciences and associate professor, explained that this degree prepares students to administer policy in the public, non-profit, governmental or even private sectors.

"The program is designed for those individuals who want to lead and manage organizations serving the public interest. The skills they gather from our classes will help them play a vital role in the economic and social development of any region," said Dr. Waters.

She explained that students in the program have diverse educational backgrounds.

"There's no one background that suits one to this program, and there are no leveling courses, or courses that everyone has to have taken to be admitted. We have students with bachelor's degrees in psychology, criminal justice, and economics. I myself have a background in natural science and health. The degree is very interdisciplinary and students are able to suit their studies to their interests," said Waters.

In addition to the 10 graduate courses that comprise the core requirements of the MPA program, students select three courses for a specialized track of study: either criminal justice, international or generalist, she said. Students also complete an internship if they are not experienced in the public administration sector or a project if they have had two or more years of experience in the public sector.

Waters said that an MPA would be beneficial in many career areas, including local, state and federal government; environmental sectors including natural resource management and environmental policy; health and medical sectors such as heath care administration and international health policy; and in business, human resources, management, international business and communications.

She also explained that TAMIU is working towards compliance with national standards in order to be accredited by the National Association of Public Administration and Affairs (NASPAA). As part of this, the addition of Dr. Mehnaaz Momen this Fall will increase the number of full time faculty members to five.

"I'm very pleased Dr. Momen will be joining us at TAMIU. She brings with her a solid background in information technology and urban issues in public administration. She will be a good complement to the existing faculty," said Waters.

She said she hopes proponents of the public interest, and those concerned with improving public sector performance consider applying for the MPA program.

"We hone creative thinking skills, giving students the tools to understand and work with others. We want to give managers the ability to reason and find creative solutions to difficult problems. When we improve public administration, we improve everyone's quality of life," said Waters.

For more information about the Masters of Public Administration program, please contact Dr. Carol Waters at 326.2465, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 432A, or email cwaters@tamiu.edu.

Registration for the Fall Semester is Friday, Aug. 23. For additional information, contact the Office of the University Registrar at 326.2250, or visit offices in Killam Library 168. Office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday and from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu