Areas of Specialization

Students at the Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs develop advanced knowledge and skills in a specific area of specialization. MPA students may choose from the areas of specialization described below. Each specialization includes two required courses and three additional specialization courses students choose with their faculty advisors. In this way, students create a specialization that uniquely matches their professional goals.

Public and Nonprofit Management

The public and nonprofit management specialization encompasses administrative skills for ethical, effective leadership and management roles in government at all levels, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and the private sector. Students with this specialization are well prepared to begin or advance in public service careers and achieve organizational missions uniquely aimed at serving the public good.

This specialization provides students the managerial and analytical tools they need to lead public service organizations. Students will learn how public organizations compete effectively in the marketplace, understand community needs and priorities, and deliver appropriate services within budget.

Courses:

• PA 8510: Public Budgeting & Taxation
• PA 8520: Human Resource Management and Development in the Public and Nonprofit Sector
• Three (3) additional specialization courses

Public Policy

The public policy specialization provides the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in the policy environment. Students in the public policy specialization learn theories of the policy process, quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze policy, and program evaluation. Students also have the opportunity to gain expertise in specific policy areas, including education, environment, health, regional development, and social policy.

Students in the policy specialization develop a portfolio of tools that will allow them to have an impact on the policy process, including microeconomic analysis, cost-benefit analysis, research design, applied regression analysis, policy forecasting, survey research methods, and program evaluation strategies.

Courses:

• PA 8420: Public Program Evaluation
• PA 8430: Public Program Analysis
• Three (3) additional specialization courses

Global Management

For international students sponsored by one of its partner institutions, the Truman School offers a global management specialization. Current and past partners include the Korean Civil Service Commission, Korean National Assembly, the KDI Policy School, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and other Korean local governments.