Student Learning Outcomes

Mission statement

The Marist Public Administration program prepares innovative leaders of public and nonprofit organizations with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for effectively managing in a diverse, technologically engaged, and global society.

Vision Statement 

Looking forward, as the Marist MPA program fulfills its goals and strategies it will advance the field of public affairs and administration.  This will include new collaborations at Marist, in the field of public affairs and administration.  The vision for the MPA program’s strategic plan includes an innovative curriculum with 100% online delivery.  With the support of its accreditation advisory board, the Marist MPA program will continue to support existing students, engage alumni, and develop programming for lifelong learners.  Finally, the Marist MPA program will distinguish itself by providing signature experiences in public affairs and education.      

Values Statement 

The Marist MPA program fulfills its mission by applying theory to practice through curricular design, connections to professionals and organizations, and faculty research and service. The program assesses program competencies, student learning objectives and communicates outcomes to students and stakeholders.  The program emphasizes applied course content through dynamic delivery platforms and is dedicated to the spirit of continuous evaluation and improvement. The program serves primarily working professionals who reside in the Mid-Hudson Valley (New York City to Albany) and pre-service students, though the program may be completed entirely online and is thus characterized a national and international scope. The mission statement is fulfilled through adherence to three basic values or principles in all teaching, research, and service activities. The three values are described below. 

Fostering the Development of Knowledge 

The Marist MPA program’s commitment to excellence in education is demonstrated through the integration of public administration theories with the practice of leadership and management in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students acquire insight into important content areas of public administration and management, policy, law, human resources, policy, and ethics. These core knowledge areas support their engagement with the challenges of leading and managing in the public interest, participating in and contributing to the policy process, and making decisions in complex and dynamic environments. Faculty members will engage in research and service activities that serve to build, integrate, and apply knowledge in public service and related fields. 

Developing Practical Management Skills 

The Marist MPA program emphasizes the development of students’ practical skills including effective communication and collaboration, quantitative and qualitative analysis, synthesis of information, evidence-informed decision making, and the use of technology to enhance the leadership, management, and creation of policy in public and nonprofit organizations. Students foster these skills in applied environments, motivate themselves and others, and encourage creativity while leading groups through organizational change. Courses, grounded in practice, foster critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, and strategic management. Faculty members will, working closely with both students and working professionals, foster the application of research in better understanding the conditions through which management and leadership improve public service. 

Promoting Public Service Values 

The Marist MPA program, through working relationships among faculty, students, alumni, public and non-profit leaders, and community partners, works to articulate, apply, and advance public service values in a complex and dynamic environment. Principles of democratic governance are emphasized as students prepare for leadership roles in a society that requires transparency and accountability from public administrators. Concepts of professionalism support the development of work environments that engender integrity, mutual respect, equity, and fairness. Ethical values are integrated throughout the curriculum to assure students understand critical issues such as working in a global society, cultural competency and responsiveness, sustainability, digital divides, and diversity in the workforce. 

Marist MPA Program Learning Goals

1. Prepare innovative leaders for service in public and nonprofit organizations.
2. Develop the knowledge and skills necessary for effectively managing public and nonprofit service.
3. Foster principled practitioners focused on public service values of effectiveness, efficiency, accountability, integrity, mutual respect, equity, fairness, and transparency.
4. Instill an appreciation for the complex, dynamic, diverse, technologically-engaged, and global nature of public and nonprofit service.
5. Generate faculty engagement in research and the dissemination of that research, and in community and professional service.

NASPAA Core Competencies

1. To lead and manage in the public sector.
2. To participate in and contribute to public policy process.
3. To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
4. To articulate and apply a public service perspective.
5. To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.

Marist MPA Program Learning Outcomes

By the end of their program of study, Marist MPA students will be able to:

1. Analyze organization problems by applying public administration theory to formulate effective responses and solutions.
2. Distinguish their roles in creating and implementing public policy, within the unique contextual and social structures of public and not-for-profit organizations.
3. Employ qualitative and quantitative analytical methods to inform consideration of, and resolution of, challenges they face in the workplace.
4. Understand the role of ethical values, including issues of equity and equality, in the creation of and implementation of public programs.
5. Integrate democratic principles and professional ideals in managing both a diverse workforce and serving a diverse citizenry.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating with others.