Although no specific undergraduate preparation is required for the M.P.A., all students must complete the following prerequisites before completion of the program: three credits in U.S. national or state Government and three credits in a statistics course such as Statistics 251.
For the minimum of 30 credits required for the M.P.A. degree, the student may use credits earned in approved courses taken at any of the cooperating universities (University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University).
At least 15 credits/5 courses are required in the following core courses:
- Public Organization Theory and Behavior
- Budgeting in the Public Sector
- Public Personnel Administration
- Public Policy
- Governmental Policy and Program Analysis
- Administrative Law and Regulation
- Public Administration (required)
- Research Methods
- Political Leadership
At least 12 credits of approved electives or 12 credits in an approved area of emphasis are required. Students may select a thesis or non-thesis option. The preparation and oral defense of the thesis count as six credits in the area of emphasis. The non-thesis option requires comprehensive exams in areas of public administration studies.
In addition to the required 30 credits, a three-credit public service or non-profit internship will be required for those students without appropriate work experience.