EKU Launches Online Master's Program in Public Administration; First of Its Kind in Kentucky
Richmond, KY (PRWEB) September 04, 2013 -- Eastern Kentucky University will launch the first fully online accredited Master’s of Public Administration degree program in Kentucky in Spring 2014.
The program, which is designed to serve pre-service graduate students as well as those already working in the public sector, is especially unique in that it can be tailored to students’ career interests.
Dr. John Wade, dean of EKU’s College of Arts & Sciences, said: “The online MPA program is a big step forward for us in reaching new students with the potential to excel in government and nonprofit administration. I predict it will become an important component of EKU’s educational outreach to Kentucky and beyond.”
EKU offered the first MPA degree in the Commonwealth and has been preparing leaders in public administration for more than 40 years. MPA Director and Online Program Coordinator LeAnn Beaty looks forward to connecting with a larger, more diverse group of students through the new online program.
“We hope to reach a broader audience of graduate students who might not otherwise be able to attend a more traditional on-campus program, but have a desire to become public sector and nonprofit leaders,” she explained.
Students will choose from two tracks. The general EKU Online MPA track can be customized to fit individual career goals. Electives are available in subject areas including but not limited to homeland security, emergency management, labor and employment, fire and emergency services, school safety and occupational safety. The community development EKU Online MPA track prepares leaders with aspirations in nonprofit advocacy work, city management, zoning, strategic planning and related fields.
EKU Online students will take the same courses and earn the same degree as on-campus MPA students. Faculty members describe the curriculum as practitioner-focused with special emphasis on regional and local government. Coursework will conclude with the student’s choice of an internship or a directed research project. Applications for the first term are due Nov. 30.
Eastern has given students the opportunity to earn fully accredited online degrees since 2006. EKU Online students enjoy many benefits designed to help them succeed, including a personal adviser who creates a graduation plan that allows them to meet both their individual academic goals and their professional obligations. Moreover, they have the ability to study anytime, from anywhere and to progress at an accelerated pace. Most online courses are completed in just eight weeks as opposed to 16 weeks for traditional on-campus courses. For more information about the EKU Online MPA program, visit http://go.eku.edu/mpa-launches or call 859-622-7966.
EKU strives to make quality education accessible to everyone. Eastern is a fully accredited, brick-and-mortar institution celebrating more than 100 years of student success. EKU Online offers more than 20 degree options in a variety of fields, including Nursing, Education, Psychology, Paralegal Studies, Police Studies, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, Occupational Safety, Fire Protection and Homeland Security.
Michelle Gorin, Eastern Kentucky University/EKU Online, http://www.ekuonline.eku.edu, 859-622-8407, [email protected]
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