Public Administration

Course Overview

Classes meet once a week from 6: 30 to 9: 10 PM, so that our students continue their careers while increasing their knowledge base and qualifications in public administration. The online format has provided us with the opportunity to grow from a regional onsite presence to a national program. Most of our students are working professionals, with an average age of 33 and four to six years of experience. Because of the program's online format, students log in from around the country and share their experiences in local government, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, the military, and the private sector. Networking is an integral aspect of our program, which grounds students in seminal theories regarding public administration while providing practical applications. Our faculty members bring exceptional levels of expertise and merge them with a level of academic rigor expected from a nationally ranked public university. Facilities, All of the MPA program's classes are held online while its staff are physically located in the Strom Thurmond Institute on Clemson University's main campus. The online environment is created using Adobe Connect interface which provides a live synchronous environment including video streaming, sound, and chat features which closely simulate a classroom experience. The benefit to the student using Adobe Connect is that the class can be attended anywhere the internet is available. Each class is recorded by one of several classroom proctors that are live and present in each class for any technical issues that may arise. The recording is a benefit to those whose travel or business arrangements may not include access to the internet. Advising is handled by our Program Director Lori Dickes and all non IT support is handled by our Admissions Coordinator Carolyn Benson. Both are available via email or by phone during normal business hours. IT support directly related to the program is handled by our Director of Technology Christopher Schuster. For hardware and non-program related IT issues our campus CCIT is always ready to assist you.