Help me pick a school for my grad degree (MPA)

[Joel]

I've decided on an MPA (Master of Public Administration) for my graduate degree, and I've narrowed down my choices to 3 schools. I would love some help deciding.

American Military University
$275/credit hour + books
8 week courses
Comprehensive Final Exam
I like the 8 week courses with AMU which would just about cut my time in half. I've also been told by a good friend that is enrolled in a grad program there that the classes are VERY doable. Acceptance is nearly automatic with an accredited ungrad degree.

University of North Carolina-Pembroke
$112/credit hour + books
16 week courses
Thesis
UNC-P is the cheapest of all plus I like the idea of the name recognition of UNC, (even if it's not Chapel Hill). I don't care for the idea of doing a thesis though. They also require more for acceptance including recommendation letters, admissions essay, etc.

Wayland Baptist University
$249/credit hour (classroom courses) INCLUDING books
$334/credit hour (online courses) INCLUDING books
16 week courses
Capstone Course
Wayland is a new discovery for me. They have an office and offer classes on post, so I could take in seat classes. Books are included in the cost of tuition, though the online classes are more expensive. Acceptance is automatic with a 3.0+ undergrad GPA at an RA school.

All three are RA, so that isn't a factor. Tuition assistance will cover $250/credit hour, so AMU would cost me $75/class plus books, UNC-P would only cost me the price of books, and Wayland would cost nothing for in seat classes and $84 for online classes.

Your thoughts?

[ShotoJuku]

[COLOR="Navy"]American Military University
$275/credit hour + books
[SIZE="7"]8 week courses[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[blueberry]

Ditto. AMU seems like the easiest and most sensible option.

Let us know what you choose!

[Joel]

That's what I'm leaning toward. My only concern is whether American Military University will be as well received as a UNC school or something with a more recognizable name.

[marianne202]

I don't know enough about AMU, but it would be faster, if you want faster. Living in NC I will tell you that anything with UNC attached to it is well respected, plus it is less expensive if that is a concern. I had never heard of AMU until I hit this forum, even though I used to teach through a military education center on an Army base. I guess if they are RA AMU should be as respected, but I'm just not sure it will have the "pop" on a resume as UNC. Take into account that I haven't lived in NC long and I'm not a student at any NC school and don't support any NC college teams...I know that is blaspheme around here! I just know the name is respected and usually very well received. Just my 2 cents. I'm sure you will make the best choice for you and that is all that is really important!

[Joel]

I'm just not sure it will have the "pop" on a resume as UNC.

This is the one thing keeping me from committing to AMU.

IMO, any UNC campus would look considerably better than AMU on a resume. "Everyone" knows UNC, and I'd be willing to bet I'd do a lot of explaining with AMU.

[perrik]

Forget the speed and cost or even name-recognition from the general public. Which of your prospective programs has a reputation for quality learning among those in public administration? Do you belong to ASPA or another relevant professional organization, or are there administration professionals you can speak with about what to look for in a grad program? Have you read any professional blogs or message boards? Have you checked out the section about MPA programs on PublicServiceCareers.org?

[marianne202]

Great suggestion Perrik! I agree, your professional peers will know what really matters when it comes getting hired, promoted and respected!

[Joel]

Forget the speed and cost or even name-recognition from the general public. Which of your prospective programs has a reputation for quality learning among those in public administration? Do you belong to ASPA or another relevant professional organization, or are there administration professionals you can speak with about what to look for in a grad program? Have you read any professional blogs or message boards? Have you checked out the section about MPA programs on PublicServiceCareers.org?

Great advice! I've done a ton of additional research, especially through the site you recommended and now have 2 new schools on my short list.

University of Nebraska-Omaha
-NASPAA accredited and ranked #15 in the country for public school MPA programs. Tuition is doable but not ideal at $402.50/credit and can be done online except for a 1 day orientation on campus. You can choose between a thesis/capstone option or a comprehensive exam option.

University of South Dakota
-Also NASPAA accredited, though the MPA doesn't go 100% online until this coming spring. I'm from SD and went to USD for a few semesters right after high school, so I'd love to finally be a USD graduate. Tuition is $337.05 and the program requires a comprehensive exam after the first 7 courses and another at the end of the program. There is also a professional report which must be defended...how that will work for the online program is anyone's guess.

Both of these programs appear to be much more involved and rigorous as well as being longer than the AMU program...not that there's anything wrong with that. It may turn out to be a good thing.

Decisions...decisions...decisions

[skyfall123]

Also check out....

Valdosta State NASPAA accredited - MPA online students pay in state rates which equate to under $175.00 per credit hour. They also have the best deal on anywhere for a NASPAA online DPA at around $10K

Public Administration Programs at VSU