Mission Statement for the Master of Public Administration Program
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program at Governors State University's College of Arts and Sciences prepares students to serve as administrators in the nonprofit sector, all levels of government, and private organizations. The MPA program provides a high-quality education to a diverse student body while engaging in scholarly activities and community service. The program encourages students to become civically engaged and advances students' practical knowledge for career advancement in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. The MPA curriculum is designed to offer courses that emphasize the importance of ethics, how to solve complex organizational dilemmas and implement sustainable solutions.
Building upon this strong foundation, the MPA curriculum integrates evidence-based decision-making and problem-solving approaches throughout its courses, necessary for addressing complex social challenges and implementing effective, sustainable solutions in the public sector. By mastering these methodologies, students enhance their analytical skills and practical knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the effectiveness of public services and programs. The stories of GovState MPA alumni prove that our graduates emerge as competent public administrators committed to excellence in the pursuit of public service missions and able to drive positive change within their communities.
Governors State University offers several honor societies to showcase the excellence of our students. The MPA Program is a member of Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA), the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. This PAA honor society recognizes outstanding undergraduate and graduate students in public administration, public policy, and public affairs. Membership is by invitation only.
The advisor for the GovState chapter is Dr. Mary Bruce. She can be reached at 708.235.7627, or mclark@govst.edu.
For more information about the Honor Societies at Governors State University visit GovState Honor Societies.
Contact:
Dr. Natalia Ermasova
Full Professor, Division of Arts and Letters
Program Coordinator
Phone: 708-534-4978
Email: nermasova@govst.edu
Office Location: C3340
Dr. Mary Bruce
Full Professor, Division of Arts and Letters
Advisor, PAA GovState chapter
Phone: 708-235-7627
Email: mclark@govst.edu
Office Location: C3335A
Robbin Mitchell
Academic Advisor
Phone: 708-534-4931
Email: rreynolds2@govst.edu
Office Location: G278
Testimonials
"I am excited about educating and inspiring the next generation of public service leaders. Teaching students to value public administration, ethics, and social equity in an ever-changing global, technological, and diverse society is an honor."
Dr. Mary Bruce, Professor of Public Administration
"As a Police Chief, I am always facing new challenges. This degree is helping me to be a more effective leader and to see future opportunities in village administration or education. I am committed to teaching 21st-century policing and de-escalation techniques. The MPA program has made me a better communicator, which is critical in any de-escalation scenario."
Chief Michael Jones, Matteson Police Department