University of Hawaii at Mānoa Graduate Studies
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Contact Information
 

University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Public Administration Program
2424 Maile Way
Saunders 631A
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8260
Fax: (808) 956-9571
Website

Richard Pratt, PhD
Graduate Chair
E-mail: pratt@hawaii.edu

 
Degrees Offered
 

Master's in public administration

Graduate Certificate in public administration

 
Graduate Faculty
 

List of Faculty

 
University of Hawai'i Directory
 
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
 

Quick Links:
Application Deadlines
| Admissions Requirements
Program Overview | Degree Requirements | Related Program(s)
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty

 
Application Deadlines
 
Fall Spring
I — March 1
D — March 1
No spring admission
 
Individual graduate programs may have priority consideration deadlines. Applicants are advised to contact the graduate programs for such dates. Any available funding support is limited and often awarded well in advance of the application deadlines.

Applicants who apply after the application deadlines MUST consult with the graduate programs before submitting an application. Application fees are non-refundable and may not be used for an application submitted at a later date.

I = international applicants
D = U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents
 
 
Admissions Requirements
 

Ways to Apply
Apply online or download PDF application forms.

Applicants need to meet:
1) Graduate Division admissions standard and documentation requirements, and 2) program specific admissions criteria and documentation requirements. Send all program specific documentation requirements directly to the graduate program.

GRE Scores
Refer to program specific requirements (see link above) to determine if the GRE is required by the graduate program. Click here for information on the GRE and when it is required by the Graduate Division. Official GRE scores must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
TOEFL Scores - 540/76 or above
TOEFL is required of most applicants who are non-native speakers of English. Click here for information on exemptions. Official TOEFL scores must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
 
 
Program Overview
 

The mission of the Public Administration Program at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) is to energize public institutions and organizations involved in public work, to enrich and deepen civic culture, and to increase leadership resources for those with public and community responsibilities in Hawai'i and the Pacific region. The program pursues this mission by exposing participants to an educational experience that facilitates the integration of knowledge, develops specific skills relevant to public service work, and builds long-lasting professional relationships. There is a consistent effort to create the benefits of a shared learning community within the program, a community that models and facilitates vigorous engagement of complex issues.

The program offers two degree options, one leading to the master's degree in public administration (MPA) and one leading to the graduate certificate in public administration. The MPA is designed for people with public service experience, as well as individuals who wish to enter public service.

The program exposes participants to a variety of perspectives and learning models from which to analyze, integrate and contextualize information and value positions. Collaborative teaching and a multi-disciplinary orientation encourage participants to examine different insights about the same issue or policy. Regular discussion sessions encourage active participation in the learning process. Emphasis is placed on sharing thoughts and ideas about readings and lectures while maintaining respect for individuals and their different perspectives, abilities and experiences.

The program encourages the application of conceptual understandings to daily situations. This application is promoted in discussion sessions, case analysis, and individual and group projects. This focus is also found in individual practicum and capstone projects where participants are encouraged to link theory and practice. Former students have participated in public projects on low- and moderate-income housing, the development of health benchmarks to measure community health, neighborhood revitalization, public education innovation, and health care improvement.

Instruction is provided by public administration faculty, teachers from other programs and departments, and practitioners in the community. All instructors are selected on the basis of teaching ability, willingness to adopt a collaborative approach to teaching, expertise, and commitment to the goals of the program.

Finally, it is believed that the program's graduates will be more effective in their public roles, if they are closely connected to others who share an informed commitment to public service. Because of this, emphasis is placed on strong associations within classes, between current students and alumni, and among alumni.

 
 
Degree Requirements
 

All graduate students at UHM need to meet degree requirements set by the Graduate Division and their graduate programs. For general Graduate Division requirements, see Degree Requirements. Below is an overview of the degree requirements for this graduate program.

 

MPA Degree Requirements
Students may select Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis).

  • Plan A requires 30 credits (including six credits of thesis research), a written thesis and defense of the thesis.
  • Plan B requires 30 credits.

Courses
To view a listing of courses offered, visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/puba.htm.

 
 
Related Program(s)
 
conflict resolution, educational administration, law, political science, public health, public policy, social work
 
 
 

Application Deadlines | Admissions Requirements | Program Overview | Degree Requirements
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty | Related Program(s)

 

© University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Graduate Division

Graduate Admissions Office
2540 Maile Way Spalding 354 Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8544 Fax: (808) 956-4261
Email: admissions@grad.hawaii.edu

 
2009-11-16
 
This Web site is intended solely to provide general information. The UHM Graduate Division makes no representation and accepts no liability for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of information found in this site. Viewers of this site are advised to contact the appropriate offices for the most up-to-date information.