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• graduate program supplemental information form (download form)
• statement of objectives (download form)
• official post-secondary academic transcripts (to be sent to the graduate program, in addition to the set sent to the Graduate Division)
• current resume or CV
• sample of academic writing* (two pages, typed and double-spaced)
• two references (Use form provided by the graduate program.)
• official TOEFL scores — 540/207/76 or above (Required of most non-native speakers of English. Click here for information on exemptions.)

* The writing sample should describe a public problem of concern, speculate on the cause(s) of the problem, and propose an optimal solution.

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.

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.