Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Major in Public Administration (Applied Research Project Concentration) | Texas State University

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 15-1299.09

Skills

Critical ThinkingTime ManagementCoordinationReading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingManagement of Personnel Resources

Knowledge

English LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementEngineering and Technology

Abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingFluency of IdeasNear Vision

Tasks

Manage project execution to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope.
Confer with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
Monitor or track project milestones and deliverables.

Technology

Project management softwareWord processing softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareGraphics or photo imaging software

Tools

Application serversDesktop computersLaptop computersLaser printersMulti-line telephone systemsPersonal computersSmartphonesTablet computersUniversal serial bus USB flash drivesWeb servers

Work Values

AchievementIndependenceWorking ConditionsRecognitionRelationshipsSupport

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium15-1299.09	Information Technology Project Managers	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

IT project management methodology and governance frameworks — define, implement, and continuously improve standards across the enterprise project portfolio.
Organizational project execution capability — set strategic direction for program and project management functions, aligning delivery capacity to business objectives.
Senior project managers and practitioners — mentor, coach, and evaluate performance to build a high-performing PM discipline across the organization.
Enterprise-level budget and resource investment decisions — exercise executive judgment to approve or reject major IT project portfolios and capital allocations.
C-suite and board-level stakeholders — communicate portfolio health, risk exposure, and strategic value through executive reporting and advisory presentations.
Cross-enterprise customer and partner relationships — lead long-term needs assessments and co-develop roadmaps that align technology investment to customer outcomes.
Organization-wide change management initiatives — sponsor and champion adoption of new technologies and delivery models across business units.
Enterprise risk and compliance posture — establish governance policies and escalation frameworks that protect the organization's IT project investments.
Technology and delivery ecosystem — evaluate emerging platforms, tools, and methodologies and determine their strategic adoption for competitive advantage.
Industry and professional community leadership — represent the organization in professional forums, contribute to standards bodies, and advance IT project management practice externally.

Course Pathway

27 courses in this program

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

PA 5300Introduction to Public Policy and Administration

3 cr

PA 5310Public Finance Administration

3 cr

PA 5320Organizational Theory, Change, and Behavior

3 cr

PA 5330Public Personnel Administration

3 cr

PA 5340Introduction to Public Law

3 cr

PA 5350Public Policy Processes

3 cr

PA 5370Public Management and Ethics

3 cr

PA 5390Applied Research Methodology

3 cr

PA 5397Research Design and Proposal Development for Public

3 cr

PA 5398Applied Research Project

3 cr

PA 5311Introduction to Statistical Analysis

3 cr

PA 5312Program Evaluation and Administrative Statistical Analysis

3 cr

PA 5313Public Sector Economics

3 cr

PA 5314Public Administration and Information Technology

3 cr

PA 5315Public Performance Management

3 cr

PA 5331Labor Management Relations

3 cr

PA 5332Management Practices in Public Personnel Administration

3 cr

PA 5351Urban Sustainability Policy

3 cr

PA 5352Comparative Public Administration

3 cr

PA 5353Ecology and the Politics of Sustainability

3 cr

PA 5355Environmental Policy

3 cr

PA 5361Introduction to the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector

3 cr

PA 5362Alternative Public Service Delivery Systems

3 cr

PA 5388Directed Reading and Research

3 cr

PA 5389Internship in Government

3 cr

PA 5387Research Practicum

3 cr

PS 5390Political Science Curriculum Development

3 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.