Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration
Program Prospectus
The School of Business and Public Administration offers a Master’s degree in Public Administration. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a high caliber professional education in public administration and prepares aspirants for careers in public service at the territorial, regional, federal, and international levels. This professional degree, while flexible enough to apply in the private sector, gives graduates a competitive advantage in the pursuit of specific careers in government agencies, nonprofit, or philanthropic institutions. The program offers valuable opportunities for individuals to enhance and improve critical public administration skills, learn new concepts and theories of public administration and management, and explore the most current and relevant techniques regarding the implementation of policies, projects, and programs within the organization and in society. The University of Guam is a candidate for accreditation with the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education.
Members
- AGUON, Ronald B., Assistant Professor, Legal Studies
- COLFAX, RICHARD S., Professor, Human Resource Management and Management
- CRISOSTOMO, Doreen T., Associate Professor, Accounting
- HO, Kevin K.W., Professor, Management Information Systems
- JONES, Roseann M., Professor, Economics
- McNINCH-SU, Ronald L., Associate Professor, Public Administration
- RIVERA, John J., Assistant Professor, Public Administration
- RUANE, Maria Claret, Professor, Economics
- TRAHIN-PEREZ, Karri, Associate Professor, Global Resources Management
- WALTER, Ansito, Associate Professor, Public Administration
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Guam MPA program is to inspire authentic public servants through leadership that enlightens its learners to discover what it truly means to be of public service. This is fundamental to the institution’s mission of Ina. Diskubre. Setbe. To enlighten. To discover. To serve.
This professional degree program provides graduate students with a high caliber educational experience that prepares its aspirants to be leaders, managers, and analysts in public affairs, public administration, and public policy careers at the territorial, regional, federal, and international levels. The curriculum offers valuable opportunities for individuals to embrace diversity and practice citizenship; enhance and improve essential leadership/managerial skills; research seminal concepts and theories of public administration, public affairs, and public policy; and explore contemporary techniques regarding the formulation, analysis, and implementation of policies, programs, and best practices in organization and society. This mission is accomplished by educating and training professional leaders that are citizenship-oriented, accountable, ethically conscious and whose focus is a sincere commitment to make a difference through public service.
(The words Ina, Diskubre, and Setbe are in the indigenous language of Chamorro, which mean to enlighten, discover, and serve)
NASPAA Membership
The School of Business and Public Administration's Master of Public Administration Program is a member of NASPAA. NASPAA or The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration is considered the global standard in public service education. With nearly 300 member schools located across the U.S, and in 14 countries around the globe, NASPAA is recognized global accreditor of graduate education programs in public policy, public affairs, public administration, and public & non-profit management. The program is currently seeking NASPAA Accreditation.
Program Admission
In order to apply for admission to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program, applicant packets must include:
- Satisfaction of Graduate Admission Standards, according to the current UOG Graduate Bulletin;
- Earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university (a prospective candidate for the MPA program may hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. It is not necessary that the bachelor’s degree be in public administration.);
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate work;
- An overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in the last two years (62 hrs.)
- Completion of Common Professional Component (CPC) – Based Comprehensive Exam for Master’s Degree Programs in Public Administration (administration can be requested through the SBPA Dean’s Office);
- Two letters of recommendation;
- Resume;
- Statement of intent. The statement of intent should include, at the least, why the prospective candidate is choosing to pursue an MPA degree, what the applicant intends to do with the degree, and other pertinent information;
- After completion of Steps 1-8, applicants must schedule an interview with MPA Chair;
- Essay/Writing Sample (to be administered on the spot during the interview with MPA Program Chair).
Program Learning Outcomes
The following will serve as the seven domains of the MPA Core Competencies. These domains relate to mission, public service values and functions as the basis for the program’s curriculum. Upon completing the requirements of the MPA degree, students will demonstrate the following abilities:
- PLO1: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of leading and managing in public governance;
- PLO2: Demonstrate an ability to relevantly apply a real world understanding, participate in, and contribute to the policy process;
- PLO 3: Demonstrate a practical competency to analyze, synthesize, think critically, quantitatively/qualitatively reason, solve problems and make decisions;
- PLO4: Demonstrate an advanced proficiency to articulate and apply a public service
perspective grounded in professional, ethical and socially responsible behavior;
PLO5: Demonstrate a dynamic ability to be innovative, to communicate, and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry;
PLO6: Demonstrate an advanced proficiency in utilizing technology toward the betterment and advancement of the profession; and - PLO7: Demonstrate a comprehensive mind set that fosters an advanced understanding and appreciation of territorial, regional, federal, and international environments, with consideration of indigenous and global impact perspectives, and their relation to Public Administration.
Public Service Values
The following public service values are fundamental ideals and principles of the MPA program that are shared by its faculty, students, and stakeholders alike. The program’s mission, governance, and curriculum are structured to uphold the following public service values, which distinguishes this program from other degree programs:
Public Service Value 1 - Professionals Committed to Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics: Our mission will be met by competent professionals, committed to pursuing the public interest with accountability, transparency, and the highest standard of ethical consideration.
Public Service Value 2 - Public Servants Worthy of Public Trust: As Public Servants, with every thought, word, and deed, we must strive every day, and at every instance, to prove ourselves worthy of the public’s trust. We must be humble and consider ourselves privileged to be charged with the welfare of others.
Public Service Value 3 - Keepers of Respect, Equity, and Fairness Rooted in the Principles of Democracy: The Principles of Democracy must be at the heart of everything we do. We must also always strive to demonstrate respect, equity, and fairness in dealing with all people and fellow public servants. Further, it should be our pledge to be guided by Constitutional principles of the United States, the Organic Act of Guam, and be exemplars of law-abiding citizens in our respective roles within public service.
MPA Program Level Academic Requirements:
- Any courses which are seven years old or more must be retaken unless, permission is granted by the MPA Admissions and Appeals Committee.
- Any courses in which a student receives a C+ or below must be retaken, unless permission is granted by the MPA Admissions and Appeals Committee.
- Students may not receive more than one grade of a C+ or below. A second grade of a C+ or below, regardless of GPA, will result in automatic academic suspension. A review of the student by the MPA Admissions and Appeals Committee will commence. Upon review, the student may serve a suspension or be dismissed from the program.
- Students who receive a grade of an F will result in automatic academic suspension. A review of the student by the MPA Admissions and Appeals Committee will commence. Upon review, the student may serve a suspension or be dismissed from the program.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Public Administration program has three sequential stages: 1) Core Courses, 2) Elective Courses, and 3) Capstone experience. The capstone course shall only be taken in the student’s graduating semester. All pre-service students must take PA598 as an elective.
Core Courses: (21 credit hours)
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
| PA501 | Applied Research Methodology (must be taken within first 12 credits) | 3 |
| PA510 | Administrative Thought | 3 |
| PA525 | Public Budgeting | 3 |
| PA530 | Public Personnel, Disciplinary and Performance Management | 3 |
| PA535 | Intergovernmental Relations | 3 |
| PA540 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| PA560 | Leadership and Social Responsibility of Organizations | 3 |
Elective Courses: (9-12 credit hours)
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
| PA545 (a-e) | Special Topics in Public Administration Management a) Public Policy and Governance; b) Public Private c) Comparative Public Administration; d) Public Planning; e) Public Contracting and Procurement Policies and Practices |
3 |
| PA570 (a-e) | Special Topics in Public Personnel Administration a) Policy; b) Current/Relevant Issues; c) Employment Law; d) Organizations; e) Systems |
3 |
| PA598* | Internship | 3 |
| PA690** | Special Project | 3 |
*Required of all pre-service students.
**May be taken multiple times only with the expressed written consent of the MPA Chair
Capstone Experience (3-6 credit hours)
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
| PA692 | Practicum, or | 3 or |
| PA695 | Thesis | 6 |
Either PA692 Practicum or PA695 Thesis could serve as a capstone experience. The MPA Qualifying Exam will be distributed as part of the capstone experience and may only be taken in the student’s graduating semester. Instructor’s consent is required for admittance into a Capstone course.
TOTAL: 36 CREDIT HOURS
Program Chair
Assistant Professor, Public Administration / Graduate Program Chair, Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) / Director, Regional Center for Public Policy
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 138Program Faculty
Assistant Professor, Legal Studies
Office Location: SBPA Bldg. Room 133
Tel: (671) 735-2510
Fax: (671) 734-5326
Professor, Human Resource Management/Management Studies, Sponsored Programs & Research
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 121- Tel: (671) 735-2501/2520/2170
- Fax: (671) 734-5362/3676
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Associate Professor, Accounting
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 230
Associate Professor, Management Information System
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 227
Professor, Economics
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 119Associate Professor, Public Administration
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 136- Tel: (671) 735-2501-2520
- Fax: (671) 734-5362
-
Professor, Economics
Office Location: SBPA Bldg. Rm 118- Tel: (671) 735-2501/2520
- Fax: (671) 734-5362
-
Associate Professor, Global Resources Management
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 128- Tel: (671) 735-2512
- Fax: (671) 734-5362
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Associate Professor, Public Administration
Office Location: SBPA Bldg., Rm. 135January 20 to May 5
Spring 2016 Project Foresight
Project Foresight was created by the graduating Spring 2016 Practicum class to eradicate the act of sexting by discouraging the dissemination of child pornography, where minors are depicted in a sexually explicit manner.
The graduating candidates of this course worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family, the U. S. Attorney's Office, and key stakeholders to address growing concerns regarding sexting among Guam's youth. The members of the MPA Practicum Class employed the opportunity to develop a strategy to raise awareness of the implications of sexting and sexting laws to alter the perception and behavior of adolescents about their online activity, especially on social media. Project Foresight achieved this by developing links on social media, making Public Service Announcements (PSAs), hosting several community outreach events, and acquiring generous sponsorships by key organizations and businesses in the community. Moreover, the PSAs created were aimed at juveniles, young adults, and parents to educate and initiate changes in perspective and behavior involving sexting. These PSAs are currently circulating throughout the community.
The Practicum class's major accomplishment is the progression of Project Foresight as a non-profit organization that is currently active.
October 30, 2015
Dr. Kevin Ho's Recent Work Accepted for Publication
MPA Faculty, Dr. Kevin Ho, was recognized for the successful publication of his recent works in various journals. They are:
- Zhang, Huang, Chiu, & Ho (2015). Learning Japanese through social network sites: A case study of Chinese learners’ perceptions, Micronesian Educator.
- Ko, Chiu, Lo, & Ho (Accepted). Comparative Study on m-Learning Usage Among LIS Students from Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, Journal of Academic Librarianship, 41(5).
- Ho, Yoo & Yu (Accepted). An empirical analysis of factors affecting the bidding competition in an online auction: A comparison between English and Buy-It-Now Auctions, Journal of Electronic Commerce Research.
October 21, 2015
Chemical Castration as Means of Reducing Recidivism Among Sex Offender Parolees
Professor Ron Aguon’s abstract for paper – Chemical Castration as Means of Reducing Recidivism Among Sex Offender Parolees - was accepted for presentation at the annual meeting for Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences held on March 29th – April 2nd, 2016 in Denver Colorado.
October 21, 2015
Harassment Prevention Workshop
The University of Guam’s Public Administration and Legal Studies Program held a Harassment Prevention Workshop on Oct. 21 in the School of Business and Public Administration. The workshop features topics such as ethics, the legal process, and federal law. PALS/MPA faculty, the FBI, and a representative from Senator BJ Cruz’s Office were among the presenters. Link: http://www.uog.edu/news-announcements/uog-pals-hosts-harassment-prevention-workshop and http://www.uog.edu/news-announcements/uog-pals-program-hosts-harassment-prevention-workshop-for-students
October 10, 2015
Dr. John Rivera Recognized for Who's Who in the Government of Guam 40 Years and Under Publication
MPA Program Chair Dr. John Rivera was identified and honored as one of the emerging leaders in the Government of Guam. Recognized for demonstrating excellence and motivation to improve government operations Dr. Rivera, along with twelve University of Guam employees, were among more than 100 individuals nominated and featured in the Association of Government Accountants Who’s Who in the Government of Guam 40 Years and Under publication.
Link: http://www.uog.edu/news-announcements/twelve-uog-employees-identified-as-emerging-leaders-in-govguam and http://issuu.com/agaguamchapter/docs/who_s_who_in_the_government_of_guam/1
October 08, 2015
Surveys on Corruption and Government of Guam Regulations in the FSM
Dr. Maria Claret Ruane, MPA faculty and Professor of Economics, launched surveys aimed at measuring residents’ perception of corruption and government regulations in Guam and in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Each of the two surveys consists of corruption-related questions patterned after Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer survey...also contains government regulation-related questions and demographic questions designed to obtain a profile of the survey respondent.
Transparency International is a non-governmental organization that monitors and publicizes corporate and political corruption. Its Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) survey gathers government corruption data on the U.S. and over 100 other countries. However, no such data currently exists for Guam or the FSM.
September, 9, 2015
Taiwan Youth Ambassadors Roundtable
Representatives from the MPA program joined other student leadership from the School of Business and Public Administration to host a roundtable with Youth Ambassadors from Taiwan, Republic of China. In the spirit of professionalism and teamwork, the goal of the Taiwan Ambassadors was to introduce Taiwan to friends from around the world, convey the essence of this year’s theme, and represent all that Taiwan has to offer.
August 1, 2015
Familiarity and Knowledge of the US Constitution
A Survey of Guam's Residence An MPA student's (Daniel Brown) paper entitled, Familiarity and Knowledge of the US Constitution: A Survey of Guam’s Residence has been selected for publication in the Journal of Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Issues (JLERI). This research was presented as a proceeding at the 2015 ICBEIT Conference at the Westin Resort in Guam. The impetus of this research came from a Constitutional IQ survey in the fall of 2014 by the PA510: Administrative Thought class.
July 27, 2015
MPA Program Faculty updated and adopted
- The University of Guam’s MPA Mission Statement
- MPA Core Competencies
- The University of Guam’s MPA Public Service Values.
This is in line with the pursuit of NASPAA accreditation.
Link: http://www.uog.edu/degrees/master-of-public-administration
June 26, 2015
The Mosaic Taiwan Fellowsip Exchange Program
Tasha Wade, a Spring 2015 graduate of the University of Guam's School of Business and Public Administration MPA program, was chosen to attend the Mosaic Taiwan international youth leadership program in Taipei City, Taiwan from June 15 to July 3, 2015. Also selected was PMBA graduate student Russell Ocampo.
The Mosaic Taiwan Fellowship Exchange Program is a program for emerging US leaders who wish to gain first-hand experience of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mosaic Taiwan program provides young students and professionals with the opportunity to explore the beauty of Taiwan’s natural environment to increase students’ interests in global affairs, so they can truly understand Taiwan’s culture and society through extensive exchanges with local leaders from various fields. This program also gives young leaders from Taiwan international exposure by fostering dialogue with their overseas counterparts. Link: http://www.uog.edu/news-announcements/graduates-attend-mosaic-taiwan-youth-leadership-program and http://mosaictaiwan.net/
May 22, 2015
First Annual Spring Showcase
Under the leadership of Professor Ron Aguon and his Administrative Law Class, the MPA students launched their First Annual Spring Showcase. The event, which featured an evening of singing, dancing, skits, cultural performances, and chants from around the region, was also a demonstration of an MPA learning outcome linked to the institutional learning outcome of cultural appreciation.
Links:
http://www.uog.edu/events/mpa-programs-spring-showcase
May 21, 2015
UOG MPA Alumni Joseph Cruz was selected by Governor Eddie Calvo to succeed Fred Bordallo as Chief of Police
May 21, 2015
UOG Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA)
PAA is a global honor society for public affairs and administration, held its first induction ceremony at the UOG School of Business and Public Administration in the IT&E Lecture Hall. PAA is the first honor society solely for graduate students in Guam. The inaugural members included 32 recent MPA graduates. Also inducted as the Chapter's Honorary Member was William Corbett, the senior supervisory special agent of the FBI’s Honolulu division, Guam resident agency.
PAA is administered by the National Association of Schools of Public Administration (NASPAA), the Global Standard in Public Service Education. It was formed to recognize and promote the study and practice of public affairs and administration. There are more than 160 chapters around the world at NASPAA member schools.
May 7, 2015
Human Trafficking
The Spring 2015 MPA Capstone Graduating Candidates, with collaborative support from the FBI, held a presentation of their research regarding Human Trafficking. The presentation included: 1) the results from a perceptions survey conducted earlier in that year; and 2) their findings on an academic simulation of current human trafficking grant opportunity. Following the short presentation was a roundtable opportunity for discussion provided for those in attendance. The community of attendees included Federal Agency Stakeholders, Regional Ambassadors, and other community members.
February 28, 2015
NASPAA's Inaugural Student Simulation Competition
MPA candidate, Jesse Quenga, represented UOG in the NASPAA's inaugural Student Simulation Competition. Students competed across the U.S. at five regional sites and were asked to provide a locally led "bottom up" approach to healthcare reform. Nationally, 45 teams – representing 93 participating schools – explored more than 4,400 different health care futures.
January 14, 2015
Pi Alpha Alpha Global Honor Society
The University of Guam MPA’s application was accepted and approved to start a Pi Alpha Alpha Global Honor Society. Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. There are more than 160 chapters located around the world at NASPAA member schools. Members of Pi Alpha Alpha are recognized for their outstanding scholarship and accomplishments in public affairs and administration.
January 7, 2015
Constitution Day IQ Survey
After conducting a Constitution Day IQ survey in the fall of 2014, MPA students from the PA510: Administrative Thought class have found that Guam residents compared favorably to other states in knowledge about the U.S. Constitution, scoring higher than over 40 states including Florida, Michigan and Vermont. Comparing the scores, Guam placed eighth overall.
The class took on the survey as a special project after finding that Guam and other U.S. territories were not represented in a national Constitutional IQ survey conducted by http://www.constitutionfacts.com. The class felt it would be interesting to see how Guam would compare with nationwide results. The class duplicated the survey and gathered a random sample of 200 participants. Link: http://www.uog.edu/news-announcements/guam-places-8th-in-uog-constitutional-iq-survey
November 22, 2014
NASPAA Member
The Master of Public Administration Program is now a NASPAA Member. NASPAA or The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration is considered the global standard in public service education.
NASPAA is the recognized global accreditor of graduate education programs in public policy, public affairs, public administration, and public & nonprofit management. NASPAA has nearly 300 member schools located across the U.S. and in 14 countries around the globe. NASPAA's twofold mission is to ensure excellence in education and training for public service and to promote the ideal of public service. This is the first step toward the program’s pursuit of NASPAA accreditation.
October 30, 2014
Gubernatorial Great Debate
The Fall 2014 MPA Capstone Graduating Candidates, for the first time of this year, had taken on the challenge to make the Gubernatorial Great Debate of 2014 a reality. Since 1994, the School of Business and Public Administration had hosted a Great Debate every gubernatorial election year. The Great Debate has been the largest and last debate culminating the gubernatorial race in any election year. This idea started in 1994 when the honorable senator, Dr. Judith D. Guthertz, member of the Public Administration and Legal Studies (PALS) student organization, and PA 304 (Public Relations and Public Information) originally developed the Great Debate as a class project.
Link:
http://www.uog.edu/news-announcements/uog-hosts-the-2014-gubernatorial-great-debate
UOG Faculty Dr. Gena Rojas awarded for dissertation on Chamorro Land Trust
UOG Tourism Expert Publishes Book on Japanese Employment and Leisure
UOG Alumna Becomes First Female Chamorro General Officer in the Armed Forces
UOG Student Leo Llegado Named 2016 Truman Scholarship Finalist
Fall 2015 Valedictorian De Chavez Answers the Call for Public Service
Alumnus James Kim Shines Bright at Tiffany and Co.
Maria Perdon Soars in Career at United Airlines
UOG Business Professor Published in Three Academic Journals
UOG School of Business Preparing Young Entrepreneurs
