Master of Public Administration Student Resources
Learn more about student resources in the Master of Public Administration program at Central Michigan University.
Advising
For MPA advising, please contact Dr. Sharon Kukla-Acevedo, MPA Program Director, or email the MPA Program.
The requirements for the MPA degree consist of 37 hours of coursework. First, completion of a set of nine core courses presents an understanding of essential components of the discipline. Then, with the approval of the MPA director, the student creates a degree emphasis by selecting a set of generalized courses with a general concentration.
READ MORE ABOUT ADMISSION & PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Forms and resources
Scholarships
Barbara P. Greene Endowed Scholarship in Political Science
Established in 2004 by Sarah and Edward Cohen (daughter and son-in-law) and friends of Barbara Greene. Barbara was a professor and chair of the political science department prior to her death in 2001. Income from this endowment will support a scholarship for students enrolled in the political science department who have interest in state and local government. One scholarship will be awarded. Application deadline is the spring semester. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Thomas Greitens.
- Scholarship awarded to a CMU student majoring in political science, with an interest in state and local government.
- Minimum GPA 3.00 on a 4.0 scale.
- Preference given first to MPA and MA graduate students, followed by undergraduate seniors and juniors.
- The award will be made only if highly qualified applicants apply.
- Apply with a formal letter, a resume, and contact information for three references who will speak to your career interests in Political Science.
Recipients
- 2011-2012 Jeffrey Stoutenburg
- 2012-2013 Heather Heitsch
- 2013-2014 Not awarded
- 2014-2015 Michael Fisher
- 2015-2016 Brian Lechel
- 2016-2017 Kathy Tahtinen
- 2017-2018 Winifred Walsh
- 2018-2019 Danielle McCann
- 2019-2020 Cassi Miller
- 2020-2021 Charlisse Smith
- 2021-2022 Nancy Cepeda
- 2022-2023 Christopher Roosen
- 2023-2024 Natalee Witt
Edward H. Potthoff Scholarship in Local Government Administration
Applicants must be graduate students in a public administration curriculum. They need a demonstrated career interest in local government, a record of participation at that level, and directly relevant coursework. One scholarship will be awarded. The application deadline is in the spring semester. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Thomas Greitens.
- The award will be made only if highly qualified applicants apply.
- Apply with a formal letter, a resume, and contact information for three references who will speak to your career interests in Public Administration.
Recipients
- 2011-2012 Andrew Knapp
- 2012-2013 Anthony McCloud
- 2013-2014 Not awarded
- 2014-2015 Roy Atkinson
- 2015-2016 Brian Lechel
- 2016-2017 Taylor Hollis
- 2017-2018 Not awarded
- 2018-2019 Joe Frey
- 2019-2020 Samantha Bohm
- 2020-2021 Jamie Smith
- 2021-2022 Kaitlyn Szczypka
- 2022-2023 Janessa Danielson
- 2023-2024 Kaitlyn Szczypka
Additional funding resources
Student organizations
International City/County Management Association
The Central Michigan University Student Chapter of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) encourages student scholarship relevant to the quality of local government as achieved through the professional management of local public services. The chapter promotes the advancement of student knowledge about public service management by supporting student explorations of the ways public services are delivered in behalf of local communities. The chapter fosters student appreciation for integrity, professionalism and creative performance in the management of local governmental and related public service activities. Membership in the chapter is open to all Central Michigan University students in good standing academically who are interested in local government and the management of local public services. We welcome undergraduates and graduate students. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Thomas Greitens.
Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance of Central Michigan University
The Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance (NLSA) of Central Michigan University is a registered student organization created in the Fall of 2016. NLSA's purpose is to support students pursuing professional careers in the field of Nonprofit Administration. The alliance supports students in the development of nonprofit leadership skills and encourages community involvement. Membership in NLSA will open doors for future nonprofit leaders by encouraging innovation, implementation, situational awareness, adaptability and verbal ability. Members will have the opportunity to attend the Alliance Management Institute in January to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential and network with experienced nonprofit leaders. NLSA membership is open to all Central Michigan University students with an interest in the nonprofit sector. For additional information, contact our faculty advisor Dr. Emma Powell.
Pi Alpha Alpha
Pi Alpha Alpha is the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. PAA recognizes outstanding undergraduates and graduate students in public Administration, public policy and public affairs. Membership in the chapter is limited to those of academic excellence and achievement and/or distinguished public service who are or have been enrolled or teach in public affairs or public administration programs, or who serve or have served with distinction in the public service. The NASPAA accredited MPA program would like to invite our students and alumni to consider membership in our chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha. Recognition by Pi Alpha Alpha is the premier academic distinction available to students of public administration or public policy; serving to identify the best students in the discipline both nationally and internationally. For additional information, contact Kay Purtill.