JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – For Katie Gouge, a 2020 University of Tennessee graduate, there were plenty of factors she considered when applying to graduate school.
Ultimately, she chose East Tennessee State University’s Master of Public Administration
program – a decision she is glad she made.
“The program offers small class sizes and employs professionals from the field to
instruct many of their classes,” said Gouge. “The program is also extremely affordable
and offers financial resources to most of its students. I was also really able to
tailor my classes around my work schedule.”
Growing and increasingly marketable, ETSU’s online MPA is a professional degree program
aimed at mixing theory and real-world practice.
“Whether you are interested in standing out among your colleagues or you are eyeing
a job in the public or private sector, ETSU’s online MPA program could be for you,”
said Dr. Frederick Gordon, an associate professor at ETSU and the director of the
MPA program. “For people in public or nonprofit management, this is an incredibly
valuable degree.”
Graduates of the program work in a range of fields, including city management, urban
planning, community development, financial management and fundraising.
Experts predict continued job growth in many of these fields.
The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the demand for urban planners is poised to grow 13% over the next decade. The need for those working in fundraising is likely to increase 15% through 2030.
“This is also a wonderful graduate degree for someone who simply wants to strengthen
their resume with valuable credentials,” Gordon said.
ETSU’s online MPA program runs two years and allows for flexible schedules. The university provides students the opportunity to work and network with both faculty and practitioners already active in the field. Once potential students have paid their initial fees, they won’t have to buy additional books or classroom materials – those items will be provided. Employees in the state of Tennessee receive a 25% discount toward standard fees.
For questions about the MPA program, visit etsu.edu/marketing/master-of-public-administration.php.