The flexibility of the program allows students to tailor an interdisciplinary curriculum to their needs, objectives, and goals. A full-time student can complete the M.P.A. program (including internship) in four semesters or two academic years. An inservice student with a strong background may be able to complete the program with a minimum of one calendar year of course work. The requirements of the program ensure that each student will have a theoretical understanding and practical awareness of public policy and of the principles of management and administration in the public sector. The program blends the study of politics and administration with the techniques of modern management.
To accommodate practitioners and others who have daytime commitments, evening and Saturday morning classes are offered as well as weekday classes. Many opportunities exist for student participation in workshops and experiential learning settings where students and public administrators can interact.