We believe a UIU MPA degree is a transformative experience that can make you a stronger public administrator. Earning a UIU MPA degree represents a major commitment of time, talent, and treasure. As you pursue the UIU MPA degree you will be afforded an opportunity to immerse yourself in the study of a discipline you love. The ability to acquire knowledge, make new discoveries, and apply theory to
practice will enhance your effectiveness as a leader in your respective organization. It will give you a deeper appreciation for how the democratic values and constitutional principles that undergird our discipline can be used to improve the public good. Serving the public good requires skills beyond what academic textbooks alone can provide. Often it is the wisdom gained through years of hands on experience that makes a concept real. UIU MPA students bring a wealth of practical and relevant experience to each and every classroom. Each of us can leverage our learning by sharing personal experiences, debating alternative viewpoints, and critically analyzing competing solutions with others. Through classroom interaction with our peers a graduate education is able to take theory and make it valuable by applying it to real work situations. There is one aspect of graduate education that an online program like UIU simply has not been able to replicate. Creating meaningful peer relationships or gaining membership into a professional network requires personal and ongoing interaction. Traditional programs often try to meet this need through a formal student organization. The MPA student organization is an important tool for creating friendships based on mutual respect and trust, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community, promoting civic engagement, and keeping alumni connected to each other and the program. While we do not have a formal student organization, we are proud to announce the creation of the UIU MPA page. By using Facebook we hope it will be easier to maintain the important relationships you have developed during your tenure with us. Eventually, we hope you will take the opportunity to develop a more formal organizational structure that can be used to enhance your learning environment. Blair Murphy ([email protected] ), a current MPA student, will be administering the site. Please send her (or me) your comments and suggestions. Take care,
Jerry Poppe, Ph.D. Master of Public Administration Program Coordinator
620 S 76th St, Suite 100
Milwaukee, WI 53222
(800) 547-0296 or [email protected]
