The University of Maine’s M.P.A. Program in Augusta
The M.P.A. has been offered in Augusta, the state capital, since 1968. Students can pursue an M.P.A. degree by taking all courses in Augusta. Courses offered in Augusta are the same as those offered in Orono. Generally, Augusta students take three to six years to complete the degree. Classes are normally offered one evening a week during the fall and spring semesters. Summer classes normally meet twice a week in the late afternoon. Occasionally the Department offers courses using alternative technology such as the web or interactive video.
The presence of the state capital makes Augusta an exciting location for the Master of Public Administration Program. Most of the people who pursue the M.P.A. degree in Augusta are nontraditional, part-time students who are employed by state, federal, and local government agencies, and in many diverse non-profit organizations located near the capital. Graduate students in public administration have the unique opportunity to learn from experienced members of the faculty both in Augusta and Orono. Students met and interact with other experienced students with broad backgrounds, part-time instructors who are in responsible positions, and guest lecturers who often are the individuals who are involved in creating and implementing public policy.
About our Classes
Class Size
Class sizes are small to medium – generally between 5 to 20 people.
Class Location
The M.P.A. program offers several classes each semester on both the Orono campus and in the Augusta area. Courses and seminars taught at the Orono campus are normally held in rooms located in North Stevens Hall, which is fully handicapped accessible. Courses and seminars taught in Augusta have been offered at the Pine Tree State Arboretum and the Burton Cross Building ( State Office Building). Both are also fully handicapped accessible.
Technology –Videoconferencing
On occasion, a course is also offered via video conferencing, available to both Augusta and Orono students.
Instructors
Our faculty comes from a variety of different backgrounds and fields. All full-time faculty hold doctorates. Faculty specialize in human resource management, intergovernmental administration, administrative behavior, nonprofit organization and management, economic development, labor policy, political institutions, environmental policy, healthcare policy, program evaluation, management information systems, budgeting and financial management, planning, public and nonprofit financial policy, policy analysis and research methods.
The Department’s faculty are heavily involved in the performance of both internal and external service. Due to the relatively small size of the department, most faculty members serve on most of the Department committees. These include the Policy Advisory Committee, the Peer Committee, the Undergraduate Studies Committee, the Graduate Studies Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee. Faculty also perform external service at the local, state, and national levels.
