MPA Alumni Assessment of Perceived Educational Outcomes: The “Value” of the MPA

King, Cheryl Simrell; Britton, Kathleen; Missik, Eugenia

doi:10.1080/10877789.1996.12023395

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…However, most studies have failed to find a widespread connection between the degree orientations of public affairs graduate programs and the career preferences of students. Most suggest that the differences among the orientations of masters of public policy (MPP) and masters of public administration (MPA) programs have very little meaningful influence on the attitudes and behaviors of students (De Soto et al, 1999;Hur and Hackbart, 2009;Infeld and Adams, 2011;King et al, 1996). Hence, based on existing research, it can be hypothesized that program orientation has no direct relationship with career preferences.…”

Section: Degree Program Orientationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some have suggested that the declining interest of students in government employment may be the result of the characteristics of their degree programs that ineffectively promote the value of government organizations at best, or inadvertently confirm antigovernment sentiments at worst (Chetkovich, 2003;Elmore, 1986). However, there is no evidence of a direct connection between the characteristics of degree programs and career preferences (De Soto et al, 1999;Hur and Hackbart, 2009;Infeld and Adams, 2011;King et al, 1996). This study seeks to re-explore this question from the standpoint of perception of fit in government organizations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Government career interests, perceptions of fit, and degree orientations

Bright

2017

Teaching Public Administration

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Scholars have long suggested that the degree orientations of public administration programs were related to the attitudes and behaviors of students, even though empirical research had failed to confirm this relationship. The purpose of this study was to re-examine this question from the standpoint of perceptions of fit. Using a sample of approximately 500 students enrolled in 26 master’s degree programs across the country, this study confirmed that the degree orientations of graduate programs were indirectly related to career preferences, through perceptions of fit in government organizations. Students who were enrolled in degree programs that required fewer core method related courses were associated with positive perceptions of their fit in government organizations, which subsequently was associated with a greater likelihood of seeking employment in local, state, or federal levels of government. The implications of this study for public administration programs and government service are discussed.

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Section: Degree Program Orientationmentioning

confidence: 99%