The Department’s undergraduate B.A. in Public Management program, founded in
1945, is the oldest public management major in the nation. The program has particular
strength in state and local government, policy, and administration. Founded in
1968, the Master’s of Public Administration is offered in Orono and Augusta. It
is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration,
and is one of approximately 140 accredited graduate programs in the nation. The
Department also offers the Ph.D. in Public Administration through the Individualized
Ph.D. Program of the University.
Students enjoy three advantages through their work in the Department. First,
the faculty are fundamentally committed to teaching and to helping students learn
about democracy and experience work in the public sector. Second, faculty enjoy
national reputations for their research and scholarship; thus, the degree is competitive
throughout the country. Third, public service is central to the mission; the programs
provide a variety of opportunities for practical learning and participation through
internship opportunities.
Students of public administration examine government and nonprofit organizations
to see how those organizations operate on a day-to-day and year-to-year basis.
This gives the Department of Public Administration a three-fold mission:
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First, to prepare students for productive, fulfilling careers in public and nonprofit
administration - particularly in the dynamics of state and local government.
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Second, to promote an understanding and appreciation of the functions and value
of government in society.
- Third, to contribute to the improvement of governance and societal institutions.
The Department’s programs address questions of governance in democratic society,
political and ethical values in public service, the operation of public organizations,
and formulating, implementing, and evaluating the consequences of public policies.
The undergraduate major in public management combines comprehensive, nationally
recognized instruction within a liberal arts base and significant opportunities
for practical experience. The major introduces many of the skills necessary for
understanding and participating in public affairs, including critical thinking,
effective speaking and writing, and research and analytical capabilities.
The Department has continuing relationships with academic and research units
across the campus and with professional organizations outside the university system.
One of these is the Margaret Chase Smith Center for Public Policy, through which
students and faculty have engaged in many research endeavors. Looking to the future,
another is the Business School’s William S. Cohen Center for International Policy
and Commerce. Professional and related organizations include the American Society
for Public Administration, Maine Municipal Association, Eastern Agency on Aging
and the Eastern Maine Development Corporation, among others. The Department engages
in a range of research and public service projects for the State of Maine, its
communities, and beyond, a series of community policing studies, the silver collar
worker, analyses of the impact of state and local interest groups on Supreme Court
decisions, a comparative state study on home rule in America, and a range of workshops
and institutes for employees in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Public Service career opportunities have been expanding dramatically in response
to the changing needs of our dynamic society. Graduates have entered careers at
all levels of government - local, regional, state, national and international.
They have been employed in general administrative positions as well as in specialized
positions such as budgeting and financial management, public relations, human
resources management, and program evaluation. Typical positions can be found in
city and town management, state government, a broad range of planning agencies
and commissions, and the federal government. Many students have found rewarding
careers in small businesses, large corporations, interests groups, and hospitals
and other nonprofit organizations. Many of our students continue their education
by entering the Master’s Program in Public Administration, other graduate programs
in the social sciences, law school, or graduate programs in business.
Public servants are endowed with the public trust and, therefore, are held at
the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. The Department of Pubic
Administration expects all of its students to uphold the highest ethical standards.
It is the responsibility of students to be aware of the Department’s policy on
ethical standards, sanctions and appeal process. All of the above are available
at the Department of Public Administration Office in 239 North Stevens Hall. Violation
of these standards can result in dismissal from the Department and its courses,
as well as a failing grade for a course.
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