Employment

The following is a list of skills that a student acquires through coursework in the MPA program. These skills can be applied in a wide variety of public sector and nonprofit organizations and agencies.

• Theoretical understanding of administrative leadership including legal and ethical considerations
• Knowledge of best human resource practices for the public sector
• Knowledge of how diversity, gender, age, and sexuality impact public workplaces and what measures must be taken into account to promote positive work environments
• Knowledge of organizational management structures and best practices within the public sector
• Ability to design, implement, and disseminate appropriate program evaluations from needs assessments to performance measures for nonprofit or public sector organizations or agencies
• Understand public or nonprofit organization financial statements and budgets including the implications of any irregularities or trends
• Understand fund accounting and strategies for financing public infrastructure
• Data analysis skills - reading and understanding statistical reports and how to use the reports to make inferences and decisions
• IT planning skills - understand best practices in careful IT planning for growth and security within public organizations
• Awareness of political or policy requirements necessary in every area of public service and the process required to make changes
• Understanding of data collection and interpretation
• Communication and writing skills
• Public speaking and presentation skills

Additional skills depending upon electives or concentration:
(Criminal Justice Leadership, Court Administration, Health Care Administration, Local Government Management, Nonprofit Organization & Management)

• Knowledge of ethical standards applicable to public administrators
• Knowledge of best risk management practices
• Ability to create or evaluate emergency procedures
• Understand communication, motivation, leadership, and decision-making principles
• Identify leadership strengths and weaknesses through analysis of case study materials and real world situations
• Knowledge of fundraising and development methods and best practices
• Strategic planning
• Grant writing
• Understand the processes and laws relating to labor relations for public sector employees
• Understand specific local government and administration concerns
• Knowledge of community planning, ordinances, economic development strategies, and best practices in urban renewal
• Knowledge of concepts, techniques, issues, and policies relating to health planning and human services

In county and national agencies: 
Oakland County
Livingston County
Macomb County
Social Security Administration
U.S. Bankruptcy Court
U.S. Department of the Army

In city governments within Michigan: 
City of Auburn Hills
Bloomfield Township
Brighton Township
Charter Township of Clinton
City of Grand Blanc
City of Novi
Charter Township of Oxford
Shelby Township
Waterford Township
West Bloomfield Township 

In city and county governments outside Michigan: 
Austin, TX
El Cerrito, CA
Gainesville, FL
Hendry County, FL

In criminal justice:  
Oakland County Police Department
Farmington Hills 47th District Court
Oak Park Police Department
Waterford Police Department 

In health care:
Beaumont Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Henry Ford Health Care System
McLaren Health Care Corporation
Oakland County Health Division
St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
St. John Health
Tenet Healthcare
Trinity Health
Visiting Angels

In local and national nonprofits:
American Cancer Society
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Detroit Association of Black Organizations
Jewish Family Services

In educational nonprofits:
Oakland University
Oakland Community College
Grand Rapids Community College
Macomb Community College
University of Michigan
Rochester College
Wayne Community College