Detailed Information
Program of Study
The Master of Public Administration program (M.P.A.) at Roger Williams University (RWU) is designed to provide the necessary training and skill sets for students to excel at all levels of administration in professions dedicated to public service, including government, health care, military, and nonprofit industries.
The University’s M.P.A. program has been distinguished by its joint emphasis on direct services and administration. In addition to training students to communicate effectively, solve problems, and think critically, the faculty strives to instill in students a sense of duty to positively influence public policy and management by promoting such values as citizen participation, equity, diversity, and the ethical performance of public service. The goal of the program is to provide students with an understanding of the structural integration of public administration institutions, processes, and procedures in legal, political, economic, and social institutions.
Classes meet every other week at the University’s downcity Providence campus, allowing students the convenience of online learning coupled with the experience of in-class instruction from a mix of full-time faculty and outstanding professional adjunct lecturers. Several courses are available completely online, allowing students to work through the course material on a schedule of their choosing.
Research Facilities
A robust research library is integral to graduate study. The Learning Commons at the Roger Williams University Library offers a wide array of instructional resources for students. It is an improved model for research–a one-stop shop for instructional technology, traditional, and database research–that provides students access to myriad research resources. The University’s state-of-the-art computer laboratories allow student access to the latest word and statistical processing software packages available, including full Internet access.
The University’s expansive library houses approximately 2,000 volumes and hundreds of films and other nonprint materials. Master’s degree candidates also have access to the LexisNexis network and Westlaw as well as the RWU Law Library. In addition, the University is a member of the Helin Consortium, which gives students access to more than a million volumes of printed material. Quiet study space and group research areas are also available.
Financial Aid
Financing a graduate education can be challenging, especially in these trying economic times. Roger Williams University recognizes that some students may need financial assistance to meet the cost of higher education. Students with financial need may be able to receive funds from federal loan programs; those with fully accepted status who maintain a minimum of 6 credits per semester are eligible to receive loans that cover the cost of graduate education. In order to be considered for the federal loan programs, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available from the Office of Financial Aid or at http://www.fafsa.gov.
Cost of Study
The 2008–09 graduate tuition was $417 per credit. Each 3-credit course cost $1251. Some additional fees may apply. Tuition information for the 2009–10 academic year is available at http://financialaid.rwu.edu.
Living and Housing Costs
University housing is available for graduate students. However, it is not guaranteed, and the majority of graduate students seek a variety of off-campus housing options. In 2008–09, the average cost for on-campus graduate housing was $7313 per academic year. For more information about off-campus housing, visit http://housing.rwu.edu and click the “off-campus living” tab.
Student Group
Roger Williams University seeks qualified men and women who possess strength of character, a sense of social responsibility, and a distinguished academic background to join a graduate community where the focus is on the student. Many of the students are working professionals who want to advance their careers through higher education. After gaining a solid foundation in public administration through core courses, students choose a specialty in either public administration or health care administration.
Location
The Roger Williams University M.P.A. program is located in downcity Providence, Rhode Island’s capital and largest city. Providence is packed with museums, coffee shops, the Providence Place Mall, live music, and much more. Providence is also a regional transportation hub, with an international airport and both bus and train stations. RWU’s main campus is located in the historic seaside town of Bristol, Rhode Island.
The University and the Program
Roger Williams University is a 52-year-old independent, coeducational liberal arts university that has quickly established itself as a leader in higher education. A dynamic educational environment in which students live and learn to be global citizens, the University is committed to its mantra of “Learning to bridge the world.”
With thirty-nine academic programs and a robust array of cocurricular activities available on its waterfront campus in historic Bristol, Rhode Island, RWU looks to a set of core values in fulfilling its mission to prepare students for life as twenty-first century citizen-scholars. Over the past decade the institution has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report named Roger Williams the eighth-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.
The Master’s in Public Administration program seeks to foster excellence in public service and in government by preparing students for leadership and service in federal, state, and local government as well as in nonprofit management. The program is designed to develop and improve communications and decision-making skills along with problem-identification and problem-solving abilities.
Applying
Roger Williams University seeks well-rounded students with leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to education and academic achievement.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate course work, a personal statement discussing relevant past experiences and career goals, two letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s potential to complete graduate work, and a completed application form signed and accompanied by the $50 application fee. Entrance exams are not required, but applicants with a cumulative undergraduate grade point average below 3.0 are strongly encouraged to take either the GRE or MAT.
The Faculty
- Michael Hall, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Public Administration and Professional Studies; Director, Master's Program in Public Administration; Director, Master of Science in Leadership; Associate Professor, Public Administration.
- Steven Esons, M.A. Professor, Public Administration.
- Bruce Thompson, Ph.D. Professor, Social and Health Services/Health Care Administration.
- Louis M. Swiczewicz, Ph.D. Professor, Industrial Technology; Director, Credit Documentation.
- John Stout, M A. Dean, School of Continuing Studies; Professor, Public Administration.
- Jeffrey Rinehart, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Public Administration.
- June Speakman, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Political Science; Professor, Political Science.
Correspondence and Information
Roger Williams University
Jason Pina
Dean of Continuing Studies and Graduate Admission
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, Rhode Island 02809
Telephone:
888-674-8479 (toll-free)
Email:
gradadmit@rwu.edu
