Using executive education models, the Key Executive Leadership M.P.A. prepares mid-level public servants to become more effective organizational leaders. Begun in 1975, the Key Executive Leadership Program is a graduate course of study in the skills, knowledge, and values needed by top-level public executives and offers participants the perspectives and competencies necessary for effective performance in high level executive work. The curriculum includes the major activity areas used in certifying candidates for career positions in the Senior Executive Service. Classes are held on selected Fridays and weekends. Participants continue to work at their jobs while completing their studies.

Admission to the Key Executive Leadership Program is competitive and restricted to GS-13s or above (or the equivalent) who exercise significant responsibilities for program management or policy development and are preparing themselves for positions of greater responsibility. The program is oriented to civilian personnel in the federal government, military or other uniformed personnel, state and local officials, and personnel in the nonprofit sector.

With the expectation that graduates of the program will move from managerial to leadership roles within their organizations, the executive M.P.A. curriculum encompasses the principal components of public service education: the leadership of public service organizations, the public policy and organizational environment, and the analysis of issues.

Degree Requirements

• 36 credit hours of approved graduate work

Students who successfully complete the SPA Key Executive Leadership Development Program may apply to reduce the overall degree requirement for the 42-credit hour M.P.A. by up to an additional 6 credit hours. Students who avail themselves of this provision remain eligible to request the 3 or 6 credit hour waiver for prior professional experience as noted above. At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence for the M.P.A.

• Comprehensive examination using action learning to solve a real organizational problem
• The research requirement is satisfied by completing two of the following courses with grades of B or better:

PUAD-623 Executive Problem Solving

PUAD-625 Analysis and Evaluation

PUAD-654 Organization Diagnosis and Change

Course Requirements

• 3 credit hours from the following:

PUAD-621 Topics in Executive Management (1-3)

PUAD-628 Executive Skill Modules (1-2)

PUAD-629 Symposium on Executive Management (2)

PUAD-659 Action Learning for Executives (1.5)

• 27 credit hours from the following:

PUAD-611 Government and Non-Profit Informatics (3)

PUAD-620 Public Marketing and Strategic Communication (1.5)

PUAD-622 Leadership for Executives (3)

PUAD-623 Executive Problem Solving (3)

PUAD-624 Budgeting and Financial Management (3)

PUAD-625 Analysis and Evaluation (3)

PUAD-626 Legal Issues in Public Administration (3)

PUAD-627 Politics, Policymaking, and Public Administration (3)

PUAD-630 Public Managerial Economics (3)

PUAD-634 Acquisition Management (1.5)

PUAD-638 Human Resource Management for Executives (1.5)

PUAD-639 Ethics for Public Managers (1.5)

PUAD-654 Organization Diagnosis and Change (3)

• an additional 6 credit hours from the courses listed above

or

9 credit hours of approved coursework taken through OPM's Federal Executive Institute and/or Management Development Centers

or

6 credit hours may be waived for students who successfully complete the SPA Key Executive Leadership Development Program