Public administration program accepting applicants

A new cohort of students is being accepted into the Mid-Career Option program which provides a "fast track" opportunity for working professionals in the public or nonprofit sector organizations to earn a Master of Public Administration degree.

Established in 1995 and graduating its first class in 1998, the Mid-Career Option Program accepts students as a cohort of approximately 20 persons, every other year.

The program answers a need and has been highly successful in attracting qualified students, according to program coordinator Deborah Auger, Center for Community Development and Family Policy.

"It formerly took working professionals nine years to earn a master's degree, and now that can be accomplished in three years," she said.

The only program in the state accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, UD's program was ranked in the top 10 percent of MPA programs nationwide in a 1998 study by U.S. News and World Report.

Students learn practical, hands-on managerial and financial skills and also get an overall view of trends and changes in the public administration field, she said.

After taking core programs, such as "Organization and Management in Public and Nonprofit Sectors," students can specialize in five tracks– community development and nonprofit leadership, financial management, health policy and management, organizational leadership and state and local management.

"One of the bonuses of the program is exchanging experiences and ideas with colleagues. After a cohort graduates, the student continues to network. Traditional students also can benefit from the professionals," she said.

"The feedback we get from past students is excellent. Because of the program, many have gone on to jobs with larger responsibilities and others have used the program as a bridge to new careers," Auger said.

A husband and wife–Jeanne Hoyle, AS '88, who oversaw community based programs for the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities but is currently on maternity leave, and Timothy Hoyle, AS '88, state long-term care ombudsman in the same department–graduated from the program in 2000.

"The Mid-Career Option program opened career opportunities for us and is well worth the investment of time and money," Timothy Hoyle said. "The program offers an overall background of public service, a spectrum of courses on best practices and management, and interaction with experienced professionals. Although the program has high standards, it is family-friendly and flexible. Dr. Auger was helpful and encouraging and a mentor to us.

"My wife and I met and graduated from the University. We liked the Delaware experience, which is one reason we selected UD to continue our education. We both agree going back to school for our masters' degrees was a worthwhile venture," he said.

A mother and daughter were also among the class members, Auger said. Catherine Wojewodzki is a librarian at the University who served as a state representative, and she has high praise for the breadth of the program and its faculty.

Her daughter Anna, who was enrolled in the traditional MPA program, has held several government jobs, but is now following another interest and is teaching gymnastics to young children.

Dana L. Sawyer, a social service administrator in Delaware Health and Social Services, said, "The program has energized my career and made me a marketable asset to any organization."

Rick Gould, a senior program director of YMCA, said "The Mid-Career Option helped me to understand the 'big picture' and trends that are impacting the nonprofit sector now and in the future.

"The network of friends that I developed will be beneficial as I continue my career in the nonprofit sector."

"What unites all our students is a desire to serve the public in some way," Auger said.

Auger has had several years' experience working on Capitol Hill representing community service organizations. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Auger was in charge of the Community Service Program at Goucher College before joining the UD faculty in 1989.

The program is selective, but those who have at least five years of experience are encouraged to apply.

The Mid-Career Option is currently accepting applications through July 15 but early applications receive priority consideration.

For further information on the MPA Program Mid-Career Option, contact Auger by phone at 831-1696 or by e-mail to [auger@udel.edu].

–Sue Moncure