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Core Competencies

The MPA and Core Competencies


MPA programs are built around a set of core
competencies
What are competencies?
Characteristics of people who do their job well
Bundles of knowledge, skills, abilities, and
behaviors that define successful performance
Key: more than knowing things habits of mind
and actions

MPA and Core Competencies


While the competencies needed to be
successful in an organization are specific
There are broad sets that all public service
professionals need to master
The National Association of Schools of Public
Affairs & Administration (NASPAA) has
selected 5 competencies that all accredited
programs must provide

NASPAA Competencies
#1 The ability to lead and manage in public
governance
Energize people, mobilize resources in the pursuit
of publically defined policy goals

#2 To participate in and contribute to the


policy process
Participate substantively in the design,
implementation, and evaluation of public policy

NASPAA Competencies
#3 To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve
problems and make decisions
Contribute ethically to decisionmaking through
appropriate use of evidence that recognizes
stakeholders competing values

#4 To articulate and apply a public service


perspective
Demonstrate a commitment to improving social
welfare and social justice

NASPAA Competencies
#5 To communicate and interact productively
with a diverse and changing workforce and
citizenry
Professionally represent ones organization to
stakeholders orally & in writing

Over the next couple terms you will learn about


how the faculty here defines these competencies
in greater detail
The core courses (PAD 500 508) and Welcome
Week are designed to help you reach competency

Why should you care


By holding all programs responsible, NASPAA
increases the value of an MPA
Demonstrating competency is required to
complete PAD 508, and completing PAD 508 is
required to get the degree
Documenting your competencies will help you

It will give you a sense of accomplishment


It will highlight strengths and weaknesses
It will help you identify what you enjoy & are good at
It will help you articulate your strengths with
employers

Documenting competencies
In PAD 508 you will build a portfolio that will
document your competencies
The portfolio will be built in Blackboard
It will consist of assignments you complete for
your core classes
You will need to do well enough on these
assignments to count them toward a competency
We will review your portfolio later

Dont panic about the details now

What do you need to do this term


Keep all of your assignments and other
course materials!
Keep your electronic files the portfolio will be
completely online
Keep everything homework, slides, reflections,
materials from in-class activities

Think about how your work fits into the five


broad competencies

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